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All About Air Traffic Controllers
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.
Life As an Air Traffic Controller
- Monitor or direct 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.
- Transfer control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights.
- Complete daily activity reports and keep records of messages from aircraft.
- Conduct pre-flight briefings on weather conditions, suggested routes, altitudes, indications of turbulence, or other flight safety information.
- Provide on-the-job training to new air traffic controllers.
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Air Traffic Controller Skills
When polled, Air Traffic Controllers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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 Traffic Controller (ATC)
- Flight Radio Officer
- Airline Dispatcher
- Chief Communications Officer
- Air Route Traffic Controller
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. There will be an estimated 2,400 positions for Air Traffic Controller per year.
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.
How Much Does an Air Traffic Controller Make?
The typical yearly salary for Air Traffic Controllers is somewhere between $68,090 and $178,650.
Air Traffic Controllers who work in Illinois, Virginia, or New Hampshire, make the highest salaries.
How much do Air Traffic Controllers make in different U.S. states?
| 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 |
What Tools & Technology do Air Traffic Controllers Use?
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
Becoming an Air Traffic Controller
Individuals working as an Air Traffic Controller have obtained the following education levels:
What work experience do I need to become an Air Traffic Controller?
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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