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Air Traffic Control Associate Salary in the United States

How much does an Air Traffic Control Associate make in the United States? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Air Traffic Control Associate in the United States is $110,882 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.

However, an Air Traffic Control Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $143,216
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $98,774 to $127,807
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $87,750
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Air Traffic Control Associate Job Openings in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Air Traffic Control Associate Salaries

An Air Traffic Control Associate's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Air Traffic Control Associate Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Air Traffic Control Associate's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $102,102
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $102,978
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $104,379
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $106,130
  • Expert (over 8 years): $109,707
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Air Traffic Control Associate less than 1 year $102,102
Early Career Level Air Traffic Control Associate 1-2 years $102,978
Mid-Level Level Air Traffic Control Associate 2-4 years $104,379
Senior-Level Level Air Traffic Control Associate 5-8 years $106,130
Expert Level Air Traffic Control Associate over 8 years $109,707

How Do Air Traffic Control Associate Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Air Traffic Control Associates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $122,769.
  • California: $122,303.
  • Massachusetts: $120,673.

Top Paying Cities for Air Traffic Control Associate

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $139,855
  • San Francisco: $138,324
  • Oakland: $135,409

Air Traffic Control Associate Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Air Traffic Control Associate roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Education, offers compensation 15% above the average. Conversely, Air Traffic Control Associate positions in Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Air Traffic Control Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Air Traffic Control Associate

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Education $127,514 $61.0 15%

How Education impacts an Air Traffic Control Associate's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Air Traffic Control Associate professionals enter the field with a Bachelor's degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Air Traffic Control Associate with a Bachelor's is between $100,893 and $112,570.

Air Traffic Control Associate Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Air Traffic Control Associate
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Degree 22.2%
High School 77.8%
Associate's Degree 0%
Bachelor's Degree 0%
Master's Degree or MBA 22.2%
JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent 77.8%
View as Graph

Air Traffic Control Associate Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Air Traffic Control Associate's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$98,774
Average $110,882/year
$127,807
$8,231
Average $9,240/month
$10,651
$1,900
Average $2,132/week
$2,458
$47
Average $53/hour
$61
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $127,807 $10,651 $2,458 $61
Average $110,882 $9,240 $2,132 $53
25th Percentile $98,774 $8,231 $1,900 $47

Most common benefits for Air Traffic Control Associate

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Air Traffic Control Associate

Here are companies hiring for Air Traffic Control Associate and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Air Traffic Control Associate Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Air Traffic Control Associate job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about Air Traffic Control Associate

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Air Traffic Control Associate?

The Education industry offers the highest average compensation for Air Traffic Control Associate roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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