| Aspect | Air Traffic Control Supervisor | Air Traffic Controller |
|---|
| Required Certifications | FAA Air Traffic Control Tower Certification, supervisory training | FAA Air Traffic Control Tower Certification |
| Work Environment | Supervises air traffic control operations at airports or centers | Manages aircraft movements directly in control towers or en route centers |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Airports, FAA, military | Airports, FAA, military |
The main difference is that Air Traffic Control Supervisors oversee and coordinate the work of Air Traffic Controllers, ensuring safety and efficiency, while Air Traffic Controllers handle the direct management of aircraft movements. Supervisors typically have additional leadership responsibilities but require similar certifications and work in the same environments.