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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Air Traffic Controllers

Median Salary
137,380
Job Outlook
+3%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Employment of air traffic controllers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 2,200 openings for air traffic controllers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$34,130

10%

$137,380

Median

$177,110

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    36%

  • Bachelor's degree

    20%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    20%

  • Associate's degree

    14%

  • Some college

    5%

  • Post baccalaureate

    1%

  • Less than high school

    1%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Air Traffic Controller

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Leadership

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Transportation
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Education and Training
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Geography

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Enterprising

You love taking risks in business or personal projects — and have the leadership skills to back it up.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.