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Air Traffic Control Specialist Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$112K/yr

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 ...

New

$112K/yr

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 ...

New

Traffic Control Specialist

Camp Hill, PA · Hybrid

$30.95 - $34.59/hr

Overview ABOUT THE POSITION The Traffic Control Specialist Trainee position is designed to prepare candidates for a future Traffic Control Specialist role through a structured role within the ...

Traffic Control Specialist

Camp Hill, PA · Hybrid

$30.95 - $34.59/hr

Overview ABOUT THE POSITION The Traffic Control Specialist Trainee position is designed to prepare candidates for a future Traffic Control Specialist role through a structured role within the ...

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Air Traffic Control Specialist Trainee information

See salary details

$25.5K

$92.5K

$182K

How much do air traffic control specialist trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for air traffic control specialist trainee in the United States is $92,458.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,500.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an air traffic control specialist trainee?

An Air Traffic Control Specialist Trainee is an individual who is undergoing training to become a certified air traffic controller. These trainees learn how to manage the safe and orderly flow of air traffic in the nation's airspace, including guiding pilots during takeoff, landing, and while in transit. The position involves rigorous classroom and on-the-job training, often at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Academy, before moving to an assigned facility. Trainees are closely supervised until they demonstrate the required skills and knowledge to work independently.

What are some of the biggest challenges air traffic control specialist trainees face during the training period?

Air Traffic Control Specialist Trainees often find the training period highly demanding due to the need to quickly master complex procedures, multitask under pressure, and maintain precise communication. The learning curve is steep, as trainees must absorb large volumes of information about regulations, airspace structure, and emergency protocols while demonstrating accuracy and decision-making in simulated and live environments. Additionally, adapting to rotating shifts and handling real-time stress are common hurdles, but support from experienced instructors and teamwork with peers help trainees build the skills necessary for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an air traffic control specialist trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Air Traffic Control Specialist Trainee, you need strong spatial awareness, analytical thinking, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often enhanced by specialized FAA training. Familiarity with radar systems, air traffic control simulators, and communication equipment is essential for the role. Excellent decision-making, stress management, and clear communication are standout soft skills in this position. These skills are crucial to ensure the safe, efficient, and orderly movement of air traffic in a high-pressure environment.

What is the difference between Air Traffic Control Specialist Trainee vs Air Traffic Control Specialist?

AspectAir Traffic Control Specialist TraineeAir Traffic Control Specialist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; FAA pre-employment tests; passing medical examFAA certification; additional training and experience required
Work EnvironmentTraining centers, simulation labs, and controlled airspace environmentsOperational control towers, en-route centers, and terminal radar facilities
Employer & Industry UsageFAA, government agencies, and military training programsFAA, airports, and air traffic control facilities
Job RoleTraining phase, learning procedures and systemsManaging real-time air traffic, ensuring safety and efficiency

In summary, the Air Traffic Control Specialist Trainee is in the training phase, focusing on learning procedures and systems, while the Air Traffic Control Specialist is a fully certified professional managing actual air traffic operations.

Can I be an air traffic control specialist trainee with no experience?

Yes, becoming an air traffic control specialist trainee typically does not require prior experience, but candidates must meet specific qualifications such as a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a series of tests including the Air Traffic Skills Assessment, and complete training provided by the Federal Aviation Administration or relevant authority. Strong communication skills, the ability to work under pressure, and passing background checks are also necessary for entry into the program.
More about Air Traffic Control Specialist Trainee jobs

What cities are hiring for Air Traffic Control Specialist Trainee jobs?

Cities with the most Air Traffic Control Specialist Trainee job openings:

What states have the most Air Traffic Control Specialist Trainee jobs?

States with the most job openings for Air Traffic Control Specialist Trainee jobs include:

Infographic showing various Air Traffic Control Specialist Trainee 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 $92,458 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST (TERMINAL)

US Department of the Air Force

Klamath Falls, OR

$89K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

This National Guard position is for a AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST (TERMINAL), T58257000 and is part of the Oregon National Guard 173rd Fighter Wing, National Guard.

Qualifications:

AREAS OF CONSIDERATION:
Area 1: All on board permanent and indefinite T5 federal employees within the Oregon National Guard
Area 2: All on board permanent and indefinite T32 federal technicians within the Oregon National Guard
Area 3: All current non-permanent technicians/employees (T5 and T32) of the Oregon National Guard
Area 4: All current and former members of the Oregon National Guard (former members must provide documentation showing membership in the Oregon National Guard such as an NGB 22 or DD214)
Area 5: U.S. citizens
GENERAL AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Work in this series covers positions concerned with: (1) the control of air traffic to insure the safe, orderly and expeditious movement along air routes and at airports when a knowledge of aircraft separation standards and control techniques, and the ability to apply them properly, often under conditions of great stress, are required; (2) providing preflight and in-flight assistance to aircraft requiring a knowledge of the information pilots need to conduct safe flights and the ability to present that information clearly and concisely; and/or (3) the development, coordination, and management of air traffic control programs. Positions in this occupation require an extensive knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations, and procedures governing the movement of air traffic.
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.
For Terminal Positions: Issuing control instructions and advice to pilots in the vicinity of airports to assure proper separation of aircraft and to expedite their safe and efficient movement. This specialization also requires:
Ability to act decisively under stressful situations and to maintain alertness over sustained periods of pressure; Skill to coordinate plans and actions with pilots and other controllers; and Judgment to select and take the safest and most effective course of action from among several available choices.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Maximum Entry Age - Under the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 3307, a maximum entry age has been established for Terminal and Center positions.
Personal Qualities - In addition to meeting all other requirements, applicants must demonstrate possession of the traits and characteristics important in air traffic control work. Applicants who meet the experience and training requirements will be required to appear for a preemployment interview to determine whether they possess the personal characteristics necessary for performance of air traffic control work.
Training Requirements - At all trainee and developmental levels, employees must learn the skills needed for operation at higher levels of responsibility. Failure of employees to meet training requirements for or accept promotion to higher grade air traffic control specialist positions may constitute grounds for reassignment, demotion, or separation from employment.
Certificate And Rating 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. Facility ratings require demonstration of a knowledge of the kind and location of radio aids to air navigation, the terrain, the landmarks, the communications systems and circuits, and the procedures peculiar to the area covered by the facility.
INITIAL EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: In general, air traffic control specialist applicants and employees must have the capacity to perform the essential functions of these positions without risk to themselves or others. The provision of sufficient information about physical capacity for employment requires that before appointment applicants undergo appropriate pre-employment physical/medical evaluations. The physical impairments/medical conditions that follow, unless otherwise noted, are disqualifying because there are medical and/or management reasons to conclude that an individual with such impairment/condition cannot perform the duties of the position without unacceptable risk to his or her own health, or to the health or safety of others (employees or the public).
For additional medical requirements please use the link below:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/2100/air-traffic-control-series-2152
Applicants who meet one of the DoD Priority Placement Program categories below are eligible to apply with this preference.

  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade

Applicants claiming Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible must submit the following documentation:
- Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self Certification Checklist (DD 3145-3)
- Termination SF-50 Separation stating that the applicant has Priority Placement Eligibility
- Notice of Separation confirming of eligibility.
Applicants claiming Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement must submit the following documentation:
- Military Reserve and Technician Disability PPP Self Certification Checklist (DD 3145-2)
- Termination SF-50 Separation stating that the applicant has Priority Placement Eligibility
- Notice of Separation confirming of eligibility.
Applicant claiming Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Employees must submit the following documentation:
-DoD Retained Grade Self Certification Checklist (DD 3145-1)
- SF-50 effecting the placement in retained grade status
- Copy of the notification letter the employee received (RIF or classification downgrade)
Applicants claiming Priority Placement Program, Military Spouse Preference must submit the following documentation:
- DoD Military Spouse Preference Self Certification Checklist (DD 3145-4)
- Sponsor's PCS Orders
- Proof of Military member's current active duty status
- Marriage Certificate

Education:If you are using education to qualify for this position, you must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your Educational claims.Employment Type: OTHER