SOC 53-2021 · May 2025 · United States
Air Traffic Controllers
National figures, with pay broken out by state and metro area
The median wage for Air Traffic Controllers across the United States is $148,080 per year, measured over 22,510 jobs. The highest state median is in Virginia, at $191,820.
National wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Where the pay is highest for Air Traffic Controllers
Pay for this occupation varies by 301.6% between the highest and lowest paying states with published data. Virginia pays $191,820 and District of Columbia pays $47,760.
| # | State | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virginia | $191,820 | 1,120 | |
| 2 | Illinois | $181,560 | 990 | |
| 3 | Georgia | $178,420 | 970 | |
| 4 | Colorado | $177,380 | 740 | |
| 5 | Minnesota | $176,840 | 680 | |
| 6 | Texas | $170,080 | 2,060 | |
| 7 | Washington | $162,570 | 620 | |
| 8 | California | $160,080 | 2,290 | |
| 9 | Kansas | $159,700 | 430 | |
| 10 | Indiana | $158,810 | 630 |
States with the most Air Traffic Controllers jobs
| # | State | Jobs | Median | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 2,290 | $160,080 | |
| 2 | Texas | 2,060 | $170,080 | |
| 3 | Florida | 1,950 | $147,530 | |
| 4 | New York | 1,150 | $144,960 | |
| 5 | Virginia | 1,120 | $191,820 | |
| 6 | Illinois | 990 | $181,560 | |
| 7 | Georgia | 970 | $178,420 | |
| 8 | District of Columbia | 820 | $47,760 | |
| 9 | Colorado | 740 | $177,380 | |
| 10 | Minnesota | 680 | $176,840 |
Top-paying metro areas
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philadelphia | $198,590 | 220 |
| 2 | Sacramento | $196,290 | 240 |
| 3 | San Francisco | $193,360 | 430 |
| 4 | Chicago | $189,780 | 850 |
| 5 | Atlanta | $186,640 | 810 |
| 6 | Dallas | $186,510 | 800 |
| 7 | Minneapolis | $179,670 | 620 |
| 8 | Detroit | $178,310 | 180 |
| 9 | Seattle | $175,280 | 510 |
| 10 | Washington | $174,870 | 1,800 |
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.
Explore related data