Air Traffic Controllers are professionals who direct and oversee the safe movement of aircrafts in airspace and on the ground. They are responsible for monitoring and controlling air traffic and the maneuvering of aircrafts to ensure the safety of these aircrafts and the passengers they carry. They make sure that safe distances are maintained between aircrafts both on and off the ground to avoid any collision or accident. They work in air traffic facilities such as flight service stations, air route traffic control centers, and air traffic control terminals.

Professionals in this occupation possess the necessary knowledge on aircraft separation standards and control techniques as well as the ability to apply them properly, often under conditions of great stress. In their line of work, maximum concentration is required at all times. They usually manage multiple aircrafts at the same time; e.g. directing one aircraft while taxiing on the runway for take off while coordinating with another aircraft on its landing approach or traffic pattern when there is no space available on the grounds yet.

Air Traffic Controllers assist pilots throughout all phases of a flight - pre-departure to taxiing on the runway after landing - by providing the necessary information, in a clear and concise manner, for pilots to conduct safe flights. They provide information on wind and weather conditions, potential hazards, visibility problems and takeoff and landing instructions among others. They must have excellent communication skills as they are required to communicate not only with pilots but also with other air traffic control towers and controllers in other countries.

They are also responsible for authorizing and regulating airline flights ensuring that all aircraft safely comply with the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) regulations as well as international treaties. They are tasked with developing, coordinating, and managing air traffic control programs being applied in their airspace. In line with this, they generally provide on-the-job training for trainees and developmental controllers in live traffic situations.

Air Traffic Controllers in the Federal Government are mostly employed in the FAA. In addition to the aforementioned responsibilities of Air Traffic Controllers, they provide flight data processing and communications service for the air traffic control system. They may also be involved in operating and maintaining a variety of air traffic operational computer systems. Their work in the Federal Government also includes processing and monitoring the input of proposed and active flight plans from military base operations, Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCC) sectors, terminal facilities, adjacent ARTCCs, flight service stations, and air carrier operations offices. They collect and distribute flight plans, traffic management restrictions, notices to airmen and a variety of other data related to flight safety.

Prior to working as Air Traffic Controllers, candidates need to complete the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative program and earn an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree. Some positions in this occupation might require 3 years of progressively responsible work experience, or 4 years of college, or a combination of both.

Air Traffic Controllers are among the top 100 highest paid professionals in the Federal Government with an average annual salary of &137,380 in 2021. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for Air Traffic Controllers is expected to grow at a slower rate of 4% from 2020 to 2030 compared with the average growth rate of 8% in all other occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 2,500 openings are projected each year for this occupation.