As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Traffic Controller in the United States is $52,587 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, a Traffic Controller's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Traffic 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Traffic 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 |
|---|---|
| Traffic C... Level Traffic Controller | $48,607 |
| Traffic C... Level Traffic Controller | $53,579 |
| Traffic C... Level Traffic Controller | $67,095 |
| Traffic S... Level Traffic Controller | $81,403 |
| Traffic M... Level Traffic Controller | $105,242 |
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 Traffic Controllers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduling | 5.8% |
| Warehouse Operations | 1.99% |
| Data Entry | 0.85% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Management
|
$63,105 |
20%
|
|
Prioritization
|
$61,001 |
16%
|
|
Advertising
|
$59,424 |
13%
|
|
Analysis
|
$58,898 |
12%
|
|
Purchasing
|
$57,320 |
9%
|
|
Analytical Skills
|
$56,794 |
8%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Traffic Controllers enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Traffic Controller with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $50,502 and $53,298).
Traffic Controller Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 50.0% |
| High School | 50.0% |
| Associates | 21.9% |
| Bachelors | 21.9% |
| Masters | 6.3% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Traffic 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 May 01, 2026Salaries for a Traffic Controller can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $44,631 in 2023 to around $43,909 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Traffic Controller salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $44,631 |
| 2024 | $44,164 |
| 2025 | $43,909 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Traffic Controller and their salaries, click below for more details.
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