1

Faa Atc Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

... ATC, government laws, and International policies; * Ensures that MEL/CDL limitations or ... FAA Dispatcher's certificate is required. Experience in a FAR 121/135 flight operations center is ...

Faa Atc information

See Michigan salary details

$38.4K

$87.2K

$162.1K

How much do faa atc jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for faa atc in Michigan is $87,189.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,300.00 and $102,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What challenges do FAA air traffic controllers face during high-traffic periods, and how are they supported in managing stress?

FAA Air Traffic Controllers often encounter intense periods of high air traffic, especially during peak travel times or inclement weather. These situations demand quick decision-making, strong concentration, and effective communication with pilots and other controllers. To help manage the stress associated with these challenges, the FAA provides comprehensive training, regular breaks, and access to support resources such as peer groups and employee assistance programs. Team collaboration is also emphasized, ensuring controllers can rely on one another during demanding shifts.

What is an FAA air traffic controller?

FAA Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) are professionals responsible for coordinating the safe and orderly movement of aircraft in the nation's airspace. They work in control towers, approach control facilities, and en route centers to provide instructions to pilots during takeoff, landing, and while flying between airports. Their primary goal is to prevent collisions, organize and expedite the flow of air traffic, and provide information and support for pilots. Becoming an ATC requires specialized training and passing rigorous exams, as the role is demanding and requires quick decision-making under pressure.

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

To thrive as an FAA Air Traffic Controller, you need strong spatial awareness, quick decision-making, and excellent communication skills, typically supported by specialized FAA training and certification through the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) or military experience. Familiarity with radar systems, flight tracking software, and radio communication tools is essential. High stress tolerance, attention to detail, and teamwork are critical soft skills in this high-pressure, safety-focused role. These skills are vital to ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft, prevent collisions, and maintain order in busy airspaces.

What is the difference between Faa Atc vs Faa Flight Service Specialist?

AspectFaa AtcFaa Flight Service Specialist
Required CertificationsFAA Air Traffic Control CertificationFAA Flight Service Station Certification
Work EnvironmentControl towers, radar facilities, en-route centersFlight service stations, communication centers
Employer & Industry UsageFederal Aviation Administration, airports, en-route centersFAA, general aviation, commercial flight support

Faa Atc and Faa Flight Service Specialist roles both serve the aviation industry but differ in responsibilities and work settings. Faa Atc primarily manages air traffic control in towers and en-route centers, ensuring safe aircraft movement. Faa Flight Service Specialists provide pre-flight planning, weather updates, and flight advisories from communication stations. Both roles require FAA certifications and are vital to aviation safety, but they focus on different aspects of air traffic management and support services.

What are popular job titles related to Faa Atc jobs in Michigan? For Faa Atc jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Faa Atc jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Faa Atc job openings:
Infographic showing various Faa Atc job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,189 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Air Traffic Control Instructor at DTW

SAIC

Detroit, MI

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 223 rated it services


Job description

Job ID: T2510661

Location: Detroit, MI, US

Date Posted: 2026-03-05

Category: Training

Subcategory: Training Analyst

Schedule: Full-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, Full-time, Air Traffic Control Instructor to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County ATCT (DTW) in Detroit, MI, supporting air traffic controller training services for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The successful candidate for this position must demonstrate strong technical skills with current ATC automation, simulation systems and procedures. This position may provide mentoring for students and Remote Pilot Operators (RPO), and may 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.

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 Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County ATCT (DTW).

Desired Skills and Experience:

  • Direct experience as a Certified Professional Controller (CPC) at the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County ATCT (DTW) 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 and Classroom Certification


What SAIC employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom