Air traffic control is a career path that offers competitive pay with a relatively accessible entry point, often requiring an associate’s degree. While extensive on-the-job training is crucial, the financial rewards can be significant. But exactly How Much Do Atc Make? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for air traffic controllers is $59.87, substantially exceeding the national average. Although the field is projected to grow modestly, the earning potential remains a major draw.
Using the latest occupational data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, let’s break down the average air traffic controller salary by state. Discover where these professionals earn the most and where salaries might be lower.
Top 10 Highest Paying States for Air Traffic Controllers
The national average annual wage for air traffic controllers is $120,830, according to the BLS. This is more than double the average annual salary for all occupations, which stands at $51,960. However, salaries can vary considerably depending on the state. In some states, air traffic controllers earn almost $50,000 less than the national average.
Here’s a list of the top 10 states where air traffic controllers earn the most:
- New Hampshire: $147,350
- Virginia: $139,520
- Illinois: $136,390
- Georgia: $136,210
- Texas: $133,260
- California: $132,300
- Minnesota: $131,330
- Ohio: $131,180
- New York: $130,840
- Colorado: $128,210
This list showcases an interesting geographic mix, with representation from all four U.S. Census regions: Northeast, Midwest, West, and South. It is worth noting that several of these top-paying states host major airports and airline headquarters. For example, Virginia is home to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Dulles International Airport; Illinois houses United Airlines’ headquarters and Chicago O’Hare International Airport; and Georgia boasts Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, along with Delta’s headquarters.
10 States with the Lowest Air Traffic Controller Salaries
In contrast to the top-paying states, the bottom 10 are less geographically diverse, with a concentration in the South and upper Midwest. Here’s a look at the 10 states where air traffic controllers generally make the least:
- Montana: $77,150
- West Virginia: $79,710
- Vermont: $81,630
- Iowa: $82,460
- South Dakota: $82,580
- Mississippi: $84,240
- North Dakota: $85,760
- Louisiana: $86,070
- Connecticut: $88,360
- South Carolina: $92,070
Despite these lower overall salaries, there are some positive trends. Mississippi saw an increase of 10.8% and Montana experienced a 13.1% rise in average salaries for air traffic controllers over the past five years, marking some of the best growth rates in the nation. However, in other states like North Dakota and Connecticut, wages have declined since 2013. For instance, in 2015 and 2016, air traffic controllers in North Dakota averaged over $100,000 annually before experiencing a significant drop in recent years.
State-by-State Breakdown of Air Traffic Controller Salaries
The average annual wage for FAA air traffic controllers varies across the United States. The BLS data provides insights into these differences, although complete data for all states and years may not be available.
In conclusion, the career of an air traffic controller offers a substantial earning potential, especially in certain states. While national averages provide a general overview, it’s essential to consider the specific location when evaluating potential salary prospects. Understanding these regional variations can help aspiring and current air traffic controllers make informed decisions about their career paths.
