The Indian aviation industry is on a rapid growth, creating high demand for skilled air traffic controllers to ensure safety and orderly movement of aircraft, both on ground and the sky. This is a challenging yet rewarding profession which demands candidates with ability to handle immense pressure, high responsibilities and multitasking.
This article aims to guide those ambitious students who aspire to build a career in the aviation industry as an air traffic controller. Here, we discuss the salary structure of air traffic controllers in India, incorporating everything you need to know.
Who Is An Air Traffic Controller. ?
Have you ever wondered how the management of thousands of aircraft is done effectively everyday? This critical responsibility is assigned to air traffic controllers, who are also commonly referred to as the traffic managers of the skies. These professionals primarily work to direct aircraft in safe takeoff, flight and landing.
You can become an Air Traffic Controller through the government recruiting authorities like the Airport Authority of India, defence services and international aviation regulatory agencies. Those with excellent presence of mind, swift decision making skills and communication skills are perfect candidates as this is a demanding and high-pressure job.
Air Traffic Controller Salary In India
The salary an Air Traffic Controller receives in India is primarily influenced by the recruiting body, experience and location of employment. One of the top employers of air traffic controllers is the Airport Authority of India (AAI). The Air Traffic Controller salary structure based on the AAI guidelines are as follows:
Category | Details |
Designation | Junior Executive (Air Traffic Controller) |
Pay Level | E-1 |
Pay scale | Basic pay- Rs 40,000 |
With annual 3% increment up to Rs 1,40,000 | |
Benefits and allowances |
|
Other benefits as per AAI |
|
Approximate CTC | Rs 13 Lakhs per annum |
(Salary Source: AAI Detailed ATC Advertisement 02-2025-CHQ.pdf)
Air Traffic Controller Salary Based On Experience
The salary of an Air Traffic Controller can vary and increase according to promotions and experience level. Over the years with the progress in experience and expertise, the pay scale of an Air Traffic Controller rises. Check out the table below to understand the Air Traffic Controller salary difference based on varying experience level
Experience Level | Average Salary Range |
1 year | Rs 39,000 - 50,000 per month |
1- 3 years | Rs 50,000 - 7 Lakhs / per year |
4-6 years | Rs 51,000 - 69,000/per month |
7-9 years | Rs 56, 000 - 8 Lakhs /per month |
10-14 years | Rs 14.5 Lakhs - 31.0 Lakhs / per year |
(Salary Source: Glassdoor)
How To Become An Air Traffic Controller In India?
To become an Air Traffic Controller in India, candidates will need to fulfill certain eligibility requirements. Important qualifications needed to pursue a career as an Air Traffic Controller in India is listed below:
Educational qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in engineering (ECE,EEE, IT, CS) or science (Physics/ Maths) are required to build a career as an Air Traffic Controller in India.
Age limit: Candidates need to fall under the age category of 21 to 27 years.
Recruitment exam: For the junior executive ATC post the AAI conducts recruitment exams.
Training : Qualified candidates are required to attend the training program conducted at the Civil Aviation Training Colleges (CATC).
Becoming an Air Traffic Controller is a financially and professionally rewarding choice. These professionals enjoy heightened job satisfaction due to the financial stability, career advancement, clear benefits and upward mobility. ATCs remain one of the most well-paid and most appealing professions in the field of aviation, making this a top choice for students exploring lucrative career opportunities in India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The average monthly basic pay of an Air Traffic Controller in the Airport Authority Of India (AAI) is Rs. 40,000. With annual three per cent increment, the salary range can progress up to Rs. 1,40,000.
In India as a fresher in the profession of an air traffic controller, your average salary can be anywhere between Rs. 39,000 to Rs. 50,000 per month.
(Salary Source: Glassdoor)
The minimum educational qualification required for a candidate to become an air traffic controller is a bachelor’s degree in engineering (ECE, EEE, IT, CS) or science (physics/maths).
To become an Air Traffic Controller you must attend the Junior Executive (ATC) exam. It is conducted by the Airport Authority of India (AAI).
Yes, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria as per the Airport Authority of India (AAI) requirements.