As of May 01, 2026, the average annual salary for faa air traffic controller in the US is $50,986, equivalent to $25 per hour, $981 weekly, or $4,249 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for faa air traffic controller in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.

Annually Salaries for faa air traffic controller in the US vary widely, spanning from $41,955 to $64,623. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($46,259) and 75th percentile ($58,124), while top earners (90th percentile) make $64,623 per year. This $11,865 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 faa air traffic controller often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 39 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
faa air traffic controller Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile faa air traffic controller Salary $41,955 US May 01, 2026
25th Percentile faa air traffic controller Salary $46,259 US May 01, 2026
50th Percentile faa air traffic controller Salary $50,986 US May 01, 2026
75th Percentile faa air traffic controller Salary $58,124 US May 01, 2026
90th Percentile faa air traffic controller Salary $64,623 US May 01, 2026
25% $46,259 10% $41,955 90% $64,623 75% $58,124 $50,986 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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Check out faa air traffic controller jobs in Columbus, Ohio

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What is A faa air traffic controller ?

The salary of an FAA air traffic controller varies based on experience, location, and specific job responsibilities. Entry-level controllers typically start with a salary around $38,000 to $50,000 annually, while those with several years of experience can earn between $70,000 and $100,000. Senior controllers and those in high-demand areas may see salaries exceeding $120,000. In addition to base pay, controllers often receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. The role requires significant training and certification, contributing to the competitive compensat...

Source: (as of 06/04/2025). Read more from

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Understand the total compensation opportunity for A faa air traffic controller, base salary plus other pay elements

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
46259
58124
50986

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
55494
72552
63241
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of faa air traffic controller in the United States. The base salary for faa air traffic controller ranges from $46,259 to $58,124 with the average base salary of $50,986. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $55,494 to $72,552 with the average total cash compensation of $63,241.

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46259
58124

 

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