All About Air Traffic Controllers
Job Description & Duties 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
- Initiate or coordinate searches for missing aircraft.
- Inspect, adjust, or control radio equipment or airport lights.
- Check conditions and traffic at different altitudes in response to pilots' requests for altitude changes.
- Monitor aircraft within a specific airspace, using radar, computer equipment, or visual references.
- Determine the timing or procedures for flight vector changes.
- Direct ground traffic, including taxiing aircraft, maintenance or baggage vehicles, or airport workers.
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Qualities of an Air Traffic Controller
These are the skills Air Traffic Controllers say are the most useful in their careers:
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
- Flight Tower Dispatcher
- Flight Control Specialist
- Air Traffic Supervisor
- Air Traffic Control Specialist/Certified Professional Controller (ATC Specialist/CPC)
- Air Traffic Controller (Enroute Option)
Is There 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.
What is the Average Salary of an Air Traffic Controller
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 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
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Air Traffic Controllers:
- 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
Learn what Air Traffic Controller education requirements there are.
How many years of work experience do I need?
Who Employs Air Traffic Controllers?
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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