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Air Traffic Controllers Salary in District of Columbia

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Air Traffic Controllers make in District of Columbia?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$47,760
Median Annual Salary
▲ +32.9% vs 2024
$96,410
Mean Salary
$47,760
Median Salary
$22.96
Hourly Rate
820 people work as Air Traffic Controllers in District of Columbia

Air Traffic Controllers salary by percentile in District of Columbia

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Air Traffic Controllers salary in District of Columbia — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Air Traffic Controllers in District of Columbia.10thBottom 10% earn less than $47,760$47,76025th25% earn less than $47,760$47,760MedianHalf earn more than $47,760$47,76075th75% earn less than $174,860$174,86090thTop 10% earn more than $196,310$196,310

Air Traffic Controllers in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $47,760 per year ($3,980/month). This is 64.2% below the national average of $133,445. District of Columbia ranks #43 out of 43 states for Air Traffic Controllers pay. Approximately 820 people work in this occupation across District of Columbia. Salaries increased by 32.9% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Air Traffic Controllers

Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport, and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers, according to established procedures and policies. Authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.

Top Skills

Active Listening
4.38
Speaking
4.25
Critical Thinking
4.12
Judgment and Decision Making
4.12
Monitoring
4.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Transportation
4.18
English Language
3.93
Public Safety and Security
3.76
Education and Training
3.75
Customer and Personal Service
3.6
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (36.1% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Air Traffic Controllers in District of Columbia

Salaries for Air Traffic Controllers in District of Columbia range from $47,760 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $196,310 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $47,760 and $174,860.

Median $47,760
P10: $47,760 P25: $47,760 P75: $174,860 P90: $196,310
10th
$47,760
25th
$47,760
Median
$47,760
75th
$174,860
90th
$196,310
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $47,760 $22.96 $3,980
25th Percentile $47,760 $22.96 $3,980
Median (50th) $47,760 $22.96 $3,980
75th Percentile $174,860 $84.07 $14,571
90th Percentile (Experienced) $196,310 $94.38 $16,359

Note: The mean (average) salary of $96,410 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#43
District of Columbia ranks #43 of 43 states
$133,445
National avg. for Air Traffic Controllers
-64.2%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in District of Columbia:

What does this salary really buy? See Air Traffic Controllers salary in District of Columbia adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Air Traffic Controllers take-home pay in District of Columbia after taxes →

Explore Air Traffic Controllers Data in District of Columbia

Air Traffic Controllers Salary by State

Compare Air Traffic Controllers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Air Traffic Controllers make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for Air Traffic Controllers in District of Columbia is $47,760 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $96,410.
What is the salary range for a Air Traffic Controllers in District of Columbia?
Salaries for Air Traffic Controllers in District of Columbia range from $47,760 at the 10th percentile to $196,310 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $47,760 and $174,860.
What is the starting salary for a Air Traffic Controllers in District of Columbia?
Entry-level Air Traffic Controllers positions in District of Columbia typically start around $47,760 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $47,760 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Air Traffic Controllers in District of Columbia?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 820 people are employed as Air Traffic Controllers in District of Columbia.
What is the hourly rate for a Air Traffic Controllers in District of Columbia?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Air Traffic Controllers in District of Columbia is approximately $22.96 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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