Position
Salary

How much does a Air Traffic Control Specialist make?

The average salary for a Air Traffic Control Specialist is $76,459 per year in the US.

Air Traffic Control Specialists play a vital role in keeping flights safe and on schedule. Their work earns them a competitive salary. The average yearly salary for these specialists stands at $76,459. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and other factors.

Most specialists earn between $49,091 and $107,045 each year. The distribution of salaries shows that a significant number of specialists fall within this range. For example, 26.64% of specialists earn between $72,273 and $83,864. Those with more experience can earn more, up to $165,000 annually. This shows that with time and expertise, the earning potential can grow substantially.

View Air Traffic Control Specialist jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Air Traffic Control Specialist?

Air Traffic Control Specialists can find attractive job opportunities in several cities. Washington, DC, offers the highest average salary at $130,110. Nearby, Oklahoma City, OK, provides an excellent salary of $90,209. Sacramento, CA, and Provo, UT, also provide competitive salaries of $74,326 and $72,100 respectively. Denver, CO, with an average salary of $63,496, rounds out the list of top-paying cities. These locations not only promise lucrative salaries but also a stable career in the field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Air Traffic Control Specialist jobs, highlighting Washington, DC with the highest at $130,110 and Denver, CO with the lowest at $63,496.
  1. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $130,110
    In Washington, DC, one can find a bustling airspace with a variety of aircraft. Working here means ensuring safe and efficient air traffic. Proximity to the nation's capital offers unique opportunities for professional growth.
    Find Air Traffic Control Specialist jobs in Washington, DC


  2. Oklahoma City, OK
    Average Salary: $90,209
    Oklahoma City boasts a vibrant aviation sector. Specialists here manage a diverse range of aircraft from small planes to large commercial jets. The city’s aviation industry is a key area for job seekers looking for stability and growth.
    Find Air Traffic Control Specialist jobs in Oklahoma City, OK


  3. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $74,326
    Sacramento provides a mix of general aviation and commercial flights. Those in the field here enjoy a balanced workload and a community-oriented work environment. The city’s focus on technology also brings innovative tools for air traffic management.
    Find Air Traffic Control Specialist jobs in Sacramento, CA


  4. Provo, UT
    Average Salary: $72,100
    In Provo, professionals help manage a growing number of flights. This area is known for its skilled workforce and supportive community. Specialists here enjoy a good quality of life with a lower cost of living compared to larger cities.
    Find Air Traffic Control Specialist jobs in Provo, UT


  5. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $63,496
    Denver is a major hub for air traffic in the West. Working here means dealing with a high volume of flights. The city’s strong aviation industry offers many opportunities for career advancement. Weather conditions also add an element of variety to daily tasks.
    Find Air Traffic Control Specialist jobs in Denver, CO

What are the best companies a Air Traffic Control Specialist can work for?

Midwest Air Traffic Control Service, Inc. leads the pack with the highest average salary for Air Traffic Control Specialists at $82,610. Next is SAIC, offering an average salary of $72,500. The Air National Guard provides an average salary of $65,981. These companies present excellent opportunities for those seeking lucrative careers in air traffic control. Each offers competitive pay and valuable experience in the field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Air Traffic Control Specialist jobs, highlighting Midwest Air Traffic Control Service, Inc. with the highest at $82,610 and Air National Guard with the lowest at $65,981.
  1. Midwest Air Traffic Control Service, Inc.
    Average Salary: $82,610
    Midwest Air Traffic Control Service, Inc. offers Air Traffic Control Specialist jobs with excellent pay and benefits. They manage air traffic in the Midwest region, focusing on key locations like Chicago, Minneapolis, and Denver. Their commitment to safety and quality service makes them a great choice for job seekers.


  2. SAIC
    Average Salary: $72,500
    SAIC provides Air Traffic Control Specialist jobs with competitive salaries. They work across multiple sites, including Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. SAIC values teamwork and innovation, providing a dynamic environment for professionals in this field.


  3. Air National Guard
    Average Salary: $65,981
    The Air National Guard offers rewarding Air Traffic Control Specialist jobs. They operate in various locations nationwide, including New York and California. Job seekers will find a strong sense of purpose and community in this role.

How to earn more as a Air Traffic Control Specialist?

An Air Traffic Control Specialist plays a critical role in the safety and efficiency of air travel. This career offers opportunities to earn more through various means. By understanding and leveraging these factors, specialists can improve their earning potential.

First, gaining experience is key. This means working in different environments, such as large airports, military bases, or with different types of aircraft. Specialists who accumulate more experience can often earn higher salaries. Second, obtaining additional certifications can also increase earning potential. Certifications such as Instrument Rating or Advanced Air Traffic Systems can make a specialist more valuable. Third, pursuing higher education can lead to higher pay. A bachelor's or master's degree in aviation management or a related field can set specialists apart. Fourth, working in high-demand locations can increase pay. This might include airports in major cities or areas with heavy air traffic. Lastly, staying current with technology and new systems used in air traffic control can enhance job performance and lead to better pay.

Specialists can take several steps to improve their earnings. This includes gaining experience, obtaining additional certifications, pursuing higher education, working in high-demand areas, and staying updated with new technologies. These actions can lead to higher salaries and greater job satisfaction.

Currently 42 Air Traffic Control Specialist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Air Traffic Control Specialist in the US?

Learn what a Air Traffic Control Specialist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Air Traffic Control Specialist today.
Position
Overview
Air Traffic Control Specialist
42 Job Openings