Air Traffic Controller Salary Australia: Award Minimum vs Enterprise Agreement Rates

Understanding the air traffic controller salary australia landscape

When researching an air traffic controller salary australia, it is essential to separate the legal minimum from the rates actually paid under enterprise agreements. Most air traffic controllers in Australia are employed by Airservices Australia and are covered by the Airservices Australia Enterprise Award 2016 [MA000141], which sets the minimum pay floor. However, the vast majority of controllers are paid under the Airservices Australia Enterprise Agreement, which provides significantly higher base salaries.

The legal minimum: Airservices Australia Enterprise Award 2016

The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the Airservices Australia Enterprise Award 2016, which includes minimum annual salaries for various classifications. As of 1 July 2026, the minimum for a qualified Air Traffic Controller is $84,771 per annum. Other classifications under the award include:

• Air Traffic Controller—Academy Trainee: $58,352
• Air Traffic Controller—Field Trainee: $71,294
• Air Traffic Controller: $84,771
• Unit Tower Supervisor: $94,526
• Check & Standardisation Supervisor—Air Traffic Control: $100,157
• Systems Supervisor: $100,157

These are the minimum rates that Airservices Australia must pay an employee in those roles. The award also includes allowances, shift penalties, and a composite rate calculation for eligible controllers. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of these amounts.

Enterprise agreement rates: what most controllers actually earn

Airservices Australia has its own enterprise agreement that sets higher base salaries. According to the company’s salary table, a Level 1 controller starts at **$116,990 on commencement, increasing to $125,564 after 24 months (with annual increases of 4% and then 3.8%/3.4% in subsequent years). The scale continues up to Level 10 at $226,955, and Unit Tower Supervisors (UTS) and Check & Standardisation Supervisor/Systems Supervisor start at $247,968. These rates reflect the negotiated salary for experienced controllers and supervisors.

Because the enterprise agreement covers the same employees as the award, the award rate is the backstop. If the agreement were to lapse, the award minimum applies, but in practice the agreement is current and provides the higher figures.

How the award compares to the national minimum wage

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is **$26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) for adult employees who are award-free and not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. The air traffic controller award minimum of $84,771 per year works out to roughly $1,630 per week—well above the national floor. The national minimum is only relevant if an air traffic controller were somehow not covered by any award or agreement, which is not the case for Airservices employees.

Award-free air traffic controllers?

There is no separate modern award for air traffic controllers outside Airservices Australia. The Airservices Australia Enterprise Award 2016 is a specific enterprise award that covers only that employer. If a controller worked for a different employer not covered by that award, they might be award-free and would fall back to the national minimum wage or a relevant modern award if one exists. However, in practice, almost all air traffic controllers in Australia are employed by Airservices Australia.

Superannuation and other payments

Employers must pay the superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. This is not deducted from the salary but paid separately into a super fund. Allowances and penalties can also increase total remuneration.

For more detail on how pay floors work across different industries, see our Which minimum wage applies guide and Rate tables for award rates. If you need to understand how the figures are calculated, visit How the figures work.

FAQs

What is the minimum salary for an air traffic controller in Australia?

The minimum salary for a qualified Air Traffic Controller under the Airservices Australia Enterprise Award 2016 is $84,771 per year as of 1 July 2026. Most controllers earn more under the enterprise agreement, with starting salaries around $116,990.

Do air traffic controllers receive superannuation on top of their salary?

Yes, employers must pay 12% super guarantee on ordinary time earnings, on top of the salary.

How does the air traffic controller award rate compare to the national minimum wage?

The award minimum is about $1,630 per week, much higher than the national minimum of $1,004.90 per week. The national minimum is a backstop for award-free employees.