Air Traffic Controller salary in Montana
Air Traffic Controllers in Montana earn a median of $101,380 a year ($48.74 an hour), based on BLS data for 60 workers.
Pay ranges from $75,130 for the lowest-paid 10% to $127,980 for the top 10%. That is 32% lower than the national median of $148,080. Montana ranks 38th of 43 states for air traffic controllers pay. There are 0.12 air traffic controllers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $98,700, close to the median.
Pay range for air traffic controllers in Montana
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $75,130 | $36.12 |
| 25th percentile | $83,030 | $39.92 |
| Median | $101,380 | $48.74 |
| 75th percentile | $108,680 | $52.25 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $127,980 | $61.53 |
| Average (mean) | $98,700 | $47.45 |
Half of air traffic controllers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $8,448.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $4,224.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,899.23 |
| Weekly | $1,949.62 |
| Hourly | $48.74 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Highest-paying states for air traffic controllers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Virginia | $191,820 |
| Illinois | $181,560 |
| Georgia | $178,420 |
| Colorado | $177,380 |
| Minnesota | $176,840 |
| Texas | $170,080 |
| Washington | $162,570 |
| California | $160,080 |
| Kansas | $159,700 |
| Indiana | $158,810 |
Related jobs in Montana
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Pilot | $103,690 | — |
| Airfield Operations Specialist | $33,990 | $16.34 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $39,050 | $18.77 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $58,870 | $28.30 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $43,840 | $21.08 |
| Light Truck Driver | $46,420 | $22.32 |
| Driver/Sales Worker | $27,580 | $13.26 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | $60,670 | $29.17 |
| Bus Drivers, School | $46,220 | $22.22 |
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $36,510 | $17.55 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | $34,960 | $16.81 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $48,060 | $23.10 |
| Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other | $41,860 | $20.12 |
| Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs | $36,620 | $17.61 |
More: Transportation and Material Moving Occupations · all salaries in Montana
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 53-2021. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a air traffic controller make in Montana?
The median salary for air traffic controllers in Montana is $101,380 a year, or $48.74 an hour. Pay ranges from $75,130 for the lowest-paid 10% to $127,980 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid air traffic controllers make in Montana?
The top 10% of air traffic controllers in Montana earn at least $127,980 a year. The top 25% earn $108,680 or more.
What is the starting pay for air traffic controllers in Montana?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $75,130 a year, and a quarter of air traffic controllers earn $83,030 or less.
How many air traffic controllers work in Montana?
About 60 air traffic controllers are employed in Montana, not counting the self-employed.