Air Traffic Controllers
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.
Common Job Titles
- Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS)
- Air Traffic Controller (ATC)
- Certified Professional Controller (CPC)
- Enroute Air Traffic Controller (Enroute ATC)
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Air Traffic Controllers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
22,400
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $76,090. 25th percentile: U.S. $101,150. 50th percentile: U.S. $144,580. 75th percentile: U.S. $186,510. 90th percentile: U.S. $210,410. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $76,090 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $210,410 |
| Workers on average earn | $142,740 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Transportation4.2/5
- English Language3.9/5
- Public Safety and Security3.8/5
- Education and Training3.8/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Technology Skills
- Advanced technologies and oceanic procedures ATOP
- Automated radar terminal systems ARTS
- Center TRACON automation systems CTAS
- Direct-to-tool software
- En route descent advisor EDA
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Expedite departure path EDP software
- Final approach spacing tool FAST
Tools & Equipment
- Air route surveillance radar ARSR systems
- Airport surface detection equipment ASDE systems
- Airport surveillance radar ASR systems
- Area navigation RNAV systems
- Automatic direction finder ADF radio systems
- Binoculars
- Controller pilot datalink communication CPDC systems
- Desktop computers