Air Traffic Controllers

Also Called: Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS), Air Traffic Controller (ATC), Air Traffic Controller (Enroute Option), Certified Professional Controller (CPC)

High School Diploma/GED

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$76,190

Entry Salary

Below Average

Job outlook

What Air Traffic Controllers do

Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport, and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers, according to established procedures and policies. Authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.

  • Inform pilots about nearby planes or potentially hazardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of wind, or visibility problems.
  • Issue landing and take-off authorizations or instructions.
  • Transfer control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights.
Industry Areas:

Transportation

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Frequency of Decision Making
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  • Work With Work Group or Team

Tools

  • Aircraft guidance systems
  • Radarbased surveillance systems
  • Aircraft communication systems
  • Two way radios
  • Aircraft navigation beacons

Technology

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Flight control software
Direct-to-tool software
Traffic management advisor TMA software

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Complex Problem Solving

Knowledge

Transportation
movement of people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road
Arts and Humanities
English language
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Safety and Government
public safety and security

Education

  • 36% High school diploma or equivalent
  • 21% Post-secondary certificate
  • 20% Bachelor's degree

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Air Traffic Controllers Currently Selected

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Aircraft Mechanics & Service Technicians

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

Captains, Mates, & Pilots of Water Vessels

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

 Job Training Match

Airfield Operations Specialists

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

There are currently no advanced training opportunities for this career.

ACT & College

  • Aims Community College

    Greeley, CO

  • Arizona State University-Tempe

    Tempe, AZ

Apprenticeships

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Military

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Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Conventional (Organizer)
    • Enterprising (Persuader)

Work Styles

  • Attention to Detail
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Dependability
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Persistence
  • Achievement/Effort

Values

  • Support
  • Independence
  • Working Conditions

Abilities

  • Attention
  • Visual Understanding
  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic

This is what Air Traffic Controllers across the country typically make.

$36.63 / hour
$76,190 /year

Entry Level

$66.05 / hour
$137,380 /year

Median Level

$96.63 / hour
$200,990 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Below Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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