Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Pittsburgh, PA: $88,317 (2026)

To increase their prospects, graduates should be aware of the primary employers in the Pittsburgh area—chiefly the FAA. The agency offers routes for new hires either through specific public bid windows for positions open to applicants under age 31 or via the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) in partnership with select universities. Candidates with military backgrounds can also benefit from alternate pathways that expedite their hiring process. Credentials that can enhance initial pay include US citizenship and meeting educational prerequisites, such as holding a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience. After passing the FAA's Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test and completing training at the FAA Academy, which lasts between three to five months, new hires can expect ongoing training and performance evaluations. The career path in this field, especially for those in lower-tier facilities, often involves a gradual increase in pay as individuals move toward Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status, with realistic expectations of salary growth reflective of the sector's recent demand for controllers, intensified by ongoing staffing shortages.