Air traffic controllers
SOC Code: 53-2021Also known as:
Access Control Specialist, Air Route Controller, Air Route Traffic Controller, Air Traffic Control Operator, Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS)
Median Annual Salary
$144,580
+1.2% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
24K
Current Jobs
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.
💰 Salary
$144,580
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+1.2%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Associate's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Long-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
24,100
Projected Employment (2034)
24,400
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Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Judgment and Decision Making
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Provide flight path changes or directions to emergency landing fields for pilots traveling in bad weather or in emergency situations.
- Alert airport emergency services in cases of emergency or when aircraft are experiencing difficulties.
- Monitor or direct the movement of aircraft within an assigned air space or on the ground at airports to minimize delays and maximize safety.
- Direct pilots to runways when space is available or direct them to maintain a traffic pattern until there is space for them to land.
- Monitor aircraft within a specific airspace, using radar, computer equipment, or visual references.
- Direct ground traffic, including taxiing aircraft, maintenance or baggage vehicles, or airport workers.
- Contact pilots by radio to provide meteorological, navigational, or other information.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Associate's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Air traffic controllers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a air traffic controllers:
Air Traffic Controller
189 degrees awarded •
19 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Air traffic controllers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become air traffic controllers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make?
The median annual salary for air traffic controllers is $144,580.
What education do air traffic controllers need?
Most air traffic controllers positions require a associate's degree.
Common degree programs include Air Traffic Controller.
Is becoming air traffic controllers a good career choice?
Air traffic controllers is projected to see +1.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 2,200 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for air traffic controllers?
Top colleges for aspiring air traffic controllers include
Tulsa Technology Center, Florida Institute of Technology, University of North Dakota, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, Mt San Antonio College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to air traffic controllers?
Air traffic controllers may also be known as: Access Control Specialist, Air Route Controller, Air Route Traffic Controller, Air Traffic Control Operator, Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS), Air Traffic Control Support Specialist (ATC Support Specialist), Air Traffic Controller (ATC), Air Traffic Coordinator, Air Traffic Manager, Aircraft Communicator, Airline Dispatcher, Airport Tower Controller, Airport Traffic Controller, Airway Controller, Airway Traffic Controller, Airways Control Specialist, Airways Operations Specialist, Center Air Traffic Controller (Center ATC), Certified Professional Controller (CPC), Communications Officer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.