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Job outlook for air traffic controllers in the United States
Air traffic controller job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected air traffic controller job growth rate is 1% from 2018-2028.
About 100 new jobs for air traffic controllers are projected over the next decade.
Air traffic controller salaries have increased 7% for air traffic controllers in the last 5 years.
There are over 9,062 air traffic controllers currently employed in the United States.
There are 17,944 active air traffic controller job openings in the US.
The average air traffic controller salary is $49,141.
Are air traffic controller jobs in demand?
Air Traffic Controller job and salary trends over time
Air Traffic Controller jobs over time
Air Traffic Controller job growth rate over time
Year  | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 9,062 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 9,472 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 9,430 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 9,558 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 9,728 | 0.00% |
Average air traffic controller salary over time
Air Traffic Controller salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $49,141 | $23.63 | +6.0% |
| 2024 | $46,341 | $22.28 | --1.2% |
| 2023 | $46,925 | $22.56 | - |
| 2022 | $46,925 | $22.56 | +1.7% |
| 2021 | $46,123 | $22.17 | --0.4% |
Air Traffic Controller jobs by state
Most common states for air traffic controllers
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 47 | 7% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 38 | 4% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 197 | 3% |
| 4 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 178 | 3% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 170 | 3% |
| 6 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 110 | 3% |
| 7 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 45 | 3% |
| 8 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 20 | 3% |
| 9 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 16 | 3% |
| 10 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 233 | 2% |
| 11 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 227 | 2% |
| 12 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 190 | 2% |
| 13 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 175 | 2% |
| 14 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 140 | 2% |
| 15 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 131 | 2% |
| 16 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 122 | 2% |
| 17 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 81 | 2% |
| 18 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 68 | 2% |
| 19 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 18 | 2% |
| 20 | Alaska | 739,795 | 16 | 2% |
Most common cities for air traffic controllers
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Severn | 6 | 14% | $61,260 |
| 2 | Laurel | 2 | 8% | $61,040 |
| 3 | Crofton | 2 | 7% | $61,084 |
| 4 | Glen Burnie | 4 | 6% | $61,375 |
| 5 | Annapolis | 2 | 5% | $61,243 |
| 6 | Catonsville | 2 | 5% | $61,407 |
| 7 | Odenton | 2 | 5% | $61,167 |
| 8 | Severna Park | 2 | 5% | $61,333 |
| 9 | Ellicott City | 2 | 3% | $61,328 |
| 10 | Columbia | 2 | 2% | $61,169 |
| 11 | Baltimore | 9 | 1% | $61,576 |
| 12 | Baytown | 1 | 1% | $43,951 |
| 13 | Houston | 3 | 0% | $44,089 |
Air Traffic Controller job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of air traffic controller experts
York College of the City University of New York
Billy Metallinos
LecturerYork College of the City University of New York
Business & Economics Department (CUNY AVIATION INSTITUTE)
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Air Traffic Controllers?
Billy Metallinos: It will be enduring in the aviation industry as long as Covid is rampant; however, the industry is very resilient and is already taking off, with more than 1.6 million passengers screened in the nations airports in a single day, a significant increase from under a millions during covids' initial onset. Airlines and airports have already started bringing back furloughed pilots and other workers which may point to graduates have as good a chance as any of securing an aviation related career.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Air Traffic Controllers?
Billy Metallinos: Overall, becuase of the size and complexity of the national air space system, the demand for qualified personnel will remain ensuring a need for the current certifications, licenses, courses, and I would add perhaps even more are necessary to keep up with the dynamic needs and new technologies evolving in aviation.
What will help Air Traffic Controllers increase their earning potential?
Billy Metallinos: The field of aviation requires safety overall, but it also requires persons who are generally highly trained in what they do. There are many steps to earning licenses and certifications in aviation and that is to ensure a rigorous learning process to maintain safety. To increase earing potential, students will have to work hard to earn those licenses and certifications, as well as continuing to take courses and instruction to remain current and proficient. Maintaining the highest standards in aviation is a great way to propel your earning potential and oneself within the industry.