| Quick Facts: Air Traffic Controllers | |
|---|---|
| 2012 Median Pay | $122,530 per year $58.91 per hour |
| Entry-Level Education | Associate’s degree |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
| On-the-job Training | Long-term on-the-job training |
| Number of Jobs, 2012 | 25,000 |
| Job Outlook, 2012-22 | 1% (Little or no change) |
| Employment Change, 2012-22 | 400 |
What Air Traffic Controllers Do
Air traffic controllers coordinate the movement of air traffic to ensure that aircraft stay safe distances apart.
Work Environment
Air traffic controllers work in control towers, approach control facilities, or route centers. Their work can be stressful because total concentration is required at all times. Night, weekend, and rotating shifts are common.
How to Become an Air Traffic Controller
To become an air traffic controller, a person must be a U.S. citizen, pass medical and background checks, achieve a qualifying score on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pre-employment test, and complete a training course at the FAA Academy.
Pay
The median annual wage for air traffic controllers was $122,530 in May 2012.
Job Outlook
Employment of air traffic controllers is projected to show little or no change from 2012 to 2022. Most employment opportunities will result from the need to replace workers who retire or leave the occupation. Job opportunities will be best for applicants with an air traffic management degree from an FAA-certified school or have an air traffic control background.