TransportationOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$128,245/yr
Typical range: $123,537 – $150,985
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Air Traffic Controller salary by experience level in Washington DC
Air Traffic Controller Salary Progression in Washington DC
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $128,245 | $10,687 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $158,420 | $13,202 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $178,537 | $14,878 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $203,683 | $16,974 | +59% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $264,033 | $22,003 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $321,366 | $26,781 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $335,699 | $27,975 | +162% |
Current Salary
$128,245
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $62/hr
Next Level Target
$158,420
Junior · 2
+$30Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
33/100
High Risk
+3% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Air Traffic Controller salary in Washington DC, DC?
Entry Level Air Traffic Controllers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $128K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $128K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $62/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Air Traffic Controller in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Air Traffic Controller in Washington DC, DC earns $236K–$288K/yr.