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Air Traffic Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Air Force

$112K/yr

This experience must have provided a comprehensive knowledge of appropriate air traffic control laws, rules, and regulations. Examples of specialized experience include expertise in all matters ...

New

Peraton

Air Traffic Control - SME

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

S. air travel. Peraton is seeking an Air Traffic Control SME to support the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in coordinating Surveillance Workstream operational, technical, and procedural ...

Peraton

Air Traffic Control - SME

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

S. air travel. Peraton is seeking an Air Traffic Control SME to support the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in coordinating Surveillance Workstream operational, technical, and procedural ...

Peraton

Air Traffic Control - SME

Herndon, VA · On-site

$135K - $216K/yr

S. air travel. Peraton is seeking an Air Traffic Control SME to support the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in coordinating Surveillance Workstream operational, technical, and procedural ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

$112K/yr

This experience must have provided a comprehensive knowledge of appropriate air traffic control laws, rules, and regulations. Examples of specialized experience include expertise in all matters ...

New

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Air Traffic Control information

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$33K

$101.4K

$172.5K

How much do air traffic control jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for air traffic control in the United States is $101,385.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is air traffic control?

Air traffic control (ATC) is a service provided by ground-based controllers who direct aircraft on the ground and in the air to ensure safe and orderly flow of air traffic. Air traffic controllers monitor and communicate with pilots to provide instructions for takeoff, landing, and flight paths, helping to prevent collisions and manage aircraft efficiently. Their work is critical for maintaining safety in the skies, especially around busy airports and congested airspace. ATC also assists with rerouting aircraft in response to weather, emergencies, or changing flight conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an air traffic controller?

To thrive as an Air Traffic Controller, you need excellent spatial awareness, strong decision-making skills, and must meet rigorous educational and certification requirements, such as passing the FAA Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative or equivalent. Familiarity with radar systems, radio communication protocols, and flight-tracking software is essential for managing air traffic safely. Outstanding communication, stress management, and multitasking abilities distinguish top performers in this high-pressure role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient flow of air traffic and minimizing risks in complex airspace environments.

What are some common challenges faced by air traffic controllers during high-traffic periods?

Air Traffic Controllers often encounter significant challenges during peak traffic periods, such as maintaining situational awareness amid a high volume of simultaneous flights. They must quickly process and prioritize information, communicate clearly with multiple pilots, and coordinate with other controllers to ensure safety and efficiency. Stress management and decisive problem-solving are crucial, as split-second decisions can have a major impact. Teamwork and adherence to established protocols help manage these high-pressure situations effectively.

What is the difference between Air Traffic Control vs Air Traffic Management?

AspectAir Traffic ControlAir Traffic Management
CertificationsFAA or equivalent radar and communication certificationsSimilar certifications, with additional focus on planning and coordination
Work EnvironmentControl towers, radar facilities, en-route centersAirports, regional planning offices, strategic coordination centers
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, airports, government agenciesAirports, airlines, aviation authorities
Job FocusDirectly managing aircraft movements in real-timeOverseeing broader air traffic flow and strategic planning

While both roles are essential in aviation safety, Air Traffic Control focuses on real-time aircraft movement management, whereas Air Traffic Management involves strategic planning and coordination of air traffic flow across regions.

How do you become an air traffic controller?

To become an air traffic controller, candidates typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, pass medical and background checks, and complete specialized training through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or relevant authority. This training includes classroom instruction, simulations, and on-the-job training, and often requires passing the FAA's Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) test.

Is it hard to get an air traffic control job?

Becoming an air traffic controller is competitive and requires passing rigorous testing, medical exams, and background checks. Candidates typically need to complete specialized training and obtain certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or relevant authority, making the hiring process challenging but structured for qualified applicants.
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Cities with the most Air Traffic Control job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Air Traffic Control jobs?

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What states have the most Air Traffic Control jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Air Traffic Control jobs look for?

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Air Traffic Control jobs near you
Infographic showing various Air Traffic Control job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,385 per year, or $48.7 per hour.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST

On-site

US Department of the Air Force
See more jobs at US Department of the Air Forceexternal

$112K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the SPECIALIZED experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Air Traffic Control Series GS-2152.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least 1-year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service which includes experience in a military or civilian air traffic facility that demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the level of work of the specialization for which application is made. This experience must have provided a comprehensive knowledge of appropriate air traffic control laws, rules, and regulations. Examples of specialized experience include expertise in all matters concerning military and civil aeronautical facility and aerodrome data; mastery of all phases of flight including planning, enroute, and terminal. Expertise interpreting and evaluating information from widely varying sources; editing and interpolating data to meet facility and airframe design specifications; compiling and publishing all products required for operational flight navigation; Expertise using computer systems and specialized software to maintain an aeronautical database and extract complex information to support a wide variety of products; Expertise working cooperatively with counterparts in other armed services, FAA, National Ocean Service (NOS), the United States intelligence community, and many foreign aeronautical offices to provide timely, accurate information and products; Extensive operational and management experience in instrument flight operations as a pilot or an air traffic controller. Experience with Air traffic control and/or flight inspection.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time--in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-11 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
  1. Knowledge of concepts and principles contained in Air Force instructions, FAA handbooks, regulations and orders, and other publications pertaining to flight information publication requirements; and of approach procedure flyability, ATC policies and procedures, flight inspection requirements, geography, electronic data processing and navigational aids characteristics in order to certify instrument flight procedures.
  2. Knowledge of civil engineering rules and regulations relating to airport actual and imaginary surfaces, airfield waivers and airfield construction; and with the use and function of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Aeronautical Information Publication Library.
  3. Knowledge of the rules, regulations, and procedures governing the conduct of air traffic control operations and the separation of aircraft in terminal radar approach control and control tower operations; and of the functional and operational limitations of all ATC equipment including radar systems, navigational aids (NAVAIDS), weather indicators, remote status indicators, radios, landlines, recording equipment, ATC simulation systems, and any other equipment pertaining to ATC services; and of significant weather conditions that affect the safety of air traffic operations.
  4. Skill in application and comparison of US TERPS and ICAO instrument procedure design criteria.
  5. Ability to use computer systems and printing devices to include GPD, desktop computers, large scale printers and similar data processing devices; and to extract required data from all associated source reference materials.
  6. Ability to communicate effectively and disseminate information clearly and concisely through written reports, memos, and procedures as well as presentations/briefings; and to make rapid and precise judgments in a real-time work situation. The incumbent interacts with Headquarters PACAF management, co-workers, aircrew members, air traffic personnel, and numerous Host nation authorities, etc. in the development of instrument approach procedures.
REQUIREMENTS: Air traffic control specialists in all specializations must possess or obtain, within uniformly applicable time limits, the facility ratings required for full performance at the facility where the position is located. Applicants must possess or obtain a valid Air Traffic Control Specialist Certificate and/or Control Tower Operator Certificate, if appropriate. These certificates require demonstrating knowledge of basic meteorology, basic air navigation, standard air traffic control and communications procedures, the types and uses of air navigation aids, and regulations governing air traffic.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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