Behind the scenes of every flight, air traffic controllers (ATCs) are working tirelessly to ensure that the global aviation system moves safely, efficiently, and smoothly. From guiding airplanes through crowded airspace to managing takeoffs and landings, these professionals have an immense responsibility, keeping thousands of lives safe every day.
The role of an ATC is not for the fainthearted. It demands precision, quick thinking, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations. Controllers work in various environments—ranging from airports to control centers—and coordinate with pilots and ground crews to prevent accidents and ensure timely arrivals and departures. The job requires specialized training, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills.
Given the high stakes and the skills required, air traffic controllers are well-compensated for their challenging job. There are many factors that influence salaries for ATCs. Here is what you need to know about air traffic controller pay:
Factors Influencing Air Traffic Controller Salary
Experience Level
As is the case with many jobs, the salary of an ATC increases as they gain more experience. For controllers employed by the FAA, entry-level salaries following training start at around $46,000, with raises up to $225,000 throughout a controller’s career.
ATCs receive gradual pay increases throughout their careers until they reach the top of the pay scale. Those with additional responsibilities like being a training instructor or supervisor also receive higher pay.
Facility Complexity
Not all air traffic control facilities are equal. The airspace and ground operations of a busy major international airport will be significantly more complex than that of a smaller regional airport.
The FAA designates each facility with a level between 4 and 12—with 12 being the most complex—based on the complexity and amount of traffic at the site. Pay rates increase with the complexity level of the facility.
Facility Location
In addition to adjusting pay based on the complexity of a facility, the FAA has what is known as “locality pay.” ATCs receive an additional percentage of their salary, depending on the cost of living at their posted location.
For example, a controller working in Albuquerque, New Mexico, receives a locality pay of around 18 percent, while an ATC in New York gets approximately 38 percent of their base salary in locality pay.
Overtime and Premiums
ATCs at many facilities have the opportunity to work overtime due to staffing shortages. FAA controllers are paid at one and a half times their regular pay rate when working overtime.
There are also several premiums that ATCs receive on top of their regular pay. For example, they receive extra pay for working at night, on Sundays, and during holidays.
Employer and Facility Type
The majority of ATCs in the United States are employed by the FAA. Most of the information in the article is therefore focused on FAA controller compensation. However, there are other employers of ATCs in the country.
There are 265 “contract towers,” across the country, where the FAA pays private companies to provide air traffic control services. Four companies hold these contracts, with each employer offering different pay scales and benefits packages.
Different branches of the military also have their own ATCs. These service members provide air traffic control services at military air bases at home and abroad. U.S. Navy air traffic controllers also work on board aircraft carriers.
Average Salary Ranges
FAA ATC trainees currently receive $22.61 per hour, on top of food and housing allowances while at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. Trainees spend a few months at the academy before completing additional practical training at their assigned facility.
Upon graduation, trainees begin receiving an annual salary of around $46,000. As they gain more experience, they will begin to receive incremental raises. Once they are a fully trained and certified controller, they will have a starting salary of anywhere from $60,000 to $130,000, depending on the facility level.
ATCs receive pay increases throughout their career, in line with a fixed pay scale. Base salaries—without any locality pay, overtime, or premiums—currently max out at around $175,000. Pay rates are currently capped by law at $225,700. However, ATCs can make more than that due to overtime and premiums.
The FAA states that within three years of graduating the academy, the average controller earns over $160,000 per year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, ATCs for all employers received a median pay of $144,580 in 2024.
Rewarding and Well-Paying Career
Air traffic controller salaries are influenced by a variety of factors, including location, level of experience, as well as overtime and pay premiums. Controllers at busier airports are paid more due to the complexity of their work. Those living in areas with a higher cost of living are also compensated accordingly.
Experience also plays a significant role, with senior controllers earning significantly more than their entry-level counterparts. Additional responsibilities, such as being in a training or supervisory role, can further boost earning potential.
Given the high-pressure, detail-oriented nature of the job, air traffic controllers are well-compensated for the critical responsibility they carry. The profession demands not only technical skills and knowledge but also the ability to stay calm under pressure and work in a stressful environment.
For those who thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and are looking for a career with both purpose and financial stability, becoming an ATC can be a rewarding and lucrative career choice.
