Air traffic controllers in the United States earn a median salary of approximately $137,000 to $144,580 per year as of 2024-2025, with variations depending on experience, location, and facility complexity
. Entry-level controllers typically start around $80,000 to $100,000 annually, while experienced controllers, especially those at high-traffic or complex facilities, can earn salaries exceeding $160,000 and up to over $200,000 with overtime and premium pay included
. Key salary details include:
- Median salary: Around $137,000 to $144,580 per year
- Entry-level salary: Approximately $80,000 to $100,000 per year
- Top 10% earners: Over $200,000 annually, including premium pay for nights, holidays, and overtime
- Highest reported salary: Up to $210,410 or more for the most experienced controllers
- Premium pay: Additional compensation for working nights (+10%), holidays (+100%), overtime (+50%), Sundays (+25%), and other conditions can add 10-15% or more to base pay
- Bonuses: FAA offers hiring bonuses up to $15,000 for new controllers in hard-to-staff locations and retention bonuses for experienced controllers
Salaries also vary by state, with some states like Virginia, New Hampshire, and Illinois offering higher average salaries (over $160,000), while others pay less than $80,000 on average
. Overall, air traffic controllers are well-compensated due to the high responsibility and stress of the job, with salaries significantly above the national average for all occupations
