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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →In the United States, air traffic controllers had a median annual wage of $148,080 in May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook. That is a national occupation estimate—not a guaranteed starting salary or a prediction of what any one controller will earn.
How air traffic controller pay is distributed
The BLS reports that in May 2025, the lowest-paid 10 percent of air traffic controllers earned less than $78,420 a year, while the highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $215,610. These are percentile thresholds in the national wage distribution, not fixed salary floors or ceilings. The figures and median come from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile.
A separate BLS publication reports a different national median for the same month: the May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics table lists $146,490. The two official publications should be read as separate estimates, not averaged or treated as identical. The Occupational Outlook Handbook’s figure is $148,080; the OEWS national wage table reports $146,490.
Why salaries differ
Industry and employer
BLS May 2025 industry estimates show a median annual wage of $156,250 for air traffic controllers in federal government and $83,890 in support activities for air transportation. These are broad industry estimates, not a like-for-like comparison of workers with the same experience, location, facility, or responsibilities.
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- PTT ADAPTER AND HEADSET BUNDLE: An ergonomically designed DECT push-to-talk amplifier that is ideal for use where secure, mission critical, conversations are needed, such as public safety dispatch, air-traffic control, radio dispatch operations, and training simulation. Direct Equivalent to Plantronics CA22CD-SC PTT Adapter (8K774AA#ABA) This Bundle also includes a TruVoice HD550 Noise Canceling Headset.
- QD HEADSET CONNECTION: Effortlessly pairs with and compatible with all TruVoice or Poly wired headsets, allowing you to customise your audio experience according to your preferences. Embrace flexibility and convenience with the SHG D200, the ultimate companion for all your communication needs.
- PUSH-TO-TALK: Experience ergonomic excellence with the JPL Scout. Taking its design from a pistol grip. With your finger naturally resting on the trigger, a seamless push activates the microphone, allowing you to transmit your voice effortlessly. Releasing the trigger instantly mutes the call, giving you complete control at your fingertips.
- NOISE CANCELING HEADSET: Our TruVoice Headset Range Include a High Quality Noise Canceling microphone with Flexible 270 degree Rotational Microphone Boom, our Speakers include acoustic shock protection and HD Audio Sound - Perfect Solution for call center, office or homeworkers.
- COMPATABILITY: Our PTT Headset and Adapter bundle includes a 2 prong (PJ327) type adapter specificaly for connection with consoles used for public safety dispatch, air-traffic control, radio dispatch operations, and training simulation. Direct Equivalent to Plantronics CA22CD-SC PTT Adapter (8K774AA#ABA)
Training stage and certification
Pay can change as a controller advances through training. BLS says development-controller salaries increase as workers complete successive training levels. It does not publish one nationwide starting salary. For advanced controllers who have completed on-the-job training, pay varies with facility location, flight-path complexity, and other factors.
Facility and location
National medians cannot tell you what a particular facility or job offer pays. For a location-specific estimate, consult the relevant official state or area wage data; for an actual offer, use the current official vacancy announcement and its stated pay details.
Rank #2
- PTT ADAPTER AND HEADSET BUNDLE : An ergonomically designed push-to-talk amplifier that is ideal for use where secure, mission critical, conversations are needed, such as public safety dispatch, air-traffic control, radio dispatch operations, and training simulation. Direct Equivalent to Plantronics SHS1890. This Bundle also includes a TruVoice HD500 Noise Canceling Headset.
- QD HEADSET CONNECTION : Effortlessly pairs with and compatible with all TruVoice or Poly wired headsets, allowing you to customise your audio experience according to your preferences. Embrace flexibility and convenience with the Dispatch-15 the ultimate companion for all your communication needs.
- PUSH-TO-TALK Experience ergonomic excellence with the Dispatch-15. Taking its design from a pistol grip. With your finger naturally resting on the trigger, a seamless push activates the microphone, allowing you to transmit your voice effortlessly. Releasing the trigger instantly mutes the call, giving you complete control at your fingertips.
- NOISE CANCELING HEADSET : Our TruVoice Headset Range Include a High Quality Noise Canceling microphone with Flexible 270 degree Rotational Microphone Boom, our Speakers include acoustic shock protection and HD Audio Sound - Perfect Solution for call center, office or homeworkers.
- COMPATABILITY : Our PTT Headset and Adapter bundle includes a 2 prong (PJ7 or PJ327) type adapter specificaly for connection with consoles used for public safety dispatch radio consoles like Motorola, Aastro, Intertalk, mindshare and Intrado, air-traffic control and training simulation. Direct Equivalent to Plantronics SHS1890 PTT Adapter.
What new-hire and staffing figures tell you
On May 15, 2026, the Federal Aviation Administration announced hiring targets of 2,200 new controllers for fiscal year 2026, 2,300 for FY 2027, and 2,400 for FY 2028. The FAA said that as of April 2026, approximately 11,000 certified professional controllers were deployed across more than 300 facilities and about 4,000 people were in the training pipeline. These are dated agency figures and hiring targets, not a count of jobs currently open to applicants. The agency said full certification can take more than two years, depending on facility complexity. See the FAA hiring-plan announcement.
The BLS projects 2 percent employment growth from 2025 to 2035 and about 2,100 openings per year on average, mostly to replace workers who leave the occupation or labor force. A projected opening is not necessarily a newly created position or an immediate vacancy.
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Rank #3
- PTT ADAPTER AND HEADSET BUNDLE: An ergonomically designed push-to-talk amplifier for use where secure, mission critical, conversations are needed, such as public safety dispatch, air-traffic control, radio dispatch operations, and training simulation. Direct Equivalent to Plantronics SHS1890. This Bundle also includes a TruVoice HD550 Noise Canceling Headset
- QD HEADSET CONNECTION: Effortlessly pairs with and compatible with all TruVoice or Poly wired headsets, allowing you to customise your audio experience according to your preferences. Embrace flexibility and convenience with the Dispatch-15 companion for all your communication needs
- PUSH-TO-TALK TRIGGER DESIGN: Experience ergonomic excellence with the Dispatch-15. Taking its design from a pistol grip. With your finger naturally resting on the trigger, a seamless push activates the microphone, allowing you to transmit your voice effortlessly. Releasing the trigger instantly mutes the call, giving you complete control at your fingertips
- NOISE CANCELING HEADSET: Our TruVoice Headset Range Include a High Quality Noise Canceling microphone with Flexible 270 degree Rotational Microphone Boom, our Speakers include acoustic shock protection and HD Audio Sound for call center, office or homeworkers
- COMPATIBILITY WITH DISPATCH CONSOLES: Our PTT Headset and Adapter bundle includes a 2 prong (PJ7 or PJ327) type adapter specifically for connection with consoles used for public safety dispatch radio consoles like Motorola, Aastro, Intertalk, mindshare and Intrado, air-traffic control and training simulation. The double prong connector is the Direct Equivalent to Plantronics SHS1890 PTT Adapter
Career-entry requirements to consider
For prospective controllers, BLS lists an associate’s degree as the typical entry-level education. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and pass a medical evaluation, a background check, and FAA preemployment tests, including the Air Traffic Controller Specialists Skills Assessment Battery (ATSA), before completing FAA Academy training. The requirements and individual timelines can vary with a candidate’s circumstances and progression.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- DISPTACH-15 ADAPTER: Replacement to the SHS1890, the DISPATCH-15 allows the use of any Plantronics or TruVoice QD Headset to connect to any Dispatch 2-way Radio Consoles.
- QD HEADSET CONNECTION: Effortlessly pairs with and compatible with all TruVoice, Poly, Plantronics or JPL wired headsets that have a QD, allowing you to customise your audio experience according to your preferences.
- PUSH-TO-TALK: Experience ergonomic excellence with the Dispatch-15 Adapter. Taking its design from a pistol grip. With your finger naturally resting on the trigger, a seamless push activates the microphone, allowing you to transmit your voice effortlessly. Releasing the trigger instantly mutes the call, giving you complete control at your fingertips.
- COMPATABILITY: Our PTT Adapter includes a 2 prong (PJ327) type adapter specificaly for connection with consoles used for public safety dispatch, air-traffic control, radio dispatch operations, and training simulation. Direct Equivalent to Plantronics SHS1890 Adapter.
Rank #4
- COMFORTABLE AND DURABLE DESIGN – The RA200s lightweight design weighing only 16 oz paired with soft foam ear seals provides unparalleled comfort over extended flights.
- UNMATCHED AUDIO CLARITY - Premier noise reduction rating (NRR) of 24db and electret noise-canceling microphone provides crystal clear audio ensuring minimal background noise.
- AUDIO ADJUSTABILITY - Individual volume control on each ear with ultra-lite neodymium speakers and a 3.5mm input jack for phone connection (AUDIO ONLY).
- HIGH QUALITY MICROPHONE - Equipped with an advanced noise canceling electret microphone, you can ensure your communication remains clear and uninterrupted.
- PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT - A custom padded headset bag is included to protect your headset outside of flying times. This bag is FREE when purchasing the headset.
How to interpret a salary figure
- Check the source and measure: the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook and OEWS table report different May 2025 national medians.
- Check whether the figure concerns a development controller, a controller who has completed training, or an industry-wide group.
- Compare the employer, facility, location, and job announcement before drawing conclusions about a specific offer.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
