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What Do Air Traffic Controller Do?
Job Description: 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.
List of Air Traffic Controller Job Duties
- Provide flight path changes or directions to emergency landing fields for pilots traveling in bad weather or in emergency situations.
- Provide on-the-job training to new air traffic controllers.
- Determine the timing or procedures for flight vector changes.
- Transfer control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights.
- Issue landing and take-off authorizations or instructions.
- Direct ground traffic, including taxiing aircraft, maintenance or baggage vehicles, or airport workers.
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Skills Needed to be an Air Traffic Controller
Below is a list of the skills most Air Traffic Controllers say are important on the job.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Types of Air Traffic Controller
- Air Route Traffic Controller
- Air Traffic Coordinator
- Access Control Specialist
- Flight Tower Dispatcher
- Air Traffic Controller, Center
Job Demand for Air Traffic Controllers
In the United States, there were 24,900 jobs for Air Traffic Controller in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 3.6% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 900 new jobs for Air Traffic Controller by 2026. The BLS estimates 2,400 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Air Traffic Controller are Nevada, Nebraska, and Louisiana. Watch out if you plan on working in Michigan, Wisconsin, or West Virginia. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Air Traffic Controller Salary
The salary for Air Traffic Controllers ranges between about $68,090 and $178,650 a year.
Air Traffic Controllers who work in Illinois, Virginia, or New Hampshire, make the highest salaries.
How much do Air Traffic Controllers make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $94,370 |
| Alaska | $112,260 |
| Arizona | $110,370 |
| Arkansas | $93,370 |
| California | $132,300 |
| Colorado | $128,210 |
| Connecticut | $88,360 |
| District of Columbia | $75,670 |
| Georgia | $136,210 |
| Hawaii | $110,050 |
| Idaho | $94,910 |
| Illinois | $136,390 |
| Indiana | $122,470 |
| Iowa | $82,460 |
| Kansas | $122,510 |
| Kentucky | $104,890 |
| Louisiana | $86,070 |
| Maryland | $117,610 |
| Massachusetts | $109,430 |
| Michigan | $111,830 |
| Minnesota | $131,330 |
| Mississippi | $84,240 |
| Missouri | $101,280 |
| Montana | $77,150 |
| Nebraska | $92,720 |
| Nevada | $119,600 |
| New Hampshire | $147,350 |
| New Jersey | $118,380 |
| New Mexico | $114,890 |
| New York | $130,840 |
| North Carolina | $109,000 |
| North Dakota | $85,760 |
| Ohio | $131,180 |
| Oklahoma | $109,280 |
| Oregon | $95,570 |
| Pennsylvania | $115,040 |
| South Carolina | $92,070 |
| South Dakota | $82,580 |
| Texas | $133,260 |
| Utah | $118,410 |
| Vermont | $81,630 |
| Virginia | $139,520 |
| West Virginia | $79,710 |
| Wisconsin | $100,500 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Air Traffic Controllers
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Air Traffic Controllers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Access
- Adobe Acrobat
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- SAP software
- Really Simple Syndication RSS
- Flight simulation software
How to Become an Air Traffic Controller
What education or degrees do I need to become an Air Traffic Controller?
How Long Does it Take to Become an Air Traffic Controller?
Air Traffic Controllers Sector
Below are examples of industries where Air Traffic Controllers work:
References:
Image Credit: Tech. Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol via U.S. Air Force photo
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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