Air Traffic Controllers
Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport, and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers, according to established procedures and policies. Authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.
Tasks Include:
- Issue landing and take-off authorizations or instructions.
- Monitor or direct the movement of aircraft within an assigned air space or on the ground at airports to minimize delays and maximize safety.
- Monitor aircraft within a specific airspace, using radar, computer equipment, or visual references.
- Inform pilots about nearby planes or potentially hazardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of wind, or visibility problems.
- Provide flight path changes or directions to emergency landing fields for pilots traveling in bad weather or in emergency situations.
- Alert airport emergency services in cases of emergency or when aircraft are experiencing difficulties.
- Direct pilots to runways when space is available or direct them to maintain a traffic pattern until there is space for them to land.
- Transfer control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights.
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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)
Projections Quick View:
Virginia: +7.1%
National: +2.9%
Education
High School Diploma
Job Zone:
Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Income Range:
Highest ($50,000 and up)
Median Earnings:
National
$137,380.00
State
$177,110.00
Regional
Air Traffic Controllers
Description
| Career Cluster: | Transportation, Distribution, & Logistics
|
Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport, and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers, according to established procedures and policies. Authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)
Air Traffic Controllers
Education
Required Level of Education
- High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED) = 36.14%
- Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production) = 20.79%
- Bachelor's Degree = 20.12%
- Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) = 14.13%
- Some College Courses = 5.63%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master. = 1.82%
- Less than a High School Diploma = 1.36%
Related Work Experience
- None = 42.91%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 20.56%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 15.34%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 6.32%
- Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years = 4.78%
- Over 10 years = 3.23%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 3.12%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 2.20%
- Over 8 years, up to and including 10 years = 1.54%
On-Site or In-Plant Training
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 30.04%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 17.32%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 16.32%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 12.95%
- Up to and including 1 month = 12.14%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 6.38%
- Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years = 3.26%
- None = 1.60%
On-the-Job Training
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 38.56%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 22.88%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 20.36%
- Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years = 8.01%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 4.36%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 4.24%
- None or short demonstration = 1.59%
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)
Air Traffic Controllers
Tasks
Core Tasks Include:
- Issue landing and take-off authorizations or instructions.
- Monitor or direct the movement of aircraft within an assigned air space or on the ground at airports to minimize delays and maximize safety.
- Monitor aircraft within a specific airspace, using radar, computer equipment, or visual references.
- Inform pilots about nearby planes or potentially hazardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of wind, or visibility problems.
- Provide flight path changes or directions to emergency landing fields for pilots traveling in bad weather or in emergency situations.
- Alert airport emergency services in cases of emergency or when aircraft are experiencing difficulties.
- Direct pilots to runways when space is available or direct them to maintain a traffic pattern until there is space for them to land.
- Transfer control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights.
- Direct ground traffic, including taxiing aircraft, maintenance or baggage vehicles, or airport workers.
- Determine the timing or procedures for flight vector changes.
- Maintain radio or telephone contact with adjacent control towers, terminal control units, or other area control centers to coordinate aircraft movement.
- Contact pilots by radio to provide meteorological, navigational, or other information.
- Initiate or coordinate searches for missing aircraft.
- Check conditions and traffic at different altitudes in response to pilots' requests for altitude changes.
- Relay air traffic information, such as courses, altitudes, or expected arrival times, to control centers.
- Compile information about flights from flight plans, pilot reports, radar, or observations.
- Inspect, adjust, or control radio equipment or airport lights.
- Organize flight plans or traffic management plans to prepare for planes about to enter assigned airspace.
- Review records or reports for clarity and completeness and maintain records or reports, as required under federal law.
- Complete daily activity reports and keep records of messages from aircraft.
- Provide on-the-job training to new air traffic controllers.
Supplemental Tasks Include:
- Conduct pre-flight briefings on weather conditions, suggested routes, altitudes, indications of turbulence, or other flight safety information.
- Analyze factors such as weather reports, fuel requirements, or maps to determine air routes.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)
Air Traffic Controllers
Tools and Technology
Tools Include:
- Radarbased surveillance systems (Air route surveillance radar ARSR systems)
- Radarbased surveillance systems (Airport surface detection equipment ASDE systems)
- Radarbased surveillance systems (Airport surveillance radar ASR systems)
- Aircraft guidance systems (Area navigation RNAV systems)
- Aircraft guidance systems (Automatic direction finder ADF radio systems)
- Binoculars
- Aircraft communication systems (Controller pilot datalink communication CPDC systems)
- Desktop computers
- Aircraft guidance systems (Differential global positioning system DGPS surveillance systems)
- Radarbased surveillance systems (Digital airport surveillance radar DASR systems)
- Aircraft guidance systems (Distance measuring equipment DME)
- Aircraft flight simulators or trainers (Flight simulators)
- Two way radios (Frequency modulation FM two way radios)
- Aircraft guidance systems (Global positioning system GPS surveillance systems)
- Aircraft communication systems (High frequency HF radio communications systems)
- Aircraft guidance systems (Local area augmentation systems LAAS)
- Aircraft guidance systems (Long range navigation systems LRNS)
- Mainframe computers
- Aircraft guidance systems (Microwave landing systems MLS)
- Radarbased surveillance systems (Mode S radar systems)
- Aircraft navigation beacons (Nondirectional radio beacon markers)
- Personal computers
- Radarbased surveillance systems (Precision runway monitor PRM)
- Aircraft guidance systems (Standard terminal automation replacement systems STARS)
- Aircraft guidance systems (Transponder landing systems TLS)
- Aircraft communication systems (Ultra high frequency UHF radio communication systems)
- Aircraft communication systems (Very high frequency VHF radio communication systems)
- Aircraft guidance systems (Wide area augmentation systems WAAS)
Technologies Include:
- Expert system software
- Advanced technologies and oceanic procedures ATOP
- Automated radar terminal systems ARTS
- Center TRACON automation systems CTAS
- Flight control software
- Direct-To Tool software
- En route descent advisor EDA
- Expedite departure path EDP software
- Final approach spacing tool FAST software
- Flight simulation software
- Multi-center traffic management advisor McTMA software
- Traffic management advisor TMA software
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)
Air Traffic Controllers
Special Requirements
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Educational Requirements:
To become an air traffic controller, a person must enroll in an FAA-approved education program and pass a pre-employment test that measures his or her ability to learn the controller’s duties in order to qualify for job openings in the air traffic control system. Exceptions are air traffic controllers with prior experience and military veterans. The pre-employment test is currently offered only to students in the FAA Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) Program or the Minneapolis Community & Technical College, Air Traffic Control Training Program.
Upon successful completion of an FAA-approved program, individuals who receive school recommendation and who meet the basic qualification requirements, including age limit and achievement of a qualifying score on the FAA authorized pre-employment test, become eligible for employment as an air traffic controller. Candidates also must pass a medical exam, drug screening, and security clearance before they can be hired.
Upon selection, employees attend the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City for 12 weeks of training, during which they learn the fundamentals of the airway system, FAA regulations, controller equipment, and aircraft performance characteristics, as well as more specialized tasks.
Experience:
Applicants must have 3 years of full-time work experience or 4 years of college, or a combination of both. In combining education and experience, 1 year of undergraduate study (30 semester or 45 quarter hours) is equivalent to 9 months of work experience. After graduation, it takes several years of progressively more responsible work experience, interspersed with considerable classroom instruction and independent study, to become a fully qualified controller. Controllers who fail to complete either the academy or the on-the-job portion of the training usually are dismissed.
Other Requirements:
Generally, unless a different minimum entry age is contained in the standard or examination announcement for a particular position, applicants for any position in the competitive service must be (1) at least 18 years old, or (2) at least 16 years old and:
   •  Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or
   •  Have completed a formal vocational training program; or
   •  Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or
   •  Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program.
A maximum age of 30 years is established for entry into civilian air traffic control positions in the Federal Aviation Administration whose duties require that the employees be actively engaged in the separation and control of air traffic. The maximum age you can retain the position is 56 years of age. Exemptions occur if the air traffic controller reaches age 56 and has not yet completed the required 20 years service under the special provisions, the air traffic controller may continue employment until the last day of the month in which 20 years of service is completed. This exemption was made retroactive to January 1, 2003. The Secretary, under such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, may exempt a controller having exceptional skills and experience as a controller from the automatic separation provisions until the controller becomes 61 years of age.
Controllers must pass a physical examination each year and a job performance examination twice each year. Failure to become certified in any position at a facility within a specified time also may result in dismissal. Controllers also are subject to drug screening as a condition of continuing employment.
Air traffic controllers must be articulate, because pilots must be given directions quickly and clearly. Intelligence and a good memory also are important because controllers constantly receive information that they must immediately grasp, interpret, and remember. Decisiveness also is required because controllers often have to make quick decisions. The ability to concentrate is crucial because controllers must make these decisions in the midst of noise and other distractions.
Applicant must successfully complete an interview that demonstrates the ability to read, write, and understand the English language and speak it rapidly without accent or impediment of speech that would interfere with two-way radio conversation.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
Individuals must pass a rigid medical exam, which includes:
Vision Standards — Applicants for ATCS employment in an en route center or a terminal must have distant and near vision of 20/20 or better in each eye separately, without correction, or have lenses that correct distant and near vision to 20/20, each eye separately. Applicants for a flight service station specialist position must have distant and near vision of 20/20 or better in at least one eye, without correction, or have lenses that correct distant and near vision to 20/20, in at least one eye.
To become an air traffic controller, a person must enroll in an FAA-approved education program and pass a pre-employment test that measures his or her ability to learn the controller’s duties in order to qualify for job openings in the air traffic control system. Exceptions are air traffic controllers with prior experience and military veterans. The pre-employment test is currently offered only to students in the FAA Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) Program or the Minneapolis Community & Technical College, Air Traffic Control Training Program.
Upon successful completion of an FAA-approved program, individuals who receive school recommendation and who meet the basic qualification requirements, including age limit and achievement of a qualifying score on the FAA authorized pre-employment test, become eligible for employment as an air traffic controller. Candidates also must pass a medical exam, drug screening, and security clearance before they can be hired.
Upon selection, employees attend the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City for 12 weeks of training, during which they learn the fundamentals of the airway system, FAA regulations, controller equipment, and aircraft performance characteristics, as well as more specialized tasks.
Experience:
Applicants must have 3 years of full-time work experience or 4 years of college, or a combination of both. In combining education and experience, 1 year of undergraduate study (30 semester or 45 quarter hours) is equivalent to 9 months of work experience. After graduation, it takes several years of progressively more responsible work experience, interspersed with considerable classroom instruction and independent study, to become a fully qualified controller. Controllers who fail to complete either the academy or the on-the-job portion of the training usually are dismissed.
Other Requirements:
Generally, unless a different minimum entry age is contained in the standard or examination announcement for a particular position, applicants for any position in the competitive service must be (1) at least 18 years old, or (2) at least 16 years old and:
   •  Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or
   •  Have completed a formal vocational training program; or
   •  Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or
   •  Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program.
A maximum age of 30 years is established for entry into civilian air traffic control positions in the Federal Aviation Administration whose duties require that the employees be actively engaged in the separation and control of air traffic. The maximum age you can retain the position is 56 years of age. Exemptions occur if the air traffic controller reaches age 56 and has not yet completed the required 20 years service under the special provisions, the air traffic controller may continue employment until the last day of the month in which 20 years of service is completed. This exemption was made retroactive to January 1, 2003. The Secretary, under such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, may exempt a controller having exceptional skills and experience as a controller from the automatic separation provisions until the controller becomes 61 years of age.
Controllers must pass a physical examination each year and a job performance examination twice each year. Failure to become certified in any position at a facility within a specified time also may result in dismissal. Controllers also are subject to drug screening as a condition of continuing employment.
Air traffic controllers must be articulate, because pilots must be given directions quickly and clearly. Intelligence and a good memory also are important because controllers constantly receive information that they must immediately grasp, interpret, and remember. Decisiveness also is required because controllers often have to make quick decisions. The ability to concentrate is crucial because controllers must make these decisions in the midst of noise and other distractions.
Applicant must successfully complete an interview that demonstrates the ability to read, write, and understand the English language and speak it rapidly without accent or impediment of speech that would interfere with two-way radio conversation.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
Individuals must pass a rigid medical exam, which includes:
Vision Standards — Applicants for ATCS employment in an en route center or a terminal must have distant and near vision of 20/20 or better in each eye separately, without correction, or have lenses that correct distant and near vision to 20/20, each eye separately. Applicants for a flight service station specialist position must have distant and near vision of 20/20 or better in at least one eye, without correction, or have lenses that correct distant and near vision to 20/20, in at least one eye.
-  Color Vision Standards — Applicants must have normal color vision.
- Hearing Standards — Applicants must have no hearing loss in either ear of more than 25 db at 500, 1,000 and 2,000 Hz, and no more than a 20 db loss in the better ear by audiometer, using ANSI (1969) standards.
- Cardiovascular Standards — Applicants must have no medical history of any form of heart disease. A history of high blood pressure requiring medication will require special review.
- Neurological Standards — Applicants must have no medical history or clinical diagnosis of a convulsive disorder, or a disturbance of consciousness, without satisfactory medical explanation of the cause, and must not be under any treatment, including preventive, for any condition of the nervous system.
- Psychiatric Standard — Any medical history or clinical diagnosis of a psychosis, or other severe mental disorders, is disqualifying.
- Diabetes — A medical history or diagnosis of diabetes mellitus will require special review.
- Substance Abuse/Dependency — A history of substance abuse/dependency, including alcohol, narcotic, non-narcotic drugs, and other substances will be extensively investigated.
- Psychological Exam — Individuals must take and pass a psychological exam.
- General Medical — All other medical conditions will be evaluated on an individual basis. All applicants' medical histories and current examinations will be carefully reviewed. This includes past medical records and, if applicable, a review of military medical records.
SUITABILITY DETERMINATION
Suitability adjudications will be made in accordance with applicable agency guidance.
SECURITY INVESTIGATION
Individuals must pass a rigid security/background investigation. The following are types of issues, which are reviewed as part of the background/security check:Â
•  general or dishonorable military discharge
   •  statutory debarment issue
   •  government loyalty issuesÂ
   •   evidence of dishonesty in an application or examination process (e.g., falsification of application)Â
   •  drug-related offensesÂ
   •  felony offenses
   •  firearms or explosives offensesÂ
   •  alcohol - related incidentsÂ
   •  willful disregard of financial obligationsÂ
   •  derogatory employment terminationsÂ
   •  patterns and/or combinations of incidents which lead to questions about your behavior and intent
Required Fees:
- To replace a lost or destroyed license or (certificate):
You can request a replacement certificate online. This method requires that you register with Online Services.
- Or you can mail us an Application for Replacement of Lost, Destroyed, or Paper Airman Certificate (PDF) form or a signed, written request stating your name, date and place of birth, social security number and/or certificate number, and the reason you need a replacement.
You must include a check or money order for $2 (U.S. funds), made payable to FAA, for each certificate you request.
You can mail your request to:
Federal Aviation Administration
Airmen Certification Branch, AFS-760
P.O. Box 25082
Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0082
You can mail your request to:
Federal Aviation Administration
Airmen Certification Branch, AFS-760
P.O. Box 25082
Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0082
Please visit the FAA’s Airmen Certification website at: http://registry.faa.gov/airmen.asp#ReplacementofCertificates
: For further questions about the Civil Aviation Registry please visit the Federal Aviation Administration site
For More Information, Contact:
Federal Aviation Administration
800 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20591
Phone: 405.954.0250
TTY: 202.755.7687
http://www.faa.gov/
Aviation Careers Division
AMH-300 Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center
P.O. Box 26650
Oklahoma City, OK 73126-4934
Phone: 405.954.4657
http://www.natca.org/about.aspx?zone=About%20NATCA&pID=241#p241
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet291)
Air Traffic Controllers
Internships
The FHWA STIPDG Intern Program
P.O. Box 23275
Washington, DC 20026-3275
Phone: (202) 366-6363
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/education/stipdg.htm
The Summer Transportation Internship Program for Diverse Groups (STIPDG) is an important part of the Department of Transportation's intermodal effort to promote the entry of women, persons with disabilities, and members of diverse groups into transportation careers where these groups are under represented. Exciting new opportunities are available for students in a wide variety of fields, including aviation.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet291)
Air Traffic Controllers
Additional Resources
Information on acquiring a job as an air traffic controller with the Federal Government may be obtained from the Office of Personnel Management through a telephone-based system. Consult your telephone directory under U.S. Government for a local number or call (912) 757-3000; Federal Relay Service: (800) 877-8339 That number is not tollfree and charges may result. Information also is available on the web:
http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs1900/1980b.htm
Air Traffic Control Association
1101 King St, Suite 300
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 703-299-2430
Fax: 703-299-2437
http://www.atca.org
Embry -Riddle Aeronautical University
600 S. Clyde Morris Boulevard
Daytona Beach, FL 32114-3900
Phone: 386-226-6397
http://www.erau.edu/index.html
The world's leader in aviation and aerospace higher education.
Virtual Air Traffic Simulation Network
http://www.vatsim.net
Network of air traffic controllers across the country.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet291)
Air Traffic Controllers
Knowledge
| % | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 79.50 | Transportation | Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits. |
| 73.25 | English Language | Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. |
| 69.00 | Public Safety and Security | Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions. |
| 68.75 | Education and Training | Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. |
| 65.00 | Customer and Personal Service | Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. |
| 61.50 | Geography | Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life. |
| 60.50 | Telecommunications | Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems. |
| 57.00 | Mathematics | Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
| 49.75 | Computers and Electronics | Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)
Air Traffic Controllers
Skills
| % | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 84.50 | Active Listening | Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. |
| 81.25 | Speaking | Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
| 78.00 | Judgment and Decision Making | Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. |
| 78.00 | Critical Thinking | Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. |
| 75.00 | Monitoring | Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. |
| 75.00 | Complex Problem Solving | Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
| 72.00 | Coordination | Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions. |
| 68.75 | Reading Comprehension | Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. |
| 68.75 | Active Learning | Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. |
| 62.50 | Time Management | Managing one's own time and the time of others. |
| 59.50 | Social Perceptiveness | Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do. |
| 56.25 | Operations Monitoring | Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. |
| 56.25 | Systems Analysis | Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes. |
| 53.00 | Writing | Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. |
| 53.00 | Service Orientation | Actively looking for ways to help people. |
| 53.00 | Learning Strategies | Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things. |
| 53.00 | Instructing | Teaching others how to do something. |
| 53.00 | Systems Evaluation | Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)
Air Traffic Controllers
Abilities
| % | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 93.75 | Problem Sensitivity | The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem. |
| 90.50 | Oral Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. |
| 90.50 | Oral Comprehension | The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. |
| 87.50 | Selective Attention | The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted. |
| 84.50 | Deductive Reasoning | The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. |
| 81.25 | Inductive Reasoning | The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). |
| 81.25 | Speed of Closure | The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns. |
| 81.25 | Flexibility of Closure | The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material. |
| 78.00 | Perceptual Speed | The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object. |
| 78.00 | Time Sharing | The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources). |
| 78.00 | Far Vision | The ability to see details at a distance. |
| 78.00 | Near Vision | The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). |
| 78.00 | Speech Clarity | The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. |
| 75.00 | Information Ordering | The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). |
| 75.00 | Speech Recognition | The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. |
| 72.00 | Written Comprehension | The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. |
| 65.50 | Category Flexibility | The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways. |
| 62.50 | Visualization | The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged. |
| 62.50 | Auditory Attention | The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds. |
| 59.50 | Written Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. |
| 59.50 | Fluency of Ideas | The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity). |
| 59.50 | Originality | The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem. |
| 53.00 | Mathematical Reasoning | The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem. |
| 50.00 | Number Facility | The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly. |
| 50.00 | Memorization | The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures. |
| 50.00 | Visual Color Discrimination | The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)
Air Traffic Controllers
Work Activities
| % | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 96.25 | Making Decisions and Solving Problems | Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
| 90.00 | Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events | Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
| 88.50 | Getting Information | Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
| 81.00 | Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings | Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
| 80.25 | Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates | Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
| 79.50 | Processing Information | Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
| 78.00 | Training and Teaching Others | Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. |
| 77.75 | Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge | Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
| 75.00 | Analyzing Data or Information | Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
| 73.00 | Thinking Creatively | Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
| 72.75 | Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards | Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
| 72.75 | Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work | Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
| 65.75 | Performing for or Working Directly with the Public | Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. |
| 64.75 | Coaching and Developing Others | Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills. |
| 61.50 | Working with Computers | Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
| 58.25 | Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information | Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. |
| 58.00 | Documenting/Recording Information | Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
| 54.75 | Communicating with People Outside the Organization | Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. |
| 53.75 | Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others | Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
| 53.00 | Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships | Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
| 52.25 | Developing Objectives and Strategies | Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)
Air Traffic Controllers
Work Styles
| % | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 91.25 | Stress Tolerance | Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations. |
| 91.00 | Attention to Detail | Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. |
| 86.25 | Dependability | Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. |
| 84.75 | Adaptability/Flexibility | Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. |
| 83.50 | Persistence | Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. |
| 82.25 | Analytical Thinking | Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. |
| 82.00 | Achievement/Effort | Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. |
| 81.75 | Self-Control | Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. |
| 78.50 | Cooperation | Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. |
| 77.75 | Initiative | Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. |
| 77.75 | Integrity | Job requires being honest and ethical. |
| 68.75 | Independence | Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. |
| 68.50 | Leadership | Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction. |
| 65.75 | Concern for Others | Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. |
| 60.25 | Innovation | Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems. |
| 54.25 | Social Orientation | Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)
Air Traffic Controllers
Work Values
| % | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 83.33 | Support | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. |
| 72.17 | Working Conditions | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. |
| 72.17 | Independence | Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. |
| 66.67 | Achievement | Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. |
| 66.67 | Recognition | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)
Air Traffic Controllers
Work Context
| % | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 98.60 | Frequency of Decision Making | How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization? |
| 97.80 | Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions? |
| 96.60 | Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job? |
| 96.40 | Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer? |
| 96.20 | Work With Work Group or Team | How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job? |
| 94.20 | Contact With Others | How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it? |
| 93.40 | Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job? |
| 88.80 | Spend Time Sitting | How much does this job require sitting? |
| 88.00 | Frequency of Conflict Situations | How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job? |
| 85.80 | Freedom to Make Decisions | How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer? |
| 85.60 | Physical Proximity | To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people? |
| 85.00 | Deal With External Customers | How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job? |
| 83.60 | Consequence of Error | How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable? |
| 83.40 | Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls? |
| 82.80 | Coordinate or Lead Others | How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job? |
| 82.40 | Face-to-Face Discussions | How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job? |
| 78.40 | Structured versus Unstructured Work | To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals? |
| 76.60 | Telephone | How often do you have telephone conversations in this job? |
| 71.60 | Degree of Automation | How automated is the job? |
| 70.40 | Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | How much does this job require making repetitive motions? |
| 70.20 | Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable | How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable? |
| 70.20 | Responsibility for Outcomes and Results | How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers? |
| 69.80 | Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People | How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements? |
| 68.20 | Time Pressure | How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines? |
| 66.80 | Letters and Memos | How often does the job require written letters and memos? |
| 61.60 | Level of Competition | To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures? |
| 53.60 | Electronic Mail | How often do you use electronic mail in this job? |
| 52.60 | Responsible for Others' Health and Safety | How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job? |
| 50.60 | Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting | How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions? |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)
Air Traffic Controllers
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Overall Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Job Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
- Examples
- These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)
Air Traffic Controllers
Earnings Benefits*
| Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $76,190.00 | $137,380.00 | $176,720.00 |
| Virginia | $85,280.00 | $177,110.00 | $199,660.00 |
| Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
| Alexandria/Arlington | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Bay Consortium | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Capital Region Workforce Partnership | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Central VA/Region2000 | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Crater Area | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Greater Peninsula | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Hampton Roads | $79,390.00 | $106,000.00 | $117,110.00 |
| New River/Mt. Rogers | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Northern Virginia | $108,620.00 | $175,390.00 | $190,520.00 |
| Piedmont Workforce | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Shenandoah Valley | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| South Central | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Southwestern Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| West Piedmont | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Western Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
* Earnings Calculations:
Regional Earnings:
Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.
National and State Earnings:
Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)
Air Traffic Controllers
Employment Projections
USA: 2023-2033
Virginia: 2022-2032
Regions: 2020-2030
| Current | Projected | % Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 24,000 | 24,700 | +2.9% |
| Virginia | 1,157 | 1,239 | +7.1% |
| Region | Current* | Projected | % Change |
| Alexandria/Arlington | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Bay Consortium | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Capital Region Workforce Partnership | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Central VA/Region2000 | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Crater Area | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Greater Peninsula | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Hampton Roads | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| New River/Mt. Rogers | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Northern Virginia | 551 | 621 | +12.7% |
| Piedmont Workforce | 362 | 403 | +11.3% |
| Shenandoah Valley | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| South Central | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Southwestern Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| West Piedmont | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Western Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)
Air Traffic Controllers
Related Occupations
Related Occupations
The related occupations here have similar general capabilities and interests; career explorers may also be interested in the related occupations:- Airfield Operations Specialists
- Commercial Pilots
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
- Locomotive Engineers
- Traffic Technicians
- Aviation Inspectors
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance
- Public Safety Telecommunicators
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers
- Aircraft Service Attendants
- Subway and Streetcar Operators
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
- Flight Attendants
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
- First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants
- First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
- Avionics Technicians
Careers in Transportation Systems/Infrastructure Planning, Management and Regulation Pathway:
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)
Air Traffic Controllers
View Videos
CareerOneStop Video
View Video & Transcript on CareerOneStop
CareerOneStop Transportation, Distribution, & Logistics Videos
Overview
Occupations
The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; CareerOneStop. (Using onet291)
Air Traffic Controllers
Military Training
The following military job classifications are available for this occupation:
- Air Traffic Control
- Not Occupationally Qualified, General
- Operations Staff
- Radar
- Fire Support Specialist
- Operations Specialist
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Defense Manpower Data Center. (Using onet291)
Air Traffic Controllers
Proficiency Ratings
These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)
Air Traffic Controllers
Titles
- Air Route Controller
- Air Route Traffic Controller
- Air Traffic Control Operator
- Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS)
- Air Traffic Controller
- Air Traffic Controller (Enroute Option)
- Air Traffic Controller (Tower Option)
- Air Traffic Coordinator
- Air Traffic Supervisor
- Aircraft Communicator
- Airline Dispatcher
- Airport Tower Controller
- Airport Traffic Controller
- Airway Controller
- Airway Traffic Controller
- Airways Control Specialist
- Airways Operations Specialist
- Certified Professional Controller (CPC)
- Chief Controller
- Communications Operator
- Communicator
- Control Tower Operator
- Dispatcher
- Enroute Controller
- Flight Communications Officer
- Flight Control Specialist
- Flight Dispatcher
- Flight Radio Officer
- Flight Radio Operator
- Flight Service Specialist
- Flight Tower Dispatcher
- Ground Control Approach Technician (GCA Technician)
- Signal Tower Operator
- Station Air Traffic Control Specialist
- Tower Air Traffic Control Specialist
- Tower Control Operator
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)
Air Traffic Controllers
Related Schools
- Hampton University
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)