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Air traffic controller: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 23, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$148,080median pay per year, or $71.19 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $78,420lowest 10% earn less
  2. $104,52025th percentile
  3. $148,080median
  4. $190,57075th percentile
  5. $215,610top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[6]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[2]

Air traffic controllers earn far more than the typical US worker, with a median wage of $148,080 a year[1] against $50,980 for all occupations[2]. Getting in takes FAA screening, the FAA Academy and long on-the-job training, and nearly all jobs are with the federal government[3][4][5].

Job growth, 2025–35
+1.7%[7]
Openings per year
2,100[8]
Typical entry education
Associate's degree[9]

How much do air traffic controllers make?

The median wage for air traffic controllers was $148,080 a year, or $71.19 an hour, in May 2025[1]. Half earned more than that and half earned less[1]. The average (mean) was a little lower, at $146,490 a year or $70.43 an hour[10].

For comparison, the median for all US occupations was $50,980[2].

Pay spreads widely across the field[6]:

Percentile Annual Hourly
10th $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

Sources for the table: annual[6], hourly[11], median[1]. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $78,420, and the top 10% earned more than $215,610[6]. A percentile is a cut-off point, not a starting salary, and BLS does not publish starting pay[12].

These figures cover workers paid a wage or salary. They leave out nonproduction bonuses and what employers spend on benefits such as health insurance or retirement[13].

Pay by state and city

Virginia had the highest state median at $191,820, followed by Illinois ($181,560), Georgia ($178,420), Colorado ($177,380) and Minnesota ($176,840)[14]. The lowest published figure was in the District of Columbia, where the median was $47,760 even though the mean was $96,410[14].

For job counts, California led with 2,290, followed by Texas with 2,060, Florida with 1,950, New York with 1,150 and Virginia with 1,120[15].

Among metro areas that have at least 100 controller jobs, Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington had the highest median at $198,590, then Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom ($196,290) and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($193,360)[16]. The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area had the most jobs, about 1,800, with a median of $174,870[17]. The New York-Newark-Jersey City area came next with 1,010 jobs[17].

Show median pay in 42 states and DC
StateMedian per yearJobs
Virginia[14]$191,8201,120
Illinois$181,560990
Georgia$178,420970
Colorado$177,380740
Minnesota$176,840680
Texas$170,0802,060
Washington$162,570620
California$160,0802,290
Kansas$159,700430
Indiana$158,810630
Hawaii$158,700210
Utah$158,310360
Tennessee$157,330590
New Mexico$148,550350
Florida$147,5301,950
New York$144,9601,150
Connecticut$140,940n/a
Nevada$140,920210
Arizona$136,800380
Pennsylvania$132,350460
New Jersey$132,230190
Maryland$131,29070
North Carolina$129,230410
Kentucky$127,800230
Rhode Island$126,30050
Massachusetts$125,060120
Alaska$123,950490
Oklahoma$123,220270
Missouri$122,200260
Michigan$118,930360
Alabama$114,960240
South Carolina$112,030190
Nebraska$111,71070
Arkansas$109,76080
Vermont$109,14030
North Dakota$107,990100
Maine$107,27070
Montana$101,38060
Louisiana$99,810230
Wyoming$93,58040
Iowa$90,790120
Mississippi$88,110160
District of Columbia$47,760820

How to become an air traffic controller

BLS lists an associate's degree as the typical entry education, with no related work experience needed and long-term on-the-job training[9]. The Occupational Outlook Handbook describes more than one route in, though[18]. Here are the usual steps, based on the Handbook[18]:

1) Build a qualifying background. One option is a degree. An associate's degree counts only if it comes from an AT-CTI school, part of the FAA-approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative, while a bachelor's degree can be in any subject[18][19]. AT-CTI schools offer 2-year or 4-year degrees, with courses on topics such as airspace, clearances, reading charts and federal rules[20]. Another option is up to 3 years of general work experience with growing responsibility, or specialized experience at a military or civilian air traffic control facility[21]. A mix of school and work also works[18]. 2) Meet the basic requirements. You must be a US citizen and apply before the FAA's age cutoff[3]. People who learned the job in the military can be hired as civilian controllers even if they are past that cutoff[22]. 3) Pass FAA screening. This includes a medical evaluation, a background check and FAA preemployment tests, one of which is the ATSA, short for Air Traffic Controller Specialists Skills Assessment Battery[3]. 4) Complete the FAA Academy. Most new hires train at the Academy in Oklahoma City, and how long it takes depends on your background[23]. 5) Train on the job. Graduates go to a facility as developmental controllers until they meet the requirements to be certified[24]. They start by giving pilots basic flight data and airport information, then can move to roles with more responsibility[24]. This training usually runs longer than 12 months[4].

Every controller needs an Air Traffic Control Tower Operator Certificate[25]. The alternative is to be properly qualified and supervised as set out in Part 65 of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations[25]. The checks continue after you are hired: a physical exam every year, two job performance exams a year and drug tests from time to time[4]. With extra training, controllers can move to another specialty, such as from an en route center to an airport tower[26].

In an O*NET survey of 50 workers, 36% said a high school diploma was required, 21% a postsecondary certificate, 20% a bachelor's degree and 14% an associate's degree[27].

What air traffic controllers do

Controllers keep aircraft safely apart and moving on time, both on and around airports and as flights pass between sectors and control centers[28]. Typical tasks include[29]:

Clear speech matters. Controllers have to give short, precise instructions, listen closely to pilots and answer in clear English[30].

Where they work

The federal government employed 92% of air traffic controllers in 2025[5], and the FAA is the main employer[31]. Controllers are based in airport control towers, approach control facilities and en route centers[32]. Tower and approach controllers are often near large airports, while en route centers are secure office buildings that usually are not at an airport[32]. Work rooms are kept dim so that aircraft, shown as moving dots of light on radar, are easy to see[33].

The job asks for steady focus and fast responses as conditions shift, and carrying responsibility for passenger safety can be stressful and tiring[34]. To guard against burnout, the FAA makes controllers retire at age 56[34].

Most controllers work full time, and the FAA limits their hours[35]. A shift can run no more than 10 hours in a row, breaks included, and controllers need 9 hours of rest before the next one[35]. Big airports may run towers around the clock, so staff there can work days, evenings or nights, including weekends and holidays[36]. Quieter airports may close their towers part of the day, which can mean a regular schedule[36].

Job outlook

BLS expects the number of air traffic controller jobs to rise 1.7% between 2025 and 2035, to about 24,400 from about 24,000[7]. That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations[37].

Even so, about 2,100 openings are expected each year on average, because openings also come from people who retire or switch careers[8]. Each year, an estimated 2.3% of controllers leave the labor force and 6.2% move into a different occupation[38].

The projection count (about 24,000 in 2025) includes self-employed workers[7], while the wage survey counted about 22,510 wage and salary jobs in May 2025[39]. They are two different measures, so the numbers do not match.

Is it a good fit?

The pay case is strong, with a median of $148,080 compared with $50,980 for all occupations[1][2]. The path is demanding: you need FAA tests, a medical evaluation and a background check, the FAA Academy, then usually more than a year of training on the job[3][4]. You also have to apply before the FAA age cutoff and expect to retire at 56[3][34]. Job growth is slow at 1.7% from 2025 to 2035, but about 2,100 openings a year are expected[7][8]. It may suit people who handle pressure well, are open to night, weekend and holiday shifts at towers that run around the clock, and are fine with a single main employer, the federal government[34][36][5].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[40].

Frequently asked questions

How much does an air traffic controller make an hour?
The median hourly wage was $71.19 in May 2025[1]. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $37.70 an hour and the top 10% earned more than $103.66[11].
What is the highest paying state for air traffic controllers?
Virginia, with a median of $191,820 a year in May 2025[14]. Illinois ($181,560) and Georgia ($178,420) came next[14].
What degree do you need to be an air traffic controller?
BLS lists an associate's degree as typical, and it must come from an FAA-approved AT-CTI program[9][19]. A bachelor's degree in any field also works, and some people qualify through work experience instead of a degree[19][21].
How long does it take to become an air traffic controller?
The facts give the parts but no total. AT-CTI degrees take 2 or 4 years[20], the FAA Academy length depends on your background[23], and on-the-job training usually lasts more than 12 months[4].
Is there a mandatory retirement age for air traffic controllers?
Yes. The FAA requires controllers to retire at 56 to prevent burnout[34].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Air Traffic Controllers in the US was $148,080 per year and $71.19 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  3. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  4. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  5. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of air traffic controllers in 2025: Federal government 92%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  6. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Air Traffic Controllers: 10th percentile $78,420, 25th percentile $104,520, 75th percentile $190,570, 90th percentile $215,610. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  7. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Air Traffic Controllers is projected to grow 1.7% from 2025 to 2035, from about 24,000 to 24,400 jobs (a change of +400). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  8. BLS Employment Projections: about 2,100 openings for Air Traffic Controllers are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  9. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Air Traffic Controllers: education needed for entry: Associate's degree; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training. BLS Employment Projections
  10. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Air Traffic Controllers was $146,490 per year and $70.43 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Air Traffic Controllers: 10th percentile $37.70, 25th percentile $50.25, 75th percentile $91.62, 90th percentile $103.66. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. Median annual wage for Air Traffic Controllers in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Air Traffic Controllers jobs: California 2,290; Texas 2,060; Florida 1,950; New York 1,150; Virginia 1,120. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Air Traffic Controllers (areas with at least 100 jobs): Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $198,590; Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $196,290; San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $193,360; Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN $189,780; Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA $186,640; Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX $186,510; Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $179,670; Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI $178,310. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  17. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Air Traffic Controllers jobs: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 1,800 (median $174,870); New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 1,010; Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 850 (median $189,780); Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA 810 (median $186,640); Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 800 (median $186,510); Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL 720 (median $162,140). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Other Experience. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Other Experience. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  24. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  25. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  26. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  27. O*NET 53-2021.00 survey of workers (50 respondents), education level they say is required: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) 36%, Post-Secondary Certificate 21%, Bachelor's Degree 20%, Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree 14%, Some College Courses 6% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  28. O*NET description of Air Traffic Controllers. O*NET OnLine
  29. O*NET task list for Air Traffic Controllers. O*NET OnLine
  30. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  31. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  34. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  35. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  36. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  37. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  38. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Air Traffic Controllers: 2.3% of workers leave the labor force each year and 6.2% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  39. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 22,510 people were employed as Air Traffic Controllers in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  40. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.