As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Air Traffic Control Manager in the United States is $105,479 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.
However, an Air Traffic Control Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Air Traffic Control Manager'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 Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Project Management | 13.21% |
| Microsoft Office | 1.59% |
| Billing | 1.06% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Sales Management
|
$116,027 |
10%
|
|
Procurement
|
$114,972 |
9%
|
|
Project Management
|
$113,917 |
8%
|
|
Resource Management
|
$111,808 |
6%
|
|
Staff Management
|
$111,808 |
6%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$111,808 |
6%
|
For Air Traffic Control Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Air Traffic Control Manager positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Air Traffic Control Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $147,671 | $71.0 | 40% |
| Financial Services | $137,123 | $66.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $126,575 | $61.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Air Traffic Control Managers enter the field with a Associate'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 Manager with a Associate's Degree is between $97,997 and $104,827).
Air Traffic Control Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.0% |
| High School | 27.8% |
| Associates | 16.2% |
| Bachelors | 44.7% |
| Masters | 10.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.3% |
Understanding how an Air Traffic Control Manager'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 Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $98,315 in 2023 to around $97,628 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Air Traffic Control Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $98,315 |
| 2024 | $98,181 |
| 2025 | $97,628 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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