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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 Jun 16, 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.

Why can't you be an Air Traffic Controller after 30?

Army Air Traffic Control careers typically have age limits that may restrict entry or advancement after age 30 due to physical fitness requirements, training duration, and the need for long-term career planning. These age restrictions ensure candidates can meet the physical and cognitive demands of the role throughout their service. However, specific age limits can vary by branch and position, so it's important to consult current military recruitment guidelines.

Can you become an Air Traffic Controller in the Army?

Yes, the Army trains qualified personnel to serve as Army Air Traffic Controllers, responsible for managing aircraft movement and ensuring safety in military airspace. Candidates typically need to meet specific enlistment requirements, complete specialized training, and obtain necessary security clearances. The role involves working in controlled environments with a focus on communication, coordination, and safety protocols.

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.

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 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.

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.

What ASVAB score do I need for ATC?

To qualify for Army Air Traffic Control, candidates typically need a minimum ASVAB score of 110 in the Skilled Technical (ST) or General Technical (GT) areas, along with meeting other physical and background requirements. The ASVAB score ensures the candidate has the necessary aptitude for the technical and communication skills required in air traffic control roles.

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.
More about Army Air Traffic Control jobs
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,385 per year, or $48.7 per hour.

Air Traffic Control Specialist (Terminal)

United States Army Installation Management Command

Remote

$86K - $111K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Summary
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: This position is with the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobility and Security, Airfield Division, ATC Branch located at Gray Army Airfield on Joint Base Lewis McChord, WA.
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Duties
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  • Control air traffic under both visual and instrument flight rules.
  • Coordinate and position emergency equipment during emergency situations.
  • Control air traffic by issuing exact and precise instructions within delegated and complex airspace.
  • Receive, post, and relay flight data to the local controller and ground control/clearance delivery.
  • Implement plans and procedures as required to ensure continuity of air traffic control services.
  • Provide support to local control and ground control/clearance delivery by relaying clearances and air traffic control instructions between tower and radar facility.
  • Maintain constant surveillance of assigned airspace and issue advisories concerning traffic, weather, and altimeter settings.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • This position requires the incumbent to obtain and maintain a SECRET clearance
  • This position requires the incumbent to pass an Army Class IV flight physical pre-employment and annually thereafter.
  • Must possess and maintain Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) certification.
  • This position requires that the applicant must have actively controlled traffic in an Air Traffic Control Tower facility within the last 36 months, and is required to upload a copy of the FAA CTO/AOV certificate with your application.
  • This position has been designated "Mission Essential". In the event of severe weather conditions or other such emergency type situations the incumbent is required to report to work or remain at work as scheduled to support mission operations
  • This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 10% of the time.
  • Must possess and maintain a Control Tower Operator's license/AOV Credential. Recertification is required periodically.
  • This position requires shift work to provide coverage on evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations. Employee shifts are rotated on a regularly scheduled basis.
  • Due to the nature of this position, employees are required to work both planned and unscheduled overtime.
  • This position has been designated as a key position- This position cannot be vacated during a national emergency or mobilized without seriously impairing the capability of the Army to function effectively.
  • This position shall not be filled by Ready Reservists or Military Retirees with recall obligations.
  • This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) subject to applicant testing and random drug testing. Tentatively selected applicants will be required to sign DA Form 5019 requiring participation in random drug urinalysis testing

Qualifications
Who May Apply: US Citizens
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 is defined as: one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal Service which includes: demonstrated experience: issuing control instructions and advice to pilots in the vicinity of airports to assure proper separation of aircraft and to expedite safe and efficient movement; acting decisively under stressful situations and maintaining alertness over sustained periods of pressure; coordinating plans and actions with pilots and other controllers; and using judgment to select and take the safest and most effective course of action from among several available choices.
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-09).
This position has been identified by Department of Army as an Air Traffic Controller as defined in 5 U.S.C. 2109(1)(A) and (1)(B) who is actively engaged in the separation and control of air traffic; or in providing preflight, inflight, or airport advisory service aircraft operators; or is the immediate or second-level supervisor of any employee described above. As described under 5 U.S.C. 8401(35)(B), this also includes the immediate supervisor of the person described in 5 U.S.C. 2109(1)(B). As such, this position is covered under special retirement coverage. The individual hired is subject to Special Retirement provisions to include additional contributions to the retirement fund, mandatory separation/retirement at age 56 with 20 years of approved special retirement service, options for early retirement at any age after 25 years of approved special retirement provisions service, or at age 50 with 20 years of approved special retirement provisions service.
Department of Defense (DoD), in accordance with 5 USC 3307, has determined an individual must be appointed to their first/original appointment into a DoD position that has been identified and approved for special retirement coverage as an Air Traffic Controller no later than the last day of the month in which they become 36. Preference eligible veterans over the age of 36, may apply regardless of the age restriction. If selected, a waiver of the age restriction will be requested by the hiring official for approval by the Department of Army. An individual who is past the maximum entry age (36) who previously served in an approved Department of Defense Air Traffic Controller position may be reinstated to a covered position provided they meet the applicable qualification requirements AND will be able to complete a total of 20 years of covered service as an Air Traffic Controller by the last day of the month in which they become 56.
Department of Army may approve an exception to the maximum entry age (36) for original entry into a covered Air Traffic controller position. However, any individual who has reached the mandatory separation age (56) is not eligible for employment or reemployment as an Air Traffic Controller.
Education
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 aloneno substitution of education for experience is permitted.
Additional information
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • This is a(n) 64- Aviation Career Field position.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.
  • Recruitment and relocation incentives may be authorized.
  • Student loan repayment may be authorized.
  • Salary negotiations for those candidates who are new to Federal service may be authorized.
  • Credit for prior non-Federal work experience and certain military service for determining annual leave accrual rate may be authorized.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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