Air Controller Salary in the United States

How much does an Air Controller make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Air Controller in the United States is $86,771 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.

However, an Air Controller's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $128,872
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $74,374 to $108,808
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $63,088
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View as table View as graph 25% $74,374 10% $63,088 90% $128,872 75% $108,808 $86,771 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Air Controller Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $108,808 $9,067 $2,092 $52
Average $86,771 $7,231 $1,669 $42
25th Percentile $74,374 $6,198 $1,430 $36
Check out Air Controller Job Openings in the United States
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER WEATHER OBSERVER

Dynamic Science Inc - Columbus, OH

Physician Oncology Ohio Permanent Associate Medical Director

eviCore healthcare - Columbus, OH

RN

Alto Health Care Staffing - Columbus, OH

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Key Factors That Influence Air Controller Salaries

An Air Controller'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Air Controller Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Air Controller'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $80,734
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $81,617
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $83,914
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $89,039
  • Expert (over 8 years): $93,252
Levels Salary
Entry Level Air Controller$80,734
Intermediate Level Air Controller$81,617
Senior Level Air Controller$83,914
Specialist Level Air Controller$89,039
Expert Level Air Controller$93,252
$80,734 0 yr
$81,617 < 2 yrs
$83,914 2-4 yrs
$89,039 5-8 yrs
$93,252 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Air Controllers

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $109,444
  • San Francisco: $108,246
  • Oakland: $105,965

What Skills Can Increase an Air Controller's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Accountability (Mentioned in 33.33% Job Postings): Setting and holding oneself and others to stated expectations by associating tasks with our business's mission, values, and goals.
  • Advertising (Mentioned in 66.67% Job Postings): Advertising is a marketing communication that employs an openly sponsored, non-personal message to promote or sell a product, service or idea.:465 Sponsors of advertising are typically businesses wishing to promote their products or services. Advertising is differentiated from public relations in that an advertiser pays for and has control over the message. It differs from personal selling in that the message is non-personal, i.e., not directed to a particular individual.:661,672 Advertising is communicated through various mass media, including traditional media such as newspapers, magazines, television, radio, outdoor advertising or direct mail; and new media such as search results, blogs, social media, websites or text messages. The actual presentation of the message in a medium is referred to as an advertisement, or "ad" or advert for short. Commercial ads often seek to generate increased consumption of their products or services through "branding", which associates a product name or image with certain qualities in the minds of consumers. On the other hand, ads that intend to elicit an immediate sale are known as direct-response advertising. Non-commercial entities that advertise more than consumer products or services include political parties, interest groups, religious organizations and governmental agencies. Non-profit organizations may use free modes of persuasion, such as a public service announcement. Advertising may also help to reassure employees or shareholders that a company is viable or successful.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Accountability 33.33%
Advertising 66.67%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Air Controller's salary.
  • Accountability: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Accountability
$89,374
3%
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Air Controller Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Air Controller roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Construction, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Air Controller positions in MFG Durable typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Air Controller as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Air Controller

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Construction$104,125$50.020%

Air Controller Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Air Controller'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 August 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Air Controller

Salaries for an Air Controller can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $65,076 in 2023 to around $64,686 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Air Controller salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Air Controller Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$65,076
2024
$64,938
2025
$64,686
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $65,076
2024 $64,938
2025 $64,686
2026
View More
2027
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Most common benefits for Air Controller

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Air Controller

Here are companies hiring for Air Controller and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Air Controller Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Air Controller job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
  • AMN Healthcare, Inc.

    Columbus, OH

    AMN Healthcare, Inc. | Columbus, OH

    Job Description & Requirements Gastroenterology Physician StartDate: ASAP Available Shifts: 32 Days of Paid Time Off A nationally recognized organization c... more

    4 Days Ago

  • XPO

    Columbus, OH

    CDL

    XPO | Columbus, OH

    XPO is Hiring Driver Teams. XPO Teams. As an XPO Team, you’ll run dedicated routes between XPO facilities in. new sleeper. trucks equipped with microwaves ... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Schneider

    Columbus, OH

    Schneider | Columbus, OH

    CDL-A - Dedicated Reefer truck driver - Kroger. Dedicated Reefer truck driver - Kroger. Average pay. $1,200-$1,450 weekly. Home time. Daily. Experience. Al... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Summit Recruiting Group

    Columbus, OH

    Summit Recruiting Group | Columbus, OH

    NP/PA Dermatology job opening in Columbus, OHPosition Details. Full-time, permanent opening. Experience required. Well-Established Practice. Seeking a NP/P... more

    7 Days Ago

  • GO Staffing

    Columbus, OH

    GO Staffing | Columbus, OH

    Locums - A well respected group has a Trauma Surgery APP opportunity available in Columbus, Ohio. Certified Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant. 1/1/... more

    8 Days Ago

  • The Curare Group, Inc

    Columbus, OH

    The Curare Group, Inc | Columbus, OH

    Hospital is seeking a Board Certified/Board Eligible Pediatrician to join a well-respected and growing practice located an hour from Columbus. Only Pediatr... more

    8 Days Ago

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FAQ about Air Controller

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Air Controller?

The Construction industry offers the highest average compensation for Air Controller roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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