As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Air Traffic Control Associate in the United States is $110,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.
However, an Air Traffic Control Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Air Traffic Control Associate'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.
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 Air Traffic Control Associates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 12.5% |
| Academic Advising | 2.08% |
| Computer Science | 2.08% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Computer Science
|
$122,988 |
11%
|
|
Initiative
|
$117,448 |
6%
|
For Air Traffic Control Associate roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Education, offers compensation 15% above the average. Conversely, Air Traffic Control Associate positions in Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Air Traffic Control Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education | $127,420 | $61.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Air Traffic Control Associates enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Air Traffic Control Associate with a Bachelor's Degree is between $100,893 and $112,570).
Air Traffic Control Associate Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 22.2% |
| High School | 77.8% |
| Associates | 0.0% |
| Bachelors | 0.0% |
| Masters | 22.2% |
| Doctorate | 77.8% |
Understanding how an Air Traffic Control Associate'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 an Air Traffic Control Associate can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $56,420 in 2023 to around $54,496 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Air Traffic Control Associate salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $56,420 |
| 2024 | $55,699 |
| 2025 | $54,496 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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