What are the pros and cons of being an air traffic controller?

The pros of being an air traffic controller include job stability, good earning potential, and the satisfaction of ensuring safe and efficient air travel, while the cons involve high stress levels, demanding work schedules, and the need to maintain constant focus and attention to detail. Working as an air traffic controller is a good job for individuals who thrive in high-pressure environments, possess strong attention to detail, and have a passion for ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel.

How To Become An Air Traffic Controller: What It Is and Career Path

What is an air traffic controller and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Next to pilots, air traffic controllers are the heroes responsible for every safe flight. These invisible heroes coordinate aircraft flight, create routes and communicate with pilots throughout the journey. They are responsible for guiding aircraft through their pre-terming flight paths and signaling them when they deviate.

Air traffic controllers must also communicate with pilots in case of emergency and vice versa. They have to be reactive because timely action can save the lives of millions. There are different types of air traffic controllers, and they do slightly different things.

Tower controllers coordinate vehicles and aircraft's movement on the runway, approach and depart controllers guide aircraft in the airspace around an airport, and ensure their safe arrival and departure. They also monitor aircraft after they leave the air space.

To become an air traffic controller, you need a bachelor's degree from the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative. You also need to complete a Federal Aviation Administration program and gain the relevant certification.

ScoreAir Traffic ControllerUS Average

Salary

3.8

Avg. Salary $49,141

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

10.0

Growth rate 1%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.61%

Asian 5.26%

Black or African American 9.91%

Hispanic or Latino 17.58%

Unknown 7.06%

White 59.58%

Gender

female 21.91%

male 78.09%

Age - 38

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38

Stress level

10.0

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.6

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an air traffic controller

Explore air traffic controller education requirements

Most common air traffic controller degrees

Bachelor's

44.5 %

Associate

27.6 %

High School Diploma

16.5 %

Start to develop specific air traffic controller skills

Skills	Percentages
Federal Aviation Administration	21.26%
Air Traffic Control	19.53%
NAS	18.29%
Maximize Safety	3.46%
CTO	3.25%

Complete relevant air traffic controller training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 2-4 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New air traffic controllers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an air traffic controller based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real air traffic controller resumes.

Gain additional air traffic controller certifications

Air traffic controller certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific air traffic controller certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for air traffic controllers include Air Traffic Control Tower Operator (CTO) and Traffic Control Design Specialist (TCDS).

More About Certifications

Research air traffic controller duties and responsibilities

Lead recruitment and training for first ever associate operational combat flying organization.
Assign as SME for the Milstar AFCPT maintenance course.
Represent the hospital by attending the monthly APIC meetings.
Comply with all AWP policies, procedures and safety requirements.

Prepare your air traffic controller resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your air traffic controller resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an air traffic controller resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable air traffic controller resume templates

Build a professional air traffic controller resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your air traffic controller resume.