As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Air Traffic Control Instructor in the United States is $118,539 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.
However, an Air Traffic Control Instructor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Air Traffic Control Instructor'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 an Air Traffic Control Instructor'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 |
|---|---|
| Materials... Level Air Traffic Control Instructor | $107,545 |
| Materials... Level Air Traffic Control Instructor | $84,521 |
| Air Traff... Level Air Traffic Control Instructor | $116,012 |
| Materials... Level Air Traffic Control Instructor | $148,123 |
| Materials... Level Air Traffic Control Instructor | $189,587 |
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 Air Traffic Control Instructors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 7.67% |
| Inventory Management | 2.45% |
| Shipping and Receiving | 1.53% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Interpersonal Relationships
|
$129,208 |
9%
|
|
New Product Development
|
$128,022 |
8%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$126,837 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$126,837 |
7%
|
|
Alignment
|
$125,651 |
6%
|
|
Supply Chain Management
|
$125,651 |
6%
|
For Air Traffic Control Instructor roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Air Traffic Control Instructor positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Air Traffic Control Instructor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $177,808 | $85.0 | 50% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Air Traffic Control Instructors 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 Instructor with a Bachelor's Degree is between $118,177 and $127,368).
Air Traffic Control Instructor Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.9% |
| High School | 27.1% |
| Associates | 12.4% |
| Bachelors | 42.6% |
| Masters | 13.2% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Air Traffic Control Instructor'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 Instructor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $100,936 in 2023 to around $100,660 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Air Traffic Control Instructor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $100,936 |
| 2024 | $101,007 |
| 2025 | $100,660 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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