Air Traffic Controller Salary 2025: Median $148,080 and How to Get Hired
Air traffic controllers earn a median $148,080, according to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That works out to roughly $71 an hour, with the highest-paid 10 percent pulling in $215,610 or more. The job isn't just high-stress—it's also high-reward, with a pay range that starts around $78,420 for new controllers and can top out well above $200,000.
About 22,510 people work in this occupation nationwide. The BLS projects a 1.2% growth rate from 2024 to 2034, which is slower than average, but roughly 2,200 openings open up each year as workers retire or move on. If you can handle the pressure and pass the training, the compensation is among the best of any job that doesn't require a four-year degree.
How much Air Traffic Controllers earn
The median annual wage for air traffic controllers is $148,080. Half of all controllers earn between about $78,420 and $215,610. The mean (average) wage is $146,490, meaning the typical controller's salary clusters tightly around that median figure.
Pay scales with experience and facility complexity. Controllers at busy terminal radar approach control facilities (TRACONs) or at major airports like New York's JFK or Chicago O'Hare typically earn at the upper end. Entry-level pay at lower-traffic facilities starts near the 10th percentile.
- Median: $148,080
- 10th percentile: $78,420
- 90th percentile: $215,610
- Mean hourly wage: $71.39
Pay by state
Where you work dramatically affects your paycheck. Virginia tops the list with an average annual wage of $191,820, followed by Illinois at $181,560, Georgia at $178,420, Colorado at $177,380, and Minnesota at $176,840. These states have high-cost-of-living areas and major air traffic hubs that command premium pay.
On the lower end, controllers in Iowa earn an average of $90,790, in Mississippi $88,110. The District of Columbia is lowest at $47,760—though that number may reflect a small sample or specialized facilities. Rural or less busy facilities pay less, but the trade-off is lower stress and cost of living.
How to become Air Traffic Controller
The path is specific and competitive. You must be a U.S. citizen, under 31 years old (prior to appointment), pass a medical and security clearance, and score well on the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (AT-SA). The FAA requires either a bachelor's degree (any field), three years of progressively responsible work experience, or a combination of both. Alternatively, completion of an FAA-approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program at select schools can give you a direct pipeline.
After hiring, you go through paid training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. From there you’re assigned to a facility, where you must earn certification in your specific position—this can take 2 to 4 years. The failure rate is high; roughly half of new hires wash out of training. But those who stick with it can earn six figures within a few years.
- Be a U.S. citizen, under 31
- Pass the AT-SA exam and medical/security checks
- Bachelor's degree OR 3 years work experience OR AT-CTI program
- Complete FAA Academy training (paid, 2–5 months)
- Certify at your assigned facility (2–4 years on average)
Job outlook
Employment is expected to grow only 1.2% from 2024 to 2034, which the BLS calls "slower than average." But because the workforce is aging, about 2,200 job openings occur each year from retirements and transfers. This means steady hiring—if you can pass the rigorous selection process.
Controllers cannot work past age 56 (mandatory retirement), so turnover is predictable. The FAA has struggled to replace retirements quickly, leading to staffing shortages and mandated overtime that pushes salaries even higher. For anyone considering the career, the outlook is stable but intensely competitive.
Frequently asked questions
Do air traffic controllers get good benefits?
Yes. Controllers are federal employees and receive the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% matching, health insurance, and generous annual and sick leave. Many also earn substantial overtime pay.
Can you become an air traffic controller without a degree?
Yes. The FAA accepts applicants with three years of full-time work experience (or a combination of education and experience) in lieu of a bachelor's degree. You still must pass the entry exam and medical requirements.
How long does it take to become a certified air traffic controller?
After hiring, you spend 2–5 months at the FAA Academy. Then you're assigned to a facility for on-the-job training that typically takes 2–4 years to fully certify. Total time from hire to full certification averages 3–5 years.
Is air traffic controller a stressful job?
Yes. Working high-traffic areas requires intense concentration and split-second decision-making. The FAA mandates frequent breaks, strict limits on overtime, and mandatory time off between shifts to mitigate burnout.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Air Traffic Controllers data.