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.
SOC: 53-2021.00
Common Job Titles
Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS)
Air Traffic Controller (ATC)
Certified Professional Controller (CPC)
Enroute Air Traffic Controller (Enroute ATC)
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Air Traffic Controllers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
22,400
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $76,090. 25th percentile: U.S. $101,150. 50th percentile: U.S. $144,580. 75th percentile: U.S. $186,510. 90th percentile: U.S. $210,410. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$76,090
10% of workers earn the following or more
$210,410
Workers on average earn
$142,740
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Transportation4.2/5
English Language3.9/5
Public Safety and Security3.8/5
Education and Training3.8/5
Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Word
SAP software
Technology Skills
Advanced technologies and oceanic procedures ATOP
Automated radar terminal systems ARTS
Center TRACON automation systems CTAS
Direct-to-tool software
En route descent advisor EDA
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Expedite departure path EDP software
Final approach spacing tool FAST
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills
Tools & Equipment
Air route surveillance radar ARSR systems
Airport surface detection equipment ASDE systems
Airport surveillance radar ASR systems
Area navigation RNAV systems
Automatic direction finder ADF radio systems
Binoculars
Controller pilot datalink communication CPDC systems
