Career profile · SOC 53-2021

Air traffic controllers

Air traffic controllers is an occupation catalogued under SOC 53-2021. The role reports a median annual salary of $144,580 in the US and is showing modest growth of 1% over the next decade. Entry typically requires a Associate's degree, and shows moderate AI exposure (0.40 on a 0-1 scale) — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. The most in-demand skills for the role include airport planning, aircraft flight control systems, pre-flight procedures for IFR flights, electrical systems used in transportation, electronics.

Median salary
$144,580
per year
Growth outlook
Little Or No Change
BLS 10-yr
Education
Associate's degree
AI exposure
4.03/10
automation risk

Top skills

airport planning aircraft flight control systems pre-flight procedures for IFR flights electrical systems used in transportation electronics air transport law air traffic control operations celestial navigation aviation meteorology common aviation safety regulations

Frequently asked questions

How much does Air traffic controllers earn?

The median annual salary for Air traffic controllers in the US is $144,580.

What is the job outlook for Air traffic controllers?

The role is showing modest growth of 1% over the next decade. Current US employment is approximately 24,100 workers.

How do I become air traffic controllers?

The typical entry education is a Associate's degree. Building a foundation in the top skills below will strengthen your application.

What skills does Air traffic controllers need?

The most in-demand skills for this role include airport planning, aircraft flight control systems, pre-flight procedures for IFR flights, electrical systems used in transportation, electronics, air transport law. These are the skills O*NET identifies as most important for competent performance.

Will AI replace Air traffic controllers?

Our AI-durability model gives Air traffic controllers a score of 0.40 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at moderate AI exposure — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. Learning to work with AI tools rather than against them is the path forward.

How hard is it to enter this field?

Air traffic controllers has very high barrier to entry — very highly gated — extended graduate education, licensure, or years of specialised training are required.

Is Air traffic controllers right for you?

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