Air Traffic Controller

Loading state data...

Loading state data...

  Career Profile

Air Traffic Controller

What they 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.

Also Called: Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS), Air Traffic Controller (ATC), Center Air Traffic Controller (Center ATC), Certified Professional Controller (CPC), Control Tower Operator, Enroute Air Traffic Controller (Enroute ATC), Radar Air Traffic Controller, Terminal Air Traffic Control Specialist (Terminal ATC Specialist), Tower Air Traffic Controller (Tower ATC), Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS), Air Traffic Controller (ATC), Center Air Traffic Controller (Center ATC), Certified Professional Controller (CPC), Control Tower Operator, Enroute Air Traffic Controller (Enroute ATC), Radar Air Traffic Controller, Terminal Air Traffic Control Specialist (Terminal ATC Specialist), Tower Air Traffic Controller (Tower ATC)

$76,190
Starting Salary (2023)
$137,380
Median Salary (2023)
1.4%
Projected Job Growth
22,310
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Inform pilots about nearby planes or potentially hazardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of wind, or visibility problems.
Monitor aircraft within a specific airspace, using radar, computer equipment, or visual references.
Maintain radio or telephone contact with adjacent control towers, terminal control units, or other area control centers to coordinate aircraft movement.
Contact pilots by radio to provide meteorological, navigational, or other information.
Monitor or direct the movement of aircraft within an assigned air space or on the ground at airports to minimize delays and maximize safety.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Enterprising
Business based Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Stress Tolerance
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Adaptability/Flexibility
Persistence
Analytical Thinking

What key skills are needed for this job?

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

Expected Knowledge

Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Common Activities

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

More Info

What can I do with this major? Logo

Explore 106 major profiles, common career paths and strategies to maximize opportunities.

Visit Site
My Next Move logo

Search career information in detail by keywords, browse by industry, or via your interests.

Visit Site
Career OneStop Logo

Explore career options, find training and education, plan for your job search and find local help and services.

Visit Site
BLS OOH logo

The Occupational Outlook Handbook - browse occupations and resources and explore occupation groups.

Visit Site
O*NET logo

The nation's primary source of occupational information. Complete data and information breakdowns for all careers.

Visit Site