As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Air Traffic Controller Trainee in the United States is $57,156 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, an Air Traffic Controller Trainee's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Air Traffic Controller Trainee'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 Controller Trainee'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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Air Traffic Controller Trainee | $57,156 |
| Intermediate Level Air Traffic Controller Trainee | $57,796 |
| Senior Level Air Traffic Controller Trainee | $59,595 |
| Specialist Level Air Traffic Controller Trainee | $59,955 |
| Expert Level Air Traffic Controller Trainee | $60,195 |
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 Controller Trainees. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduling | 2.52% |
| Safety Training | 0.35% |
| Installation | 0.27% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Microsoft Project
|
$70,874 |
24%
|
|
WFM
|
$66,873 |
17%
|
|
Workforce Management
|
$65,730 |
15%
|
|
Analysis
|
$64,586 |
13%
|
|
Adaptability
|
$64,586 |
13%
|
|
Initiative
|
$62,872 |
10%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Air Traffic Controller Trainees 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 Controller Trainee with a Bachelor's Degree is between $60,536 and $64,640).
Air Traffic Controller Trainee Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.3% |
| High School | 33.8% |
| Associates | 11.5% |
| Bachelors | 46.5% |
| Masters | 7.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Air Traffic Controller Trainee'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for an Air Traffic Controller Trainee can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $53,759 in 2023 to around $52,757 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Air Traffic Controller Trainee salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $53,759 |
| 2024 | $53,293 |
| 2025 | $52,757 |
| 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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