Alert airport response staff in the event of an aircraft emergencyĪir traffic controllers’ primary concern is safety, but they also must direct aircraft efficiently to minimize delays.Inform pilots about weather, runway closures, and other critical information.Transfer control of departing flights to other traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights.Issue takeoff and landing instructions to pilots.Control all ground traffic at airport runways and taxiways.Monitor and direct the movement of aircraft on the ground and in the air.DutiesĪir traffic controllers typically do the following: Learn more about air traffic controllers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.Īir traffic controllers authorize flight path changes.Īir traffic controllers coordinate the movement of aircraft, including within the vicinity of airports and between altitude sectors and control centers, so that they maintain safe distances. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Similar OccupationsĬompare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of air traffic controllers with similar occupations. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.Įxplore resources for employment and wages by state and area for air traffic controllers. Job OutlookĮmployment of air traffic controllers is projected to show little or no change from 2021 to 2031.ĭespite limited employment growth, about 2,400 openings for air traffic controllers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. The median annual wage for air traffic controllers was $129,750 in May 2021.

citizen, submit to medical and background checks, and complete training at Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) academy. Candidates typically need an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree from the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative program, several years of progressively responsible work experience, or a combination of education and experience. There are several paths to becoming an air traffic controller. Night, weekend, and rotating shifts are common. Their work can be stressful because maximum concentration is required at all times. Work EnvironmentĪir traffic controllers work in control towers, approach control facilities, or en route centers. Quick Facts: Air Traffic ControllersĪir traffic controllers coordinate the movement of aircraft to maintain safe distances between them. Please enable javascript to play this video.

People who man an atc tower