As of May 01, 2026, the average annual salary for air traffic control in the US is $62,000, equivalent to $30 per hour, $1,192 weekly, or $5,167 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for air traffic control in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.
Annually Salaries for air traffic control in the US vary widely, spanning from $51,018 to $78,583. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($56,252) and 75th percentile ($70,680), while top earners (90th percentile) make $78,583 per year. This $14,428 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Scheduling or Safety Training, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.
Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia air traffic control often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 13 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.
