AI Rates of Pay – Air Traffic Control (Government of Canada)
AI rates of pay for all AI (Air Traffic Control) levels in the Canadian federal public service, 2026. Salaries range from $65,761 to $159,933 across 7 levels. Category: Operational. Source: Treasury Board collective agreements.
AI – Air Traffic Control
$65,761 – $159,933
$2,529 – $6,151 biweekly (before deductions)
7 levels · Salary data from Treasury Board collective agreements
Rates effective from 2025-07-01 · Last verified 2026-04-16 · methodology
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About the AI Classification
The AI (Air Traffic Control) group covers air traffic controllers employed by the federal government. While Nav Canada (a private corporation) operates most of Canada's air traffic control system, the AI classification still exists within the federal pay structure for controllers at certain military and federal facilities. AI controllers manage the safe and orderly flow of air traffic in Canadian airspace, providing separation services, approach control, and tower control at assigned facilities.
AI positions require specialized training and certification from Transport Canada. The work is high-stakes and operationally demanding — controllers must make rapid decisions affecting aircraft safety while managing multiple aircraft simultaneously. The AI pay scale reflects the specialized nature of the work and the intensive selection and training process required. Shift work is mandatory, as air traffic control is a 24/7 operation at all active facilities.
The AI group has a unique position in federal employment because most civilian air traffic control in Canada transitioned to Nav Canada in 1996. Federal AI positions that remain are typically at military bases or specialized facilities. The pay scale and working conditions for federal AI controllers differ from those at Nav Canada, where compensation has generally been higher due to market pressures and the operational demands of major commercial airports.
Want to know your take-home pay after taxes and deductions? Use the take-home pay calculator or compare AI with other classifications.