Air Traffic Controllers

Air traffic control trainees start at the FG-1/2 level, which paid $25,038 to $36,306 annually in 2024. This pay level increases as workers gain experience and meet training goals. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, air traffic controllers had median annual earnings of $137,380 in May 2023. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $76,190, and the highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $200,990 annually. The controller's experience, job responsibilities, and the complexity of the facility are also factors that influence the rate of pay.

Because of the complexity of their job duties and the tension involved in their work, air traffic controllers are offered better benefits than other federal employees. Depending on their length of service, air traffic controllers receive 13 to 26 days of paid vacation and 13 days of paid sick leave per year, plus life insurance and health benefits. In addition, they are permitted to retire earlier and with fewer years of service than other federal employees. An air traffic controller with 20 years' experience may retire at the age of 50; those with 25 years' experience may retire at any age. Controllers who manage air traffic are required to retire at age 56.