How to Become an Air Traffic Controller
Direct aircraft through takeoff, flight, and landing with total focus, among the best-paid careers without a required degree. It typically requires a faa academy training, with a median salary of $148,080 per year and slower than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$148,080/yr
Job growth
1%
Openings / yr
2,200
Majors that lead here
Common majors include Aviation Science, Air Traffic Management.
Key skills
- Traffic Sequencing
- Radio Communication
- Rapid Decision Making
- Monitoring
- Stress Management
Helpful certifications
- FAA Air Traffic Control certification
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
- Commercial Pilot$123,220 median
- Aircraft Mechanic$79,870 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Air Traffic Controller make?
The median pay for an Air Traffic Controller is $148,080 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become an Air Traffic Controller?
The usual entry point is a faa academy training. Common majors are Aviation Science and Air Traffic Management.
Is Air Traffic Controller a growing field?
The BLS projects slower than average demand for this role, about 1% over the decade, with roughly 2,200 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does an Air Traffic Controller use most?
Common skills for this role are Traffic Sequencing, Radio Communication, Rapid Decision Making, Monitoring, and Stress Management.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.