Air Traffic Controllers
SOC code 53-2021 · O*NET-SOC 53-2021.00 · Medium preparation needed · Transportation
Air Traffic Controllers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$148,080
a year
Hourly
$71.19
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$146,490
$70.43 per hour
Middle 50%
$104,520 – $190,570
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$78,420 – $215,610
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
22,510
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $78,420
- $37.70/hr
- 25th percentile
- $104,520
- $50.25/hr
- Median percentile
- $148,080
- $71.19/hr
- 75th percentile
- $190,570
- $91.62/hr
- 90th percentile
- $215,610
- $103.66/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+1%
Growing about as fast as average
24,100
jobs in 2024
24,400
projected for 2034
About 300 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What does an air traffic controller 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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
- Monitor, direct, or sequence the movement of aircraft within an assigned air space or on the ground at airports to minimize delays and maximize safety.
- Alert airport emergency services in cases of emergency or when aircraft are experiencing difficulties.
- Maintain radio or telephone contact with adjacent control towers, terminal control units, or other area control centers to coordinate aircraft movement.
- 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.
- Direct pilots to runways when space is available or direct them to maintain a traffic pattern until there is space for them to land.
How to become an air traffic controller
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 36% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)36%
- Post-Secondary Certificate21%
- Bachelor's Degree20%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree14%
Common questions
How much does an air traffic controller earn?
The national median is $148,080 a year. The full range runs from $78,420 at the 10th percentile to $215,610 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become an air traffic controller without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Is air traffic controller in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 1% between 2024 and 2034 — growing about as fast as average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening4.4/5
- Speaking4.3/5
- Critical Thinking4.1/5
- Monitoring4.0/5
- Reading Comprehension3.8/5
- Active Learning3.8/5
Knowledge areas
- Transportation4.2/5
- English Language3.9/5
- Public Safety and Security3.8/5
- Education and Training3.8/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
- Geography3.5/5
- Telecommunications3.4/5
- Mathematics3.3/5
Transferable strengths: Judgment and Decision Making, Complex Problem Solving, Coordination, Time Management.