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Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Tetra Tech, Inc.

Senior Program Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$125K/yr

Tetra Tech AMT is looking for a Senior Program Analyst, with experience as an Air Traffic Controller and/or pilot (civil or military) coupled with strong program management, stakeholder engagement ...

Tetra Tech

Senior Program Analyst

Arlington, VA

$125K/yr

Tetra Tech AMT is looking for a Senior Program Analyst, with experience as an Air Traffic Controller and/or pilot (civil or military) coupled with strong program management, stakeholder engagement ...

Astrion

Senior ATC Specialist

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$100K - $165K/yr

Extensive Air Traffic Control (ATC) Experience: Minimum of 20 years of comprehensive Air Traffic Control experience, including at least 10 years of certified controller experience combined with ...

Astrion

Senior ATC Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site

Extensive Air Traffic Control (ATC) Experience: Minimum of 20 years of comprehensive Air Traffic Control experience, including at least 10 years of certified controller experience combined with ...

Astrion

Senior ATC Specialist

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$100K - $165K/yr

Extensive Air Traffic Control (ATC) Experience: Minimum of 20 years of comprehensive Air Traffic Control experience, including at least 10 years of certified controller experience combined with ...

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All JobsAir Traffic Controller JobsAir Traffic Controller Jobs in Reston, VA

Air Traffic Controller information

See Reston, VA salary details

$13

$24

$42

How much do air traffic controller jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for air traffic controller in Reston, VA is $24.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $28.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is 33 too old to become an air traffic controller?

Age is not a strict barrier to becoming an air traffic controller, as many agencies prioritize skills, training, and certification over age. Candidates typically need to pass medical and background checks, complete specialized training, and demonstrate strong decision-making abilities, regardless of age. Being 33 is generally considered acceptable for entry into the profession.

What qualifications do I need to be an air traffic controller?

To become an air traffic controller, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree or higher, pass a series of FAA or relevant authority exams, and complete specialized training at an approved facility. Strong communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work under pressure are essential, along with meeting medical and background requirements.

What does an air traffic controller do?

An air traffic controller regulates airborne operations to help keep airspace and airports safe. As an air traffic controller, your job duties are to monitor and direct aircraft from an air traffic control tower; inform pilots about weather conditions, visibility, and flight paths; and regulate aircraft landings and take-offs. You maintain safe skies for pilots, flight crews, and passengers. Your job as an aircraft controller requires excellent concentration skills, attention to detail, and precision as your directions determine the safe passage of many flights.

What is an air traffic controller?

Air Traffic Controllers are professionals responsible for coordinating the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in the skies and on the ground. They monitor and direct aircraft using radar, radios, and computers, ensuring that planes maintain safe distances from each other and follow designated flight paths. Their work is critical to preventing collisions, minimizing delays, and responding to emergencies. Air Traffic Controllers work in control towers, approach control facilities, or en-route centers, often under high-pressure conditions. They require specialized training and must be able to make quick decisions to ensure the safety of all flights.

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

To thrive as an Air Traffic Controller, you need excellent situational awareness, strong decision-making abilities, and typically an associate’s or bachelor’s degree along with FAA certification. Familiarity with radar systems, radio communication equipment, and specialized air traffic control software is essential. Outstanding communication, stress management, and teamwork skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel in a high-pressure and fast-paced environment.

What challenges do air traffic controllers face, and how are they supported?

Air traffic controllers often work in high-pressure environments where quick decision-making and unwavering attention to detail are essential. Common challenges include managing multiple aircraft simultaneously, adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, and maintaining effective communication with pilots and colleagues. To help manage stress, controllers receive ongoing training, access to mental health resources, and scheduled breaks to ensure alertness. Team collaboration and support from supervisors are also integral in maintaining a safe and efficient work environment.

Is it hard to get hired as an air traffic controller?

Getting hired as an air traffic controller is competitive and requires passing rigorous testing, background checks, and medical exams. Candidates typically need relevant education, such as a degree in aviation or related fields, and must complete specialized training and certification through the Federal Aviation Administration or equivalent authority. The selection process is demanding due to the high responsibility and safety-critical nature of the role.

What is the difference between Air Traffic Controller vs Flight Dispatcher?

AspectAir Traffic ControllerFlight Dispatcher
Required CredentialsFAA certification, radar trainingFAA certification, flight planning training
Work EnvironmentControl towers, radar roomsOffices, airline operations centers
Employer & IndustryAirports, FAA, airlinesAirlines, charter companies

While both roles are essential in aviation, Air Traffic Controllers manage aircraft movements in real-time at airports, ensuring safety and efficiency. Flight Dispatchers plan flights, monitor weather, and coordinate with pilots before and during flights. They work closely but focus on different phases of flight operations, with controllers handling immediate airspace management and dispatchers overseeing flight planning and safety compliance.

More about Air Traffic Controller jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Air Traffic Controller jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Air Traffic Controller jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Air Traffic Controller jobs in Reston, VA? For Air Traffic Controller jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Air Traffic Controller jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Air Traffic Controller job openings:
Air Traffic Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Air Traffic Controller job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,780 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Air Traffic Control Specialist

Career Fields | Federal Aviation Administration

Washington, DC

$95K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Air Traffic Services provides safe, secure, and efficient management for the National Airspace System (NAS) and international airspace assigned to U.S. control. AJT controls more than 5 million square miles of airspace in the U.S. and more than 24 million square miles over oceans. AQualifications:

To view the complete qualification standard, applicants should reference- U.S. Office of Personnel Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Air Traffic Control Series, 2152:

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/2100/air-traffic-control-series-2152/

To qualify for this position at the J-band you must demonstrate in your application that you have experience as an air traffic controller 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. Creditable experience must have equipped applicants with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the full range of duties of the position for which application is being made.

To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-I / FG/GS-13. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.

Specialized experience is:Experience interpreting air traffic control operating procedures, separation standards, equipment technologies, and systems, such as STARS or ERAM automation systems.

Applicants should include examples of specialized experience in their work history.

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

Interview Policy: If the selecting official decides to interview any employee on the selection list for a vacancy, then all who remain under consideration for the position at that point in the process must be interviewed. If the selection list is shortened to a best qualified list through a comparative process, then the best qualified list shall be considered to be the selection list.

Pay Retention: In accordance with HRPM. EMP 1.29/1.29A, this position may be Career Enhancement Assignment/Career Progression. The selectee( s) may be eligible for pay retention. Career Diversity is not enhanced when an employee is assigned to a staff or supervisory position in which they previously held on a permanent basis. CEP/CP selectees will be required to certify eligibility.

Selections to be made in AJT-1310, AJT-1320, AJT-1410, and AJT-1420.

Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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