In this article, we discuss what air traffic controllers do and list the pros and cons of the job. Understanding the pros and cons of being an air traffic controller can help you determine whether you may want to pursue it. Air traffic controllers are professionals who authorize and control commercial flights to ensure a safe distance between planes, both in the air and in the process of taking off or landing. The below information is based on the 2021 BLS national averages.Air traffic control is a highly specialized field that allows for the safe transportation of people and goods through aircraft. Though at times it is a strenuous job, it also offers an excellent salary, as well as a stimulating working environment. If you have a love of aviation and are a quick thinker with a good grasp of logic, then working as an air traffic controller may be right for you. Those just starting out can expect to earn between $50,000 and $70,000 a year, while those in senior positions can expect to earn upwards of $161,000 a year. With a high rate of those in the field currently retiring, the need to replace staff is driving recruitment.Īir traffic controllers may advance to become senior controllers, take up a position in staff management, or become trainers.Īccording to BLS.gov, the median salary for an air traffic controller is around $111,000 per year. Those employed with the FAA will start their career as developmental controllers, while they undergo on the job learning and further training.Īfter this period they are promoted to the position of air traffic controller.Įmployment prospects for qualified air traffic controllers is strong. Air Traffic Controller Salary and Career PathĪlmost all air traffic controllers are employed by the FAA, or the Federal Aviation Administration, with the exception of those in the military or working for smaller airports. Most air traffic controllers work 40 hours a week.īeing that airports are open 24 hours a day, most work a rotating roster and may need to work night shift.īeing alert all of the time can take its toll, this is a job that many find mentally exhausting. Avoiding delays in the takeoff or landing of planes.Providing pilots with information such as weather.Preventing collisions – known as separation.Monitoring radar and airspace to anticipate problems.Giving aircrafts permission to take off and land.Air Traffic Controller Job DescriptionĪn air traffic controller, or ATC, can work for a large commercial airport, a military base, or for smaller private airports.Īirspace that is patrolled by an air traffic controller is referred to controlled airspace. Therefore, to work in an American airport you would need to speak English, in other countries you may need to learn a second language.Īll pilots and air traffic controllers are required to speak English. Those with a background in the military, or other aviation experience, are the exception to this rule.Īfter you pass the pre-employment exam, you’ll also need to undergo some physical and medical checks.Īfter this you’ll head off to Oklahoma for 12 weeks of training, unless you are a graduate of the FAA approved air traffic control course, in this case you can bypass part of this training.Īn air traffic controller can only communicate in two languages, the native language of the place in which they are working, or English. There are two year and four year courses that teach the fundamentals of aviation and air traffic control.Įntrance into these courses is competitive, but graduates have excellent job opportunities, and a very strong chance of being granted immediate employment.Īpplicants who do not have any air traffic control experience must be under 30 years of age. The fourth route to sit the pre-employment exam is to take an FAA approved course in aviation. To be selected to sit for this exam, you must have had aviation or military experience, or have completed a four year college degree, or have completed three years of work experience. To do this you must first apply for an open position, then sit the exam. To become an air traffic controller, you will need to complete pre-employment exam at the FAA. How long does it take to become an air traffic controller?Įducation Requirements to Become an Air Traffic Controller.What is the demand for air traffic controllers?.How much does it cost to become an air traffic controller?.How much do air traffic controllers make?.These are the top 5 earning states in the field:.Air Traffic Controller Salary and Career Path.Education Requirements to Become an Air Traffic Controller.
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