Air Traffic Controllers Salary in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD

Median annual salary $181,200 +25.3% vs national
Median hourly $87.12
10th percentile $88,070
90th percentile $211,600
Employed locally 190
National median $144,580

Compare Air Traffic Controllers salary & buying power

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Air Traffic Controllers
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $88,070
    25th
    $119,180
    50th (median)
    $181,200
    75th
    $203,490
    90th
    $211,600

    Philadelphia economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.80% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $89,273 2023 • Census ACS
    Air Traffic Controllers salary vs area income 203% Median Air Traffic Controllers salary is 103% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Air Traffic Controllers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $192,500
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $188,930
    Virginia $185,890
    Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN $184,930
    Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX $182,890
    Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA $182,310

    Nearby metros — Air Traffic Controllers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $178,920
    Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL $164,240
    Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL $145,140
    Pittsburgh, PA $131,730

    Related occupations in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD

    OccupationMedian salary
    Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $42,300
    Stockers and Order Fillers $36,670
    Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $60,000
    Packers and Packagers, Hand $42,450
    Light Truck Drivers $45,030
    Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $53,990

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Air Traffic Controllers make per hour in Philadelphia?

    The median hourly wage for Air Traffic Controllers in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD is $87.12, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $108.50 or more per hour.

    Is Philadelphia above or below average for Air Traffic Controllers salaries?

    The median Air Traffic Controllers salary in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 25.3% above the national median of $144,580. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Air Traffic Controllers in Philadelphia?

    Entry-level Air Traffic Controllers (10th percentile) earn around $88,070 per year in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $119,180.