Shigoto Zukan
日本語

How to become air traffic controllerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Aviation Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$148,080
25th–75th pct. $104,520–$190,570
Top pay (est.)
$280,300
Top 10% $215,610
Pay in 5 years
$168,000est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$190,600est.
$163,900–$221,300
Outlook score
52/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
61%
High
Job growth (10 yr)
+1.7%
2,100 openings / yr

How to become air traffic controllers

Typical education
Associate's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Long-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Air Traffic Controllers

Key skills

Complex Problem Solving
4.5
Monitoring
4.2
Judgment and Decision Making
4.1
Critical Thinking
4.1
Reading Comprehension
4.0
Coordination
4.0
Active Listening
4.0
Speaking
3.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Transportation
5.2
Customer and Personal Service
5.0
Education and Training
4.9
Public Safety and Security
4.5
Geography
4.4
English Language
4.1
Computers and Electronics
3.7
Mathematics
3.5

What the work involves

Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeGetting InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesProcessing InformationTraining and Teaching Others

Important abilities

Time SharingSpeed of ClosureSelective AttentionOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionProblem Sensitivity

Education of workers

High school diploma
36%
Post-secondary certificate
21%
Bachelor's degree
20%
Associate's degree
14%
Some college
6%
Post-bachelor's certificate
2%
Less than high school
1%

Training before entry

2–4 years
30%
1–2 years
17%
6–12 months
16%
3–6 months
13%
Up to 1 month
12%
1–3 months
6%
4–10 years
3%
None / short demo
2%

Related work experience

None
43%
1–2 years
21%
2–4 years
15%
6–12 months
6%
4–6 years
5%
Over 10 years
3%
3–6 months
3%
1–3 months
2%
8–10 years
2%

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as air traffic controllers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.