Air Traffic Controller
Guide aircraft safely through controlled airspace preventing collisions
About the profession
Air Traffic Controllers direct aircraft movement on the ground and in the air to prevent collisions and maintain orderly traffic flow. The role demands exceptional concentration, spatial awareness, and quick decision-making under pressure. ATCs work for the FAA in the US and equivalent agencies worldwide. The career offers strong compensation and retirement benefits but requires passing rigorous selection and training.
How to Get Started
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Jump to Learning Path →Career Path
Your career progression roadmap with salary growth at each level
Career Ladder
Trainee Controller → Air Traffic Controller → Senior Controller → Supervisor → ATC Manager
Where are you on this career path?
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Salary Growth
5
Levels
0K
Top Salary
10+
Years
Learning Path
Skills you need to develop and courses to get there
🚀
Set your current level first
Go to the Career Path tab and select your current level to see your personalized learning plan.
Go to Career PathCareer levels
Base: $50,000 - $65,000/year Base: $75,000 - $100,000/year Base: $100,000 - $130,000/year Base: $130,000 - $160,000/year Base: $160,000 - $200,000/year
Skills used in this career
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Learning Path 0 → Junior
Step-by-step plan from zero to first job
Apply to FAA through USAJobs (age limit: under 31 at hire) Complete FAA Academy in Oklahoma City Pass on-the-job training at assigned facility Achieve CPC (Certified Professional…
Market 2026–2030
Trends, AI impact, prospects
Growth Rate: Above average through 2030 — mass retirements create openings Remote Trend: Primarily on-site — tower/radar facility presence required Top Industries: FAA, military…
💰 Salary Range
US dataSign up to see salary data
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