Air Traffic Controller Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$128,000
national median salary
$92,000 to $172,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$173,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$133,000
Jersey City, NJ
Lowest Paying
$102,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Air Traffic Controller salary in the United States is $128,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $92,000 at the 25th percentile to $172,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $173,000, while Jersey City offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Facility level is the dominant factor, with controllers at high-traffic terminals and en-route centers earning significantly more than those at smaller towers.
Air Traffic Controller salary by city
Skills that increase Air Traffic Controller pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Air Traffic Controllers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $17,920 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$17,920 per year
≈ +$16,640 per year
≈ +$15,360 per year
≈ +$14,080 per year
≈ +$14,080 per year
≈ +$12,800 per year
≈ +$12,800 per year
≈ +$11,520 per year
What you should know
Facility level is the dominant factor, with controllers at high-traffic terminals and en-route centers earning significantly more than those at smaller towers. Geographic locality pay adjustments and overtime availability also create meaningful variance across positions.
Trainees at the FAA Academy earn $40,000 to $55,000. Certified professional controllers at lower-level facilities make $92,000 to $110,000. Moving to a high-level facility pushes pay to $140,000 to $172,000, with supervisory roles reaching $180,000 or more.
Federal controllers receive FERS retirement, Thrift Savings Plan matching up to 5%, and locality-adjusted pay. Premium pay for night shifts, holidays, and overtime can add 10 to 25% above base salary.