Air Traffic Controller

Air Traffic Controller Job Description

Air Traffic Controllers 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 Controller Salary Statistics as of 2015

Average annual salary for a Air Traffic Controller is $48252 based on statistics in the U.S. as of 2015. The highest salary recorded was $154497. The lowest salary reported was $35057. These figures will vary on a state to state basis as these are averages across all 50 states.

Median hourly wage for a Air Traffic Controller is $23.99 based on statistics in the U.S. as of 2015. The highest hourly rate recorded was $76.83. The lowest hourly rate recorded was $17.43. These figures will vary on a state to state basis as these are averages across all 50 states.

Bonuses for a Air Traffic Controller are based on the years of experience using statistics from the U.S. as of 2015. The average bonus recorded was $1017 from people with 15+ years of experience. The average bonus recorded was $1850 from people with under 1 year of experience.

These are the highest paying states for a Air Traffic Controller. These numbers are based off the median annual salary as of 2015.
California – $25,447 – $134,841
Florida – $26,577 – $139,061
Georgia – $33,724 – $154,563
Illinois – $50,000 – $150,000
New York – $29,087 – $171,990
Texas – $36,337 – $172,576
Virginia – $27,000 – $170,854

These are the highest paying cities for a Air Traffic Controller. These numbers are based off the median annual salary as of 2015.
Atlanta, Georgia –
Houston, Texas –
San Diego, California –
Dallas, Texas –
Chicago, Illinois –
New York, New York –
Leesburg, Virginia –

This chart outlines the average annual salary of a Air Traffic Controller from the past 5 years. In 2015 the average annual salary was $48252 while in 2007 it was just $44748.06

How To Become An Air Traffic Controller

The educational requirements to become an air traffic controller can be rather steep. There is a great deal of competition to become an air traffic controller due to the high pay and benefits. There a few ways in which one can become approved to become an air traffic controller. For individuals who do not have previous air traffic controlling experience one must pass the FAA pre-employment test. A passing score in this test give the ability to be employed as an air traffic controller. There are over 30 schools in America which are currently teaching the Air traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative. These schools teach a 2 or 4 year program that provide the basics of aviation and air traffic control. Individuals who are selected to become air traffic controllers are sent to the main FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This is a 12 week program.

Job Outlook

During recessions the demand for travel services decreases. Though the number of flights can majorly decline during a recession, it is rare that air traffic controllers are fired. Government employment provides a strong employment stability. Air traffic controls receive a health insurance benefits. Retirement from the Federal government is available for anyone over fifty who was worked at least 20 years. All air traffic controllers who are directly responsible for managing air traffic are required to retire by age 56.