Air Traffic Controller Careers Information
We rely on air traffic controller careers to keep our busy airways organized and safe. Using a range of technology such as radar and radio, controllers make sure planes remain at safe distances from one another and that runways do not become clogged. They must also monitor changing weather conditions and be prepared to assist pilots during emergency landings. The job of an air traffic controller can be very demanding and so only the most dedicated individuals are trusted with this critical position.
Air Traffic Controller Careers & Degrees
Air traffic controllers can be divided into four main categories, three of which exist at airports. Tower local controllers establish the landing and takeoff order of planes as well as coordinate the taxiing of aircraft as they move between the runways and terminals. Ground controllers work outside and help planes navigate safely while on the ground. Terminal radar controllers use radar to monitor the paths of planes as they enter and leave the airspace around the airport; it is also their job to inform pilots of weather and runway conditions.
Outside of airports, the FAA has established air traffic control centers where en route controllers monitor all planes that are between the airport control areas. All air traffic personnel must be in constant contact with one another so they may smoothly transfer the monitoring of a flight from its initial boarding of passengers, through its takeoff, flight, and landing, to its final arrival at the destination terminal.
Air Traffic Controller Careers Path
Air traffic controllers may come to the career from a few different paths. Some have prior military or FAA experience; some have some combination of full-time work experience and college; others have a Bachelor-s degree or a degree from the FAA-s Air Traffic Controller Training Initiative. All new controllers must pass an 8 hour FAA pre-employment test and, if successful in securing a job offer, attend a 12 week training FAA training program. Throughout their career, air traffic controllers must pass regular proficiency exams as well as medical and drug tests.
Air Traffic Controller Careers Salary Expectations
The average salary for an air traffic controller is $111,870 a year, with the middle fifty percent earning between $71,050 and $143,780. For the over 90% of air traffic controllers who are employed by the federal government, the average yearly air traffic controller salary (not including overtime) is $109,218 a year. Salary levels for the federal government are determined by a rating system that gives higher ratings to larger facilities and positions with more responsibility. Therefore, those controllers with more experience, an excellent track record, and who are willing to relocate to larger areas might be able to earn a higher level salary.
Air Traffic Controller Careers Compatible Personality Traits
Intelligent, excellent memory, articulate, excellent communicator, able to juggle multiple tasks, technologically savvy, focused, good under stress.
Air Traffic Controller Careers Job Outlook
While more air traffic will mean more work, better technology will offset the need for more controllers by making existing ones more efficient. Nevertheless, the job outlook for air traffic controllers is good in the coming years. Because controllers have a mandatory retirement age, new controllers will be needed to replace those who retire. Those air traffic controllers who continually pass their proficiency exams and medical tests will be very secure in their positions since even in times of recession when flights are down, air traffic controllers are seldom let go.
Slightly off the Footpath
- Aviation
- Flight Instructor
- Flight Engineer
- Sight Seeing Pilot
Source: bls.gov/oco/ocos108.htm
