Air traffic controllers play a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of aircraft during takeoff, landing, and en-route phases of flight. They coordinate the movements of thousands of aircraft daily, providing instructions to pilots and monitoring aircraft progress to prevent collisions and maintain smooth traffic flow.
This article will explore the best states for air traffic controllers, based on the average annual salary for the occupation.
- 1. Virginia ($158,890)
- 2. New Hampshire ($151,720)
- 3. Georgia ($150,510)
- 4. Colorado ($145,620)
- 5. Illinois ($145,470)
- 6. Texas ($145,280)
- 7. Minnesota ($144,460)
- 8. New York ($143,920)
- 9. Washington ($139,310)
- 10. Ohio ($136,140)
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- The highest-paid air traffic controllers are in Virginia, where they earn an average of $158,890 per year.
- The lowest-paid air traffic controllers are in Arkansas, where they earn an average of $-1 per year.
- The U.S. average salary for air traffic controllers is $113,886 per year.
1. Virginia ($158,890)
Air Traffic Controllers in Virginia earn the highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
air traffic controllers in Virginia is
$158,890, which is +40% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $158,890 |
| 10th Percentile | $92,910 |
| 25th Percentile | $130,690 |
| 75th Percentile | $191,940 |
| 90th Percentile | $203,690 |
2. New Hampshire ($151,720)
Air Traffic Controllers in New Hampshire earn the 2nd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
air traffic controllers in New Hampshire is
$151,720, which is +33% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $151,720 |
| 10th Percentile | $74,110 |
| 25th Percentile | $137,510 |
| 75th Percentile | $179,090 |
| 90th Percentile | $196,480 |
3. Georgia ($150,510)
Air Traffic Controllers in Georgia earn the 3rd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
air traffic controllers in Georgia is
$150,510, which is +32% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $150,510 |
| 10th Percentile | $88,880 |
| 25th Percentile | $122,640 |
| 75th Percentile | $182,330 |
| 90th Percentile | $194,460 |
4. Colorado ($145,620)
Air Traffic Controllers in Colorado earn the 4th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
air traffic controllers in Colorado is
$145,620, which is +28% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $145,620 |
| 10th Percentile | $78,400 |
| 25th Percentile | $114,610 |
| 75th Percentile | $175,950 |
| 90th Percentile | $190,170 |
5. Illinois ($145,470)
Air Traffic Controllers in Illinois earn the 5th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
air traffic controllers in Illinois is
$145,470, which is +28% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $145,470 |
| 10th Percentile | $79,250 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,210 |
| 75th Percentile | $176,850 |
| 90th Percentile | $199,120 |
6. Texas ($145,280)
Air Traffic Controllers in Texas earn the 6th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
air traffic controllers in Texas is
$145,280, which is +28% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $145,280 |
| 10th Percentile | $85,920 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,540 |
| 75th Percentile | $175,640 |
| 90th Percentile | $199,310 |
7. Minnesota ($144,460)
Air Traffic Controllers in Minnesota earn the 7th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
air traffic controllers in Minnesota is
$144,460, which is +27% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $144,460 |
| 10th Percentile | $75,820 |
| 25th Percentile | $114,090 |
| 75th Percentile | $177,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $189,530 |
8. New York ($143,920)
Air Traffic Controllers in New York earn the 8th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
air traffic controllers in New York is
$143,920, which is +26% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $143,920 |
| 10th Percentile | $74,040 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,670 |
| 75th Percentile | $185,930 |
| 90th Percentile | $203,690 |
9. Washington ($139,310)
Air Traffic Controllers in Washington earn the 9th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
air traffic controllers in Washington is
$139,310, which is +22% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $139,310 |
| 10th Percentile | $82,160 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,610 |
| 75th Percentile | $169,620 |
| 90th Percentile | $188,740 |
10. Ohio ($136,140)
Air Traffic Controllers in Ohio earn the 10th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
air traffic controllers in Ohio is
$136,140, which is +20% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $136,140 |
| 10th Percentile | $74,980 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,360 |
| 75th Percentile | $166,920 |
| 90th Percentile | $192,280 |
Conclusion
The highest-paid air traffic controllers are in Virginia, where they earn an average of $158,890 per year. The lowest-paid air traffic controllers are in Arkansas, where they earn an average of $-1 per year. The U.S. average salary for air traffic controllers is $113,886 per year and there are 21,390 jobs in the field.
