As of May 01, 2026, the average hourly pay of air traffic control in the United States is $30. While Salary.com is seeing that the highest pay for air traffic control in the US can go up to $38 and the lowest down to $25, but most earn between $27 and $34. Salary.com shows the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of air traffic control in the United States.
| Percentile | Hourly Pay Rate | Location | Last Updated |
| 10th Percentile air traffic control Salary | $25 | US | May 01, 2026 |
| 25th Percentile air traffic control Salary | $27 | US | May 01, 2026 |
| 50th Percentile air traffic control Salary | $30 | US | May 01, 2026 |
| 75th Percentile air traffic control Salary | $34 | US | May 01, 2026 |
| 90th Percentile air traffic control Salary | $38 | US | May 01, 2026 |
Air traffic controllers are responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in the airspace and on the ground. They coordinate the flow of air traffic, provide instructions to pilots, and monitor flight paths to prevent collisions. The salary for air traffic controllers varies based on experience, location, and the specific agency of employment. On average, salaries range from $60,000 to over $150,000 annually, with potential for additional benefits and overtime pay. Factors influencing salary include the level of responsibility, the complexity of the airspace managed, and...
See user submitted job responsibilities for air traffic control.
0 - 2 years experience
Bachelor's Degree
2 - 4 years experience
Bachelor's Degree
4 - 7 years experience
Bachelor's Degree
| Job Title | Experience | EDUCATION | Salary Compared to This Job |
|---|---|---|---|
| Job Title Contact Center Director | Experience | EducationBachelors | Salary Compared to This Job |
| Job Title Contact Center Quality Analyst II | Experience 2 - 4 | EducationBachelors | Salary Compared to This Job |
| Job Title Contact Center Traffic and Scheduling Analyst I | Experience 0 - 2 | EducationBachelors | Salary Compared to This Job |
| Job Title Contact Center Traffic and Scheduling Analyst III | Experience 4 - 7 | EducationBachelors | Salary Compared to This Job |
| Job Title Contact Center Traffic and Scheduling Assistant | Experience 1 - 3 | EducationHigh School | Salary Compared to This Job |
Core compensation
Includes base and short-term incentives
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Learn more about: Compensation Packages, Employee Flight Risk, Gender Pay Gap, Job Openings for This Role
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