Air traffic controllers direct the movement of aircraft in controlled airspace — one of the most cognitively demanding and high-responsibility jobs that doesn’t require a traditional college degree. The median salary of $148,080 (BLS, May 2025) makes ATC one of the best-paying careers accessible through vocational training.
Pay at a Glance (BLS Data)
Bureau of Labor Statistics wage estimates for air traffic controllers, across all industries:
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $78,420 | $37.70 |
| 25th | $104,520 | $50.25 |
| 50th (median) | $148,080 | $71.19 |
| 75th | $190,570 | $91.62 |
| 90th | $215,610 | $103.66 |
| Average (mean) | $146,490 | $70.43 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for Air Traffic Controllers (all industries). Hourly figures are annual wages divided by 2,080 hours. “Not published” means BLS withheld the estimate, usually because wages are above its top reporting limit.
Air Traffic Controller Salary by Facility Level
FAA facilities are rated Level 1–12 based on traffic complexity. Pay rises significantly at higher levels.
| Facility Level | Typical Facilities | Annual Pay Range |
|---|---|---|
| Level 4–6 | Small towers, rural ARTCCs | $75,000–$105,000 |
| Level 7–9 | Mid-size TRACONs, regional towers | $100,000–$140,000 |
| Level 10–11 | Busy regional facilities, major ARTCCs | $130,000–$170,000 |
| Level 12 | SOCAL TRACON, NY TRACON, Chicago ARTCC, Atlanta | $155,000–$200,000+ |
Air Traffic Controller Pay Stages
| Career Stage | Designation | Pay Range |
|---|---|---|
| FAA Academy Trainee | Pre-OJT | $45,000–$55,000 |
| Controller-in-Training | CPC-IT | $65,000–$90,000 |
| Certified Professional Controller | CPC | $95,000–$145,000 |
| Full Performance Level | FPL | $120,000–$200,000+ |
| Staff Specialist / Supervisor | — | $130,000–$220,000+ |
Air Traffic Controller Salary by State
| Rank | State | Avg Salary | Starting Salary | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virginia | $175,740 | $94,330 | $191,820 |
| 2 | Georgia | $164,700 | $90,940 | $178,420 |
| 3 | Illinois | $164,200 | $83,990 | $181,560 |
| 4 | Minnesota | $162,920 | $88,940 | $176,840 |
| 5 | Colorado | $158,790 | $76,310 | $177,380 |
| 6 | California | $156,910 | $80,960 | $160,080 |
| 7 | Texas | $156,370 | $90,420 | $170,080 |
| 8 | New York | $154,660 | $74,320 | $144,960 |
| 9 | Washington | $154,320 | $91,600 | $162,570 |
| 10 | Hawaii | $151,040 | $92,580 | $158,700 |
| 11 | Kansas | $149,440 | $82,060 | $159,700 |
| 12 | Tennessee | $149,020 | $98,300 | $157,330 |
| 13 | Utah | $147,710 | $75,360 | $158,310 |
| 14 | Indiana | $145,010 | $81,000 | $158,810 |
| 15 | Florida | $144,140 | $86,660 | $147,530 |
| 16 | Nevada | $143,990 | $80,600 | $140,920 |
| 17 | Pennsylvania | $143,180 | $81,490 | $132,350 |
| 18 | Connecticut | $141,920 | $95,180 | $140,940 |
| 19 | Arizona | $140,340 | $86,630 | $136,800 |
| 20 | New Mexico | $140,280 | $77,400 | $148,550 |
| 21 | New Jersey | $139,660 | $88,460 | $132,230 |
| 22 | North Carolina | $136,490 | $88,690 | $129,230 |
| 23 | Maryland | $136,220 | $96,600 | $131,290 |
| 24 | Michigan | $134,670 | $80,430 | $118,930 |
| 25 | Massachusetts | $132,750 | $82,150 | $125,060 |
| 26 | Alaska | $130,420 | $66,800 | $123,950 |
| 27 | Missouri | $125,950 | $90,940 | $122,200 |
| 28 | Oklahoma | $125,280 | $78,340 | $123,220 |
| 29 | Kentucky | $121,910 | $66,150 | $127,800 |
| 30 | Rhode Island | $120,870 | $61,710 | $126,300 |
| 31 | Alabama | $117,540 | $79,420 | $114,960 |
| 32 | Nebraska | $113,210 | $83,030 | $111,710 |
| 33 | South Carolina | $110,990 | $71,680 | $112,030 |
| 34 | Vermont | $109,830 | $90,500 | $109,140 |
| 35 | Arkansas | $108,570 | $76,360 | $109,760 |
| 36 | North Dakota | $106,930 | $58,470 | $107,990 |
| 37 | Louisiana | $106,280 | $75,130 | $99,810 |
| 38 | Montana | $98,700 | $75,130 | $101,380 |
| 39 | Wyoming | $97,300 | $75,130 | $93,580 |
| 40 | District of Columbia | $96,410 | $47,760 | $47,760 |
| 41 | Mississippi | $93,850 | $64,380 | $88,110 |
| 42 | Maine | $93,400 | $46,550 | $107,270 |
| 43 | Iowa | $91,670 | $54,930 | $90,790 |
| — | National | $146,490 | $78,420 | $148,080 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2025 estimates, fetched 2026-09-29. Figures cover Air Traffic Controllers (cross-industry). Some states are omitted where BLS did not publish a reliable estimate. Pay includes locality adjustments — federal locality pay adds 15–30%+ in high-cost metros.
Total Compensation Beyond Base Salary
| Benefit | Value |
|---|---|
| Federal FERS Pension | Significant — 1.1% × years × high-3 average salary |
| Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) | Up to 5% match; similar to 401(k) |
| FEHB Health Insurance | Employer pays ~72% of premium |
| FEGLI Life Insurance | Group rates; employer-subsidized |
| Mandatory Overtime | Many facilities pay 50%+ premium for OT |
| Mandatory Retirement at 56 | Enables early pension with 20–25 years of service |
A controller retiring at 56 with 25 years of service at $175,000 high-3 average could receive a pension of ~$48,125/year (25 × 1.1% × $175,000) plus Social Security at 62.
How to Become an Air Traffic Controller
- Be a US citizen and pass medical/security clearance
- Complete AT-CTI program (2-year college program) OR have 3 years of work experience; military ATC experience is a common pathway
- Apply through USAJOBS during open hiring events
- Attend the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City (3–6 months)
- Complete OJT at your assigned facility (1–4+ years depending on complexity)
- Achieve CPC certification — hourly rate and full pay begin here
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