As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Air Traffic Control Operator in the United States is $49,987 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, an Air Traffic Control Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Air Traffic Control Operator'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 Control Operator'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 |
|---|---|
| Air Traff... Level Air Traffic Control Operator | $49,333 |
| Traffic C... Level Air Traffic Control Operator | $54,374 |
| Traffic C... Level Air Traffic Control Operator | $68,090 |
| Traffic S... Level Air Traffic Control Operator | $82,574 |
| Traffic M... Level Air Traffic Control Operator | $106,791 |
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 Control Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduling | 5.78% |
| Warehouse Operations | 1.98% |
| Data Entry | 0.86% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Dedication
|
$70,482 |
41%
|
|
Advertising
|
$60,984 |
22%
|
|
Analysis
|
$60,984 |
22%
|
|
Sense Of Urgency
|
$59,485 |
19%
|
|
Project Management
|
$57,985 |
16%
|
|
PowerPoint
|
$54,986 |
10%
|
For Air Traffic Control Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Air Traffic Control Operator positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Air Traffic Control Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $59,984 | $29.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $59,984 | $29.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $59,984 | $29.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $57,485 | $28.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $57,485 | $28.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Air Traffic Control Operators enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Control Operator with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $44,339 and $46,696).
Air Traffic Control Operator Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.7% |
| High School | 53.7% |
| Associates | 16.7% |
| Bachelors | 24.1% |
| Masters | 1.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Air Traffic Control Operator'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, 2026Salaries for an Air Traffic Control Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $41,922 in 2023 to around $41,809 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Air Traffic Control Operator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $41,922 |
| 2024 | $42,113 |
| 2025 | $41,809 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Air Traffic Control Operator roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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