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.
Air Traffic Controllers
SOC: 53-2021 O*NET: 53-2021.00
Median Salary
$144,580
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 1.2%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
2.2
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
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.
Overview
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$86,748
25th
$115,664
50th (Median)
$144,580
75th
$173,496
90th
$216,870
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
Job Market Intelligence
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:24,100
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+1.2%
Annual Openings:2,200
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)24,100
Current
2034 (Projected)24,400
+1.2%
+300
Employment Change
+1.2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
Top Skills
✓
Active Listening
Active Listening
✓
Speaking
Speaking
✓
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
✓
Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making
✓
Complex Problem Solving
Complex Problem Solving
✓
Monitoring
Monitoring
✓
Coordination
Coordination
✓
Active Learning
Active Learning
✓
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
✓
Time Management
Time Management
Key Knowledge Areas
✓
Transportation
✓
English Language
✓
Public Safety and Security
✓
Education and Training
✓
Customer and Personal Service
✓
Geography
✓
Telecommunications
✓
Mathematics
Education & Training
Education Required
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Experience Required
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Job Training
Training of more than one year