Air traffic controllers work for the Federal Aviation Administration and, as such, enjoy access to federal pay scales and federal benefits. While entry level pay for air traffic controllers, as of September 2013, is relatively low, the value of the benefits are significant. In addition, wages climb for air traffic controllers. As of the May 2012 Occupational Employment and Wages study from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a median-earning air traffic controller took home $122,530.
A member of the general public with no training or a college graduate of an air traffic control course enters the FAA's academy at a base pay of $17,803. Once the recruit finishes training, the pay automatically gets bumped up to $37,070. Controllers with military or current Federal experience start at the $37,070 wage. Air traffic controller wages also continue to increase as the controller's experience grows. It can take two to four years to complete the on-the-job training process