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.
Also called: Air Route Controller, Air Route Traffic Controller, Air Traffic Control Operator, Air Traffic Coordinator, Aircraft Communicator, Airport Tower Controller
Median pay
$148,080
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$78,420 – $215,610
People employed
22,510
Holland code
CRE
Conventional · Realistic · Enterprising
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 2.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 3.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 4.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 5.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
- 6.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 7.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 8.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
The hard parts
- Dealing with conflict is part of the job
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Air Traffic Controllers pay by state
Annual median pay by state (42 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What air traffic controllers do
- 01Inform pilots about nearby planes or potentially hazardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of wind, or visibility problems.
- 02Monitor aircraft within a specific airspace, using radar, computer equipment, or visual references.
- 03Monitor, direct, or sequence the movement of aircraft within an assigned air space or on the ground at airports to minimize delays and maximize safety.
- 04Alert airport emergency services in cases of emergency or when aircraft are experiencing difficulties.
- 05Maintain radio or telephone contact with adjacent control towers, terminal control units, or other area control centers to coordinate aircraft movement.
- 06Transfer control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Transportation
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Achievement Orientation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from air traffic controllers
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers70% · −28%
- Loss Prevention Managers68% · group pay
- Compliance Managers65% · group pay
- Telecommunications Engineering Specialists63% · group pay
- Information Security Analysts63% · −13%
Change into air traffic controllers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Traffic Technicians82% · $59,090
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters79% · $78,000
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers77% · $106,730
- Transit and Railroad Police75% · $90,230
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors74% · $58,170
Majors that lead here
- Air Traffic Controller
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.