SALARY GUIDE

Navigate Your Future as an Air Traffic Controller

Earn competitive salaries while ensuring the safety of millions of passengers daily.

Salary Overview

Compare salaries across experience levels and countries

Entry Level
$55,000
0‑2 years experience
Mid‑Career
$100,000
5‑10 years experience
Senior
$150,000
15+ years experience
Top 10%
$200,000
High performers
Average Salary by Country
United States$85,000
Canada$78,000 CAD
United Kingdom£55,000
AustraliaA$95,000
Germany€70,000
India₹9,00,000

40‑Year Career Salary Projection

See how your earning potential grows throughout your career

0y10y20y30y40y$60k$80k$100k$120kYears of Experience

Top Paying Industries

Compare average salaries across sectors

Salary by Industry
Commercial Aviation$90,000
Military Air Traffic Services$95,000
Private/Corporate Aviation$80,000
Air Traffic Management Services (outsourced)$85,000
Drone Traffic Management$75,000

Salary by Specialization

Explore earning potential in different areas

Tower Controller
$88,000
Average annual salary
En‑route (Center) Controller
$92,000
Average annual salary
Approach/Departure Controller
$90,000
Average annual salary
Ground Controller
$85,000
Average annual salary
Remote Tower Controller
$80,000
Average annual salary
Key Factors Affecting Salary
  • Years of experience and tenure
  • FAA/ICAO certification level
  • Geographic location and airport traffic volume
  • Shift differentials (night, weekend)
  • Type of airspace managed (tower vs. en‑route)
  • Union membership and collective bargaining agreements

Certification Impact

Boost your earning potential with professional certifications

FAA Certified Controller (ATC)
+10% to 15% over non‑certified positions
Salary increase potential
ICAO Level 3 Air Traffic Management Certification
+5% to 8%
Salary increase potential
Remote Tower Operations Certification
+7%
Salary increase potential

Global Market Insights

Understand the worldwide salary landscape

Highest Paying
United States
Fastest Growing
India
Most Stable
Canada
Job Market Outlook

Demand for qualified Air Traffic Controllers remains strong as global air travel rebounds. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 2% growth through 2035, with accelerated hiring in emerging markets like India and China. Technological advances such as remote tower operations and drone traffic management are creating new specialization opportunities and modest salary premiums.

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