How do I become an air traffic controller in USA?

Minimum Requirements
  1. Be a United States citizen.
  2. Be age 30 or under (on the closing date of the application period)
  3. Pass a medical examination.
  4. Pass a security investigation.
  5. Pass the FAA air traffic pre-employment test.
  6. Speak English clearly enough to be understood over communications equipment.
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How long does it take to become an air traffic controller?

You will then be posted to an airport or control centre to continue with practical training and work towards gaining an air traffic controller license, following which you will be eligible to work as an air traffic controller. The entire training process can take around three years.
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What qualifications do you need for air traffic controller?

Aspiring air traffic controllers typically need an associate or bachelor's degree from an Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program. Candidates with three years of progressively responsible work experience may also be considered.
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Is it hard to become an air traffic controller?

The training is demanding, with about 50% of aspiring Air Force controllers washing out, according to the agency. FAA spokesperson Tammy Jones told Insider the agency posts ATC jobs throughout the year based on the organization's hiring goal and the number of applicants currently in the pipeline, among other factors.
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Do you need a degree to be an air traffic controller?

The general education requirements for air traffic controllers rarely include university degrees or higher education. Most air traffic controllers can secure employment with practical training after completion of primary school.
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How to Become an Air Traffic Controller - MTSU



How do I start a career in air traffic control?

Minimum Requirements
  1. Be a United States citizen.
  2. Be age 30 or under (on the closing date of the application period)
  3. Pass a medical examination.
  4. Pass a security investigation.
  5. Pass the FAA air traffic pre-employment test.
  6. Speak English clearly enough to be understood over communications equipment.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on faa.gov


Do air traffic controllers get free flights?

Though they don't enjoy the free flights available to airline staff, controllers do get discounts, which is useful when you've got more than 30 days of holiday each year. Early retirement can be taken at 57 after 25 years' service. Otherwise the retirement age is 60.
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Is ATC the most stressful job?

The Christian Science Monitor ranks this career among the 5 most stressful professions: Air traffic controllers, who maintain the flow of aircraft in and out of airports and in flight, are key to aviation safety. This is well recognized as one of the most stressful jobs, requiring total concentration.
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What age do air traffic controllers retire?

Instead, countries are free to choose their own retirement age for controllers. In the US, these ages are mandated by the FAA, which gives a mandatory retirement age of 56.
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Do air traffic controllers make good money?

Starting salaries for graduate roles in the high-pressure job begin at a handsome $99,898 and, on average, controllers earn $141,795 a year. It's a gig where you don't need a degree or any experience in a similar field, just pass a test and you're on your way.
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Where can I study air traffic controller?

Most newly hired air traffic controllers are trained at the FAA Academy, located in Oklahoma City, OK.
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Do air traffic controllers earn more than pilots?

Many of us would assume airline pilot is the most lucrative career in travel, but according to the website Career Cast, air traffic controllers take home a bigger pay packet.
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Why do air traffic controllers make so much?

Air traffic controllers get paid six-figure salaries because the nature of their work is stressful, exhausting, and leaves no room for error. While there are various routes to become one, air traffic controllers have to undergo lots of training as the safety of the aircrew and passengers is on the line.
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How many types of air traffic controller are there?

There are three types of Air Traffic Controllers: Area controllers – they are based at the control centres. They direct airplanes in flight and give them the most efficient route to their destinations. By using radar and computer technology, they can track the exact position of each aircraft.
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How much do pilots earn?

As a result, commercial pilots are paid well. According to The Occupational Outlook Handbook, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary for commercial pilots is $93,300 per year, which was the the median annual wage in May 2020. The median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers is $160,970.
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How much do air traffic controllers make at LAX?

The average salary for a air traffic controller is $49,894 per year in Los Angeles, CA.
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How much do air traffic controllers make at JFK?

The average salary for a air traffic controller is $48,716 per year in New York State.
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Is being a traffic controller boring?

Mundane work, long hours on your feet & always in the elements! Traffic Control work is the most boring job I have ever done. Inconsistent work & people who bicker about people behind their backs to ensure they get all the work. Lousy job & lousy money for what you have to put up with.
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What is the most stressful job in the world?

The 25 most stressful jobs:
  • Sales Manager.
  • Anesthesiologist.
  • Construction Manager.
  • Patrol Officer.
  • IT Manager.
  • Physician.
  • Lawyer.
  • Financial Manager.
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Do Air Traffic Controllers work holidays?

They work day and night, including weekends and holidays, to keep pilots and their passengers safe. They must also direct planes during inclement weather and a variety of emergency situations. Air traffic controllers that work for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must be at least 30 years old.
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How long does it take to become an air traffic controller in Canada?

Successful applicants receive initial classroom and simulator training from NAV CANADA. This first phase of training is 5 to 8 months long, depending on the program. The last phase is on-the-job training at a flight service station or flight information centre for 5 to 12 months.
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Where do Navy Air Traffic Controllers get stationed?

Air stations are located all around the United States and abroad, including facilities at Naval Air Station Lemoore (California), Naval Air Station Pensacola (Florida), Naval Air Station Oceana (Virginia), and Naval Air Station Sigonella (Italy).
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What is the highest paying job without college?

Here are the highest paying jobs without a college degree:
  • Patrol Officer.
  • Executive Assistant.
  • Sales Representative.
  • Flight Attendant.
  • Electrician.
  • Plumber.
  • Wind Turbine Technician.
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How many hours do air traffic controllers work a day?

A commonly used Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ATC schedule involves working two eight hour evening shifts, then rotating to two eight hour day shifts followed by a single eight hour night shift.
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How much do ATC make in Florida?

The average salary for a patient care technician is $18.41 per hour in Florida. 240 salaries reported, updated at May 20, 2022.
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