Air traffic controllers in the United States earn a median annual salary of about $144,580 as of May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

. Salaries can range widely depending on experience, location, and employer, with starting salaries around $55,000 to $61,000 and experienced controllers earning upwards of $140,000 or more

. Other salary data show:

• An average salary around $100,810 per year, with a range from about $55,908 to $181,772 depending on seniority and state

• Salaries at the Federal Aviation Administration average about $113,421 annually, with some positions paying as high as $273,000

• Entry-level salaries start near $61,000, early career around $71,000, mid-career near $99,000, and highly experienced controllers can earn $140,000+ annually

In the UK, air traffic controllers earn an average of about £51,286 per year, with senior controllers at major airports making over £100,000 annually

. Overall, air traffic controllers are well-compensated due to the demanding and high-responsibility nature of their work, with pay increasing significantly with experience and working at busier airports