Air Traffic Controllers Salary in the United States
Median annual wage: $148,080 · Median hourly: $71.19 · Employment: 22,510
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $78,420 | $37.70 |
| 25th | $104,520 | $50.25 |
| Median | $148,080 | $71.19 |
| 75th | $190,570 | $91.62 |
| 90th | $215,610 | $103.66 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 53-2021
- Total U.S. employment: 22,510
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
What this means
Across the United States, 22,510 air traffic controllers are employed (— per 1,000 jobs), making this a mid-sized occupations in the national economy.
With approximately 22,510 air traffic controllers employed, this is a significant occupation in the labor market.
Air Traffic Controllers Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $114,960 | $55.27 | -22.4% | 240 |
| Alaska | $123,950 | $59.59 | -16.3% | 490 |
| Arizona | $136,800 | $65.77 | -7.6% | 380 |
| Arkansas | $109,760 | $52.77 | -25.9% | 80 |
| California | $160,080 | $76.96 | +8.1% | 2,290 |
| Colorado | $177,380 | $85.28 | +19.8% | 740 |
| Connecticut | $140,940 | $67.76 | -4.8% | 0 |
| District of Columbia | $47,760 | $22.96 | -67.7% | 820 |
| Florida | $147,530 | $70.93 | -0.4% | 1,950 |
| Georgia | $178,420 | $85.78 | +20.5% | 970 |
| Hawaii | $158,700 | $76.30 | +7.2% | 210 |
| Illinois | $181,560 | $87.29 | +22.6% | 990 |
| Indiana | $158,810 | $76.35 | +7.2% | 630 |
| Iowa | $90,790 | $43.65 | -38.7% | 120 |
| Kansas | $159,700 | $76.78 | +7.8% | 430 |
| Kentucky | $127,800 | $61.44 | -13.7% | 230 |
| Louisiana | $99,810 | $47.99 | -32.6% | 230 |
| Maine | $107,270 | $51.57 | -27.6% | 70 |
| Maryland | $131,290 | $63.12 | -11.3% | 70 |
| Massachusetts | $125,060 | $60.13 | -15.5% | 120 |
| Michigan | $118,930 | $57.18 | -19.7% | 360 |
| Minnesota | $176,840 | $85.02 | +19.4% | 680 |
| Mississippi | $88,110 | $42.36 | -40.5% | 160 |
| Missouri | $122,200 | $58.75 | -17.5% | 260 |
| Montana | $101,380 | $48.74 | -31.5% | 60 |
| Nebraska | $111,710 | $53.71 | -24.6% | 70 |
| Nevada | $140,920 | $67.75 | -4.8% | 210 |
| New Jersey | $132,230 | $63.57 | -10.7% | 190 |
| New Mexico | $148,550 | $71.42 | +0.3% | 350 |
| New York | $144,960 | $69.69 | -2.1% | 1,150 |
| North Carolina | $129,230 | $62.13 | -12.7% | 410 |
| North Dakota | $107,990 | $51.92 | -27.1% | 100 |
| Oklahoma | $123,220 | $59.24 | -16.8% | 270 |
| Pennsylvania | $132,350 | $63.63 | -10.6% | 460 |
| Rhode Island | $126,300 | $60.72 | -14.7% | 50 |
| South Carolina | $112,030 | $53.86 | -24.3% | 190 |
| Tennessee | $157,330 | $75.64 | +6.2% | 590 |
| Texas | $170,080 | $81.77 | +14.9% | 2,060 |
| Utah | $158,310 | $76.11 | +6.9% | 360 |
| Vermont | $109,140 | $52.47 | -26.3% | 30 |
| Virginia | $191,820 | $92.22 | +29.5% | 1,120 |
| Washington | $162,570 | $78.16 | +9.8% | 620 |
| Wyoming | $93,580 | $44.99 | -36.8% | 40 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES, May 2024 (updated April 2025)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for air traffic controllers?
The median annual wage for air traffic controllers is $148,080 ($71.19 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2024.
Which state pays air traffic controllers the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many air traffic controllers are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 22,510 air traffic controllers employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do air traffic controllers make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $71.19. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.