

These positions are among the highest paying positions in the country. Landing a spot on the list of Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) air traffic controller trainees is not easy.

Entry-level air traffic controllers can expect to earn a starting salary of around $59,410 per year. Air traffic controllers in the 90th percentile can expect to earn $145,600 per year, while 75th percentile architects earned $142,210 per year. This figure represents a 3.7% decrease over 2008 ($117,240). In 2009, air traffic controllers earned an average salary of $112,930 per year. They average even more when working in federal, state, and local government. –National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA)Īir traffic controllers are ranked number 16 on the list of America’s Top 250 Best Paying Jobs. Around 4,300 flight service specialists at approximately 317 flight service locations throughout the United States, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
Air traffic controller salary pennsylvania plus#
Roughly 6,800 controllers at 22 air route traffic control centers located throughout the US plus one each in Guam, and Puerto Rico.Some jobs are located outside the contiguous United States in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and American Samoa More than 20,000 controllers at air route traffic control centers, airport control towers, and flight service stations located throughout the nation.While job growth in this industry is expected continue at an average pace, Federal budget issues may have a slight negative effect on hiring. In addition, as advancements in technology continue, the demand for air traffic controllers that have been trained with and have experience with new computerized systems will increase. Over the next decade, many air traffic controllers will become eligible to retire, which will create a number of positions for aspiring air traffic controllers. “Salary Facts Handbook,” JIST Publishing 2008. Farr, Michael and Shatkin, Laurence, Ph.D. Source: “Best Jobs for the 21st Century,” JIST Publishing 2009. in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and American Samoa.

Many also work outside the contiguous U.S. They are employed at air route traffic control centers and airport control towers, as well as flight service stations throughout the U.S. Most air traffic controllers work in federal, state, and local government. Tower controllers are responsible for the separation and efficient movement of aircraft and vehicles operating on the taxiways and runways of the airport itself, and aircraft in the air near the airport, generally 2 to 5 nautical miles (4 to 9 km) depending on the airport procedures. Air traffic controllers’ main responsibility is safety, but they also help with emergencies that may involve searching for missing aircraft and they also help to minimize delays.ĭid you know that with all of the advanced technology available, the primary method of controlling the immediate airport environment is visual observation from the control tower? The tower is a tall, windowed structure located on the airport grounds. Airport tower controllers direct the flow of aircraft in and out of the airport only and flight service specialists help maintain safety by informing pilots of weather conditions, terrain issues, and the best routes in their immediate area. They keep pilots abreast of changes in weather and they keep aircraft a safe distance apart during flights. Air traffic controllers help aircraft move safely through in the air and on the ground by using radar and other electronic equipment to direct ground movement, takeoffs, and direct landings.
