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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 Jul 23, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,458 per year, or $44.5 per hour.
Air Traffic Control Specialist

Air Traffic Control Specialist

Robinson Aviation

Jacksonville, FL • On-site

$42.19/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description


Summary
Responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic control duties in a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Air Traffic Control Tower.

Dimensions of Position
Works under the general supervision of the Tower Manager who relies on the incumbent to perform established duties independently. On new or revised procedures, the manager gives detailed instructions and observes, and checks work during or immediately after completion according to complexity of the task or until satisfied the incumbent can perform it independently.

Accountability

1. Makes decisions involving:

  • The order of departures that will assure all aircraft equitable treatment and will assure that departing IFR flights operate at the fix, altitude, and the time designated by the center or approach control clearances.
  • The times and direction of takeoff and any turns necessary for departure.
  • Whether inbound aircraft are to land immediately or circle and whether distances are lengthened to control the arrival of an aircraft at a given point.
  • The active runway and possible simultaneous use of other runways.
  • The time and methods by which arrivals and departures can be interspersed with the least delay to traffic.
  • When landing and departing aircraft are cleared to use the runways to assure standard separation between aircraft on the runways.
  • The sequence of arriving traffic, before it enters the traffic pattern, to assure a safe, orderly flow of aircraft on final approach to the landing runway.
  • That IFR separation standards are applied, as delegated by approach control of the center, in limited areas around the airport to provide initial separation between

IFR arrivals and IFR departures and between successive IFR departures.

  • The sequence of VFR and IFR traffic, using radar equipment as an aid and, when delegated, separating IFR traffic.
  • When VFR flights through the airport traffic area can be authorized.

2. Determines the usability of communications frequencies available to him/her as other navigational aids used to control air traffic. Monitors navigational aids and monitors control panels, including BRITE display to determine acceptability of its alignment and display presentation. Instructs pilots to change radio frequencies/radar beacon codes.

3. When appropriate, coordinates with the other controllers on movements of both arrival and departure aircraft.

4. When traffic conditions warrant, controllers in non-approach terminals are responsible for:

  • Preplanning traffic sequencing and separation over an area which may reach out to a radius of 5 miles or more.
  • Preplanning and setting up check points required to ensure the maintenance of necessary traffic separation.
  • Maintaining a continuous mental picture and evaluation of a constantly changing traffic complex frequency dispersed over an equivalent geographic area.
  • Maintaining continuous radio watch with aircraft which have previously contacted the facility.
  • Accepting responsibility to handle IFR traffic at his/her airport.

5. Studies weather bureau reports and forecasts, obtains LAWRS/SAWRS weather certification, observes weather from the tower and records pilot reports to determine the effect of present and anticipated weather on traffic; furnishes aircraft with information such as field conditions, altimeter settings, weather conditions, operating status of navigational aids, and observed malfunctioning of aircraft, forwards to the weather bureau and the appropriate center, pilot weather reports and reports based upon personal observation of weather conditions; operates light guns, runway lights, field lighting, jet barriers etc.

6. Orients pilots of aircraft lost or in difficulty; determines whether a given situation may operations offices, airport management offices, and fire and ambulance services.

7. Performs lower grade level duties as necessary to meet operational requirements and for proficiency maintenance.

8. Provides OJT training to others.

Requirements

Individual must have a CTO Certificate and a current Class II Medical Certificate. Position is subject to drug and/or alcohol testing per the DOT/FAA requirements (pre-employment, random, reasonable cause/suspicion, post-accident). Individual must have held a Control Tower Operator Certificate (CTO) with a facility rating or have held an FAA Credential with a tower rating, for a minimum of six months in an Air Traffic Control Tower.



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