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Medical standards for air traffic control personnel * All Army air traffic controllers, to include ... contractors, will meet the same medical qualification standards as outlined in AR 40-501.

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Army Air Traffic Control information

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$33K

$101.4K

$172.5K

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

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for army air traffic control in the United States is $101,385.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Army Air Traffic Control?

Army Air Traffic Control refers to the management and coordination of military aircraft movements, both in the air and on the ground, to ensure safe and efficient operations. Army air traffic controllers are responsible for directing aircraft within controlled airspace, providing takeoff and landing instructions, and coordinating with other military and civilian air traffic services. Their work is critical for mission success, especially during combat, training, and humanitarian missions. Army controllers often operate in challenging environments and require specialized training to handle the unique demands of military aviation.

What are some common challenges faced by Army Air Traffic Control specialists in managing both military and civilian airspace?

Army Air Traffic Control specialists often work in dynamic and high-pressure environments where they must coordinate the movement of military aircraft alongside civilian flights, especially in joint-use or deployed airfields. Challenges include adapting to rapidly changing mission requirements, maintaining clear communication in high-tempo situations, and ensuring safety protocols are strictly followed under stressful conditions. Successful controllers develop strong teamwork skills, attention to detail, and adaptability to ensure mission success and airspace safety.

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

To thrive as an Army Air Traffic Controller, you need a solid understanding of aviation regulations, strong situational awareness, and successful completion of relevant military training such as the Air Traffic Control Operator Course. Familiarity with radar systems, radio communication equipment, and flight-tracking software is typically required. Excellent decision-making, stress management, and clear communication skills are crucial for coordinating aircraft movements safely and efficiently. These abilities are essential to ensure the safety of military personnel and equipment in dynamic and high-pressure environments.

What is the difference between Army Air Traffic Control vs Civilian Air Traffic Controller?

AspectArmy Air Traffic ControlCivilian Air Traffic Controller
CredentialsMilitary training, certifications, security clearanceFAA certifications, licenses, security clearance
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, military airports, combat zonesCommercial and regional airports, control towers
Employer & IndustryU.S. Army, military aviationFederal Aviation Administration, private airports

Both roles involve managing aircraft movements, but Army Air Traffic Control operates primarily within military settings with military-specific protocols, while civilian air traffic controllers work in commercial airports under FAA regulations. The skills are similar, but the environments and certifications differ.

Can I become an Army Air Traffic Control in the military?

Yes, you can become an Army Air Traffic Control specialist by enlisting in the Army and completing the required training at the Military Occupational Specialty school. Candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a background check, and meet physical fitness standards; training includes learning radar systems, communication procedures, and airspace management. Certification and ongoing training are required to maintain proficiency in air traffic control operations within the military environment.

How much do Army air traffic controllers make?

Army air traffic controllers typically earn a salary comparable to military pay grades, which range from approximately $30,000 to over $80,000 annually depending on rank, experience, and years of service. They also receive benefits such as housing allowances, healthcare, and retirement options, and must complete specialized training and certifications to operate radar and communication equipment in a military environment.
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What states have the most Army Air Traffic Control jobs?

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

What job categories do people searching Army Air Traffic Control jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Army Air Traffic Control jobs are:

Army Air Traffic Control jobs near you
Infographic showing various Army Air Traffic Control 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 $101,385 per year, or $48.7 per hour.

Air Traffic Control Specialist

Schofield Barracks, HI • On-site

US Department of the Army
National Security • 10K+ employees

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

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$93K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

About the Position: Serves as an Air Traffic Control Specialist in an Army Airfield Control Tower responsible for the efficient use of the Class D airspace and traffic patterns to minimize delays and maximize effective mission time for aviators under tower control.Qualifications:

This position is covered under Special Retirement Coverage (SRC) and may have both a maximum entry age and mandatory retirement date.
Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.

  • Current Department of Army Civilian Employees Applying on Time-Limited Assignments

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes advising pilots of traffic patterns, weather/airfield conditions, and giving clearance for landing/take off in a military or civilian air traffic control facility. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-10).
In addition to meeting the specialized experience requirement above, applicants must also be a graduate of a DoD component or FAA approved formal Air Traffic Controller school and possess Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) and Control Tower Operator (CTO) certification. NOTE: You must attach copies of your certifications to your application package. Failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating.
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.
You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency in the following areas:
  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Decision Making
  • Flexibility
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Learning
  • Reasoning
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teamwork

Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-10).
Maximum Entry Age: Employees hired for the first time ("originally hired") into GS-2152 positions must not exceed the established Maximum Entry Age (MEA) at the time of appointment. The MEA for an Air Traffic Controller (ATC) is 36. An employee originally hired into a covered ATC position must be hired by the last day of the month he/she reaches 36 unless a waiver from Department of Army is approved prior to appointment.
As this is a Special Retirement covered ATC position, your application package must include a government-issued document indicating your date of birth. Failure to submit this document will result in your application being marked as incomplete and you WILL NOT receive further consideration for this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS: During emergency situations the work may become extremely stressful. The incumbent must maintain necessary alertness, self-control, and emotional stability and be able to make rapid decisions and use precise judgment under emergency conditions. As required by staffing, workload, and mission requirements, incumbent may be required to work during other than normal duty hours which may include working nights, weekends, and holidays.

Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER
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