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Air Traffic Control Trainee information

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$25.5K

$92.5K

$182K

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

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for air traffic control 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 the difference between Air Traffic Control Trainee vs Air Traffic Controller?

AspectAir Traffic Control TraineeAir Traffic Controller
CredentialsRequires FAA or relevant certification, training programsCertified Air Traffic Controller with full certification
Work EnvironmentTraining facilities, simulation labs, on-the-job trainingControl towers, approach control centers, en-route facilities
Job StatusTraining phase, learning proceduresFully qualified, responsible for managing air traffic

In summary, an Air Traffic Control Trainee is in the learning and certification phase, focusing on training and gaining experience, while an Air Traffic Controller is fully qualified, actively managing air traffic in operational environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Air Traffic Control Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Air Traffic Control Trainee, you need strong analytical skills, spatial awareness, and decision-making abilities, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and passing the FAA Air Traffic Selection and Training (AT-SAT) exam. Familiarity with radar systems, air traffic control simulation software, and communication equipment is fundamental during training. Exceptional concentration, stress management, and clear verbal communication are vital soft skills for effective performance. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient coordination of aircraft in complex and high-pressure airspace environments.

What are Air Traffic Control Trainees?

Air Traffic Control Trainees are individuals in the process of becoming certified air traffic controllers. They receive specialized training to learn how to monitor and direct aircraft movements both on the ground and in the air, ensuring safety and efficiency. Trainees typically undergo classroom instruction, simulations, and on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced controllers. The goal is to prepare them to manage real-life air traffic situations and eventually qualify for full controller certification.

What are some common challenges faced by Air Traffic Control Trainees during their training period?

Air Traffic Control Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to the fast-paced and high-stress environment of the control room, mastering complex communication protocols, and developing the ability to make quick, accurate decisions under pressure. Training involves rigorous simulations and on-the-job learning, which can be mentally demanding. Trainees must also learn to work effectively as part of a closely coordinated team, often rotating shifts, which requires strong adaptability and focus.
More about Air Traffic Control Trainee jobs
What cities are hiring for Air Traffic Control Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Air Traffic Control Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Air Traffic Control jobs? The most popular types of Air Traffic Control jobs are:
What states have the most Air Traffic Control Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Air Traffic Control Trainee jobs include:
Air Traffic Control Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Air Traffic Control Trainee job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,458 per year, or $44.5 per hour.
APA Air Traffic Control Instructor-II

APA Air Traffic Control Instructor-II

SAIC

Englewood, CO

$40K - $80K/yr

Part-time

Posted 20 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Deliver classroom and simulation laboratory training to developmental air traffic controllers and Certified Professional Controllers.

  • Mentor students and Remote Pilot Operators as part of the training process.

  • Participate in curriculum design and development for air traffic control training programs.

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 207 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2612401

Location: Englewood, CO, US

Date Posted: 2026-05-11

Category: Training

Subcategory: Training Analyst

Schedule: Part-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: None

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

  • ATTN FERS RETIREES: Earnings received as an ATC Instructor, ATC Training Instructional Supervisor, or Contractor Site Supervisor working on this program are EXEMPT from the Supplemental Annuity earnings limits for FERS retirees between the ages of 56 and 62.

We are looking for an experienced, Part-time, Air Traffic Control Instructor to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Centennial ATCT (APA), located in Englewood, CO, supporting air traffic controller training services for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The CTS Instructor is a hands-on position that requires the candidate to effectively and consistently deliver the highest quality classroom and/or simulation laboratory training to a wide variety of students including developmental air traffic controllers and Certified Professional Controllers (CPC).

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring that air traffic control specialists provide the flying public with a high level of safety and professionalism. A well-trained Air Traffic Control (ATC) workforce plays an essential role in fulfilling this responsibility. The FAA employs more than 14,000 air traffic controllers. They work in air traffic facilities of varying sizes, safely separating more than 50,000 aircraft in the National Airspace System (NAS) each day.

To provide such air traffic services, the FAA trains new air traffic control specialists and provides recurrent training to current air traffic control specialists. The FAA utilizes Contractor-provided instructional services at FAA ATC facilities throughout the U.S. and its Territories to ensure these training needs are met. The scope of the contractor-provided services includes all training and training program support to successfully train and prepare students to become fully certified air traffic controllers. SAIC must provide training and training related support services as required for all types and levels of ATC facilities.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • US Citizenship is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance
  • The CTS Instructor candidate must have a minimum of five (5) years of FAA CPC experience controlling live traffic, or recent experience as a contract Instructor at an FAA facility. Experience must have been at the same type and same [or greater] level of ATC facility as the Centennial ATCT (APA)
  • The successful candidate for this position must demonstrate strong technical skills with current ATC automation, simulation systems and procedures. This position will provide mentoring for students and Remote Pilot Operators (RPO) as well as participate in curriculum design and development. The selected candidate must demonstrate the knowledge and skills applicable for obtaining radar and/or non-radar simulation laboratory certifications at FAA air traffic control facilities within the U.S. National Airspace System

Desired Skills and Experience:

  • Direct experience as a Certified Professional Controller (CPC) at the Centennial ATCT (APA) is preferred but not required
  • Operational Experience with ATC simulators including scenario design for simulation platforms (e.g. TSS, AT Coach, SGET, etc.)
  • Demonstrated ability to interface effectively with FAA personnel at all levels to ensure the delivery of training services meet the needs of the local facility, as well as the FAA’s overall Air Traffic Control mission is highly desired
  • Experience demonstrating excellent teaching and/or platform skills, classroom management techniques, and a student-focused drive for continuous improvement

Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required
  • FAA Certified Professional Controller (CPC) certification required with the ability to obtain and maintain Instructor-II Simulation Laboratory Certification

Target salary range: $40,001 - $80,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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