The median pay for Air Traffic Controllers is $148,080 a year ($71.19/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to grow 1.7% through 2035, with about 2,100 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Associate's degree.
- SOC 53-2021
- Transportation and Material Moving
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Air Traffic Controller in four numbers
- Median pay
- $148,080a year, or $71.19/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $78KTop 10% $216K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +1.7%Slower than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+1.7%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +1.7% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 2,10024,000 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202524K
- Projected 203524.4K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 24K Projected 2035 24.4K - Typical education
- Associate'sneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- High school36.1%
- Certificate20.8%
- Some college5.6%
- Associate's14.1%
- Bachelor's20.1%
- Post-bacc certificate1.8%
Highest education held by air traffic controllers Segment Value High school 36.1% Certificate 20.8% Some college 5.6% Associate's 14.1% Bachelor's 20.1% Post-bacc certificate 1.8%
Also advertised as: ATCS (Air Traffic Control Specialist), Center ATC (Center Air Traffic Controller), Certified Professional Controller (CPC), Developmental Air Traffic Controller, Developmental ATCS (Developmental Air Traffic Control Specialist), Enroute ATCS (Enroute Air Traffic Control Specialist).
Pay
How much do Air Traffic Controllers make?
Every air traffic controller in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$148,080
Middle half earn $104,520 to $190,570
- 10th
- $78,420
- 25th
- $104,520
- 75th
- $190,570
- 90th
- $215,610
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $78,420 |
| 25th | $104,520 |
| Median | $148,080 |
| 75th | $190,570 |
| 90th | $215,610 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $148,080
- Median hourly wage
- $71.19/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $146,490
- People employed
- 22,510
Versus all US occupations
At $148,080, Air Traffic Controllers earn 190% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $97,100 a year.
Versus transportation and material moving occupations
Inside the Transportation and Material Moving group, where the middle occupation pays $62,840, this is 136% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $215,610 or more while the bottom 10% earn $78,420, a gap of 2.7×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 92% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Virginia pays the most at $191,820, and still leads at $189,725 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Air Traffic Controllers the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Virginia | $191,820 | $189,725 | 1,120 |
| 2Illinois | $181,560 | $181,636 | 990 |
| 3Georgia | $178,420 | $185,289 | 970 |
| 4Colorado | $177,380 | $172,127 | 740 |
| 5Minnesota | $176,840 | $179,313 | 680 |
| 6Texas | $170,080 | $175,237 | 2,060 |
| 7Washington | $162,570 | $151,916 | 620 |
| 8California | $160,080 | $144,581 | 2,290 |
| 9Kansas | $159,700 | $177,310 | 430 |
| 10Indiana | $158,810 | $170,161 | 630 |
Job outlook
Is Air Traffic Controller a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Slower than average. +1.7% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controllers | +1.7% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Slower than average
BLS projects employment of Air Traffic Controllers to change 1.7% over 2025–2035, against 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 400 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 2,100 openings are projected each year, 8.8% of the 24,000 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Despite limited employment growth, about 2,100 openings for air traffic controllers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Although air traffic is projected to increase in the coming years, the satellite-based Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) allows individual controllers to handle more air traffic. As a result, the demand for additional air traffic controllers may be somewhat limited over the projections decade.
Getting in
How to become an Air Traffic Controller
There are several different paths to becoming an air traffic controller. Candidates typically need an associate's or bachelor’s degree through a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program, several years of progressively responsible work experience, or a combination of education and experience.
In addition, prospective air traffic controllers must be U.S. citizens and must pass a medical evaluation, background check, and FAA preemployment tests, including the Air Traffic Controller Specialists Skills Assessment Battery (ATSA). They also must complete a training course at the FAA Academy and apply before the FAA's age cutoff.
Once hired, controllers typically complete on-the-job training that lasts more than 12 months. They also must pass a physical exam each year, a job performance exam twice a year, and periodic drug screenings.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Associate's degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Long-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Some preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as air traffic controllers.
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)36.1%
- Post-Secondary Certificate20.8%
- Bachelor's Degree20.1%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree14.1%
- Some College Courses5.6%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 36.1% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 20.8% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 20.1% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 14.1% |
| Some College Courses | 5.6% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does an Air Traffic Controller do?
Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport, and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers, according to established procedures and policies. Authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.
Air traffic controllers coordinate the movement of aircraft, including within the vicinity of airports and between altitude sectors and control centers, so that they maintain safe distances.
Day-to-day tasks
- Inform pilots about nearby planes or potentially hazardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of wind, or visibility problems.
- Monitor aircraft within a specific airspace, using radar, computer equipment, or visual references.
- Monitor, direct, or sequence the movement of aircraft within an assigned air space or on the ground at airports to minimize delays and maximize safety.
- Alert airport emergency services in cases of emergency or when aircraft are experiencing difficulties.
- Maintain radio or telephone contact with adjacent control towers, terminal control units, or other area control centers to coordinate aircraft movement.
- Direct pilots to runways when space is available or direct them to maintain a traffic pattern until there is space for them to land.
- Contact pilots by radio to provide meteorological, navigational, or other information.
- Provide flight path changes or directions to emergency landing fields for pilots traveling in bad weather or in emergency situations.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most air traffic controllers work full time. The FAA regulates the hours that an air traffic controller may work. Controllers may not work more than 10 straight hours during a shift, which includes required breaks, and must have 9 hours of rest before their next shift.
Major airports may operate control towers on a 24-hour basis. Controllers who work at these facilities may work day, evening, or night shifts that include weekends and holidays. Small airports or those that are less busy may have towers that do not operate around the clock. Controllers at these facilities may have standard work schedules.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayIndoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day.
Outdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayAlmost never works outdoors.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeSeated for more than half the working day.
Standing
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantConstant contact with other people.
Face-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayDealing with the public
Not importantExtremely importantDealing with customers or the public is very important.
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayHandling conflict situations at least monthly.
Cost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely seriousMistakes carry very serious consequences.
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where air traffic controllers work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Federal government92%
- Support activities for air transportation4%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Federal government | 92% |
| Support activities for air transportation | 4% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Active Listening4.4
- Speaking4.3
- Critical Thinking4.1
- Monitoring4.0
- Reading Comprehension3.8
- Active Learning3.8
- Writing3.1
- Learning Strategies3.1
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Active Listening | 4.4 |
| Speaking | 4.3 |
| Critical Thinking | 4.1 |
| Monitoring | 4.0 |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.8 |
| Active Learning | 3.8 |
| Writing | 3.1 |
| Learning Strategies | 3.1 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Judgment and Decision Making4.1
- Complex Problem Solving4.0
- Coordination3.9
- Time Management3.5
- Social Perceptiveness3.4
- Operations Monitoring3.3
- Systems Analysis3.3
- Instructing3.1
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Judgment and Decision Making | 4.1 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 4.0 |
| Coordination | 3.9 |
| Time Management | 3.5 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.4 |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.3 |
| Systems Analysis | 3.3 |
| Instructing | 3.1 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Document management software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Expert system software
- Flight control software
- Web page creation and editing software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits an Air Traffic Controller?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Air Traffic Controller |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 5 |
| Investigative | 2 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 3 |
| Enterprising | 4 |
| Conventional | 5 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around organising, following procedures and working precisely with data, combined with hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors.
- Conventional5.0
- Realistic4.5
- Enterprising4.3
- Social2.7
- Investigative2.5
- Artistic1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Air Traffic Controller
O*NET related occupations
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More transportation and material moving careers
Median annual pay, with air traffic controllers highlighted
- Airline Pilot$232,140
- Air Traffic Controller$148,080
- Commercial Pilot$123,220
- Locomotive Engineer$81,410
- Railroad Conductor and Yardmaster$78,000
- Crane and Tower Operator$68,080
- Flight Attendant$63,580
- Truck Driver$58,640
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector$49,690
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Airline Pilot | $232,140 |
| Air Traffic Controller | $148,080 |
| Commercial Pilot | $123,220 |
| Locomotive Engineer | $81,410 |
| Railroad Conductor and Yardmaster | $78,000 |
| Crane and Tower Operator | $68,080 |
| Flight Attendant | $63,580 |
| Truck Driver | $58,640 |
| Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector | $49,690 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Air Traffic Controller appears on
Questions
Air Traffic Controller: frequently asked questions
How much do Air Traffic Controllers make?
Air Traffic Controllers earn a median of $148,080 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 190% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $71.19/hr. The middle half earn between $104,520 and $190,570. The top 10% earn $215,610 or more.
Do you need a degree to become an Air Traffic Controller?
Usually a two-year degree rather than a four-year one. BLS lists an associate's degree as the typical entry-level education for Air Traffic Controllers. BLS also lists long-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 36.1% hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged).
Is Air Traffic Controller a growing career?
It is growing, but slowly: 1.7% over 2025–2035 against 3.5% for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 2,100 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does an Air Traffic Controller do?
Air traffic controllers coordinate the movement of aircraft, including within the vicinity of airports and between altitude sectors and control centers, so that they maintain safe distances. A core O*NET task: inform pilots about nearby planes or potentially hazardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of wind, or visibility problems. Employers most often ask for Data base user interface and query software, Document management software, Electronic mail software.
Which states pay Air Traffic Controllers the most?
The highest state medians for Air Traffic Controllers are Virginia ($191,820), Illinois ($181,560), Georgia ($178,420) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits an Air Traffic Controller?
O*NET scores Air Traffic Controllers highest on the Conventional, Realistic and Enterprising interest areas, so the work mixes organising, following procedures and working precisely with data with hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping the closest types are ESTJ, ISTJ. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.