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Air Traffic Controller - Federal Salaries of 2020
Pay Rates for "Air Traffic Controller"
How much does an Air Traffic Controller in the federal government get paid? $132,558.96* *Based on the 2020 average.Air Traffic Controller was the 16th most popular job in the U.S. Government in 2020, with 18,318 employed. The most common payscale was the federal aviation administration air traffic controller compensation plan payscale.
In 2020, the Federal Aviation Administration hired the most employees titled Air Traffic Control, with an average salary of $132,559.
Government Air Traffic Control jobs are classified under the General Schedule (GS) payscale. Remember that the starting and maximum yearly pay listed above reflect base pay only - your actual salary will be higher based on the Locality Pay Adjustment for the area in which you work.
This occupation includes positions concerned with: (a) the control of air traffic to insure the safe, orderly and expeditious movement along air routes and at airports when a knowledge of aircraft separation standards and control techniques, and the ability to apply them properly, often under conditions of great stress, are required; (b) the providing of preflight and in-flight assistance to aircraft requiring a knowledge of the information pilots need to conduct safe flights and the ability to present that information clearly and concisely; or (c) the development, coordination, and management of air traffic control programs. Positions in this occupation require an extensive knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations and procedures governing the movement of air traffic.
Agencies that have hired an Air Traffic Controller
| Agency | Employees Hired | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Aviation Administration | 18,318 | $132,558.96 |
Air Traffic Controller Pay Distribution
The average pay for an Air Traffic Controller is $132,558.96. The highest paid Air Traffic Controller made $197,300 in 2020.
Common Air Traffic Controller Payscales
| Payscale | Number of Air Traffic Control Employees |
|---|---|
| AT - Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Controller Compensation Plan | 17,501 |
| FV - Federal Aviation Administration Core Compensation Plan | 489 |
| FG - Similar To The General Schedule | 328 |
| Category: | N/A |
| Occupation Family: | 2100 TRANSPORTATION GROUP |
Average Air Traffic Control Pay Trend from 2004 to 2020
In 2004, the average pay for an Air Traffic Controller was $110,459. Since then, the average pay has increased to $132,559 in 2020.
Data Sources
The information provided on these pages is sourced from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) 
Enterprise Human Resources Integration (EHRI) dataset. Postal Service data is managed exclusively by the USPS . All information is displayed unmodified and as provided by the source agency.
Federal employee salaries are public information under open government laws (5 U.S.C. § 552). FederalPay provides this data in the interest of government transparency — employee data may not be used for commercial soliciting or vending of any kind. Learn more about the FederalPay Employees Dataset here.
The series code of this occupation is 2152.