As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Combat Controller in the United States is $89,403 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.
However, a Combat Controller's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Combat Controller's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Combat Controller's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Maintenan... Level Combat Controller | $70,082 |
| Combat Co... Level Combat Controller | $91,815 |
| Maintenan... Level Combat Controller | $115,393 |
| Maintenan... Level Combat Controller | $132,813 |
| Maintenan... Level Combat Controller | $115,402 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Combat Controllers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 11.75% |
| Predictive Maintenance | 1.84% |
| Hydraulics | 1.41% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Management
|
$97,449 |
9%
|
|
Bill of Materials
|
$95,661 |
7%
|
|
Coordination
|
$94,767 |
6%
|
|
Communicates Effectively
|
$94,767 |
6%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$93,873 |
5%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$93,873 |
5%
|
For Combat Controller roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Retail & Wholesale and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Combat Controller positions in Transportation or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Combat Controller as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail & Wholesale | $116,223 | $56.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $107,283 | $52.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $98,343 | $47.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $93,873 | $45.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Combat Controller's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for a Combat Controller can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $70,577 in 2023 to around $69,226 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Combat Controller salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $70,577 |
| 2024 | $69,897 |
| 2025 | $69,226 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Combat Controller and their salaries, click below for more details.
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The Retail & Wholesale industry offers the highest average compensation for Combat Controller roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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