Here are nine things you should know before applying to become an air traffic controller. Insider spoke with FAA controller Cedrick Earley to discuss what it is like to work the job. While the salary and benefits of working for the federal government may be enticing, becoming an air traffic controller can be a high-stress and busy job, so interested applicants should understand what to expect before diving in. However, additional openings are posted as needed. Jones also explained there are two types of job postings: "experienced hire," which is open at the beginning of the year, and "off-the-street," which is posted in the summer months. The training is demanding, with about 50% of aspiring Air Force controllers washing out, according to the agency.įAA 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.
These employees handle everything from jumbo airliners to tiny prop planes.įor a lot of people, becoming a controller is a dream job, but landing the role is not easy and must be done through specific channels, like applying to the FAA's periodic job openings or joining the military.įor those that apply through the FAA, successful applicants must undergo months of extensive training and pass mandatory tests before being officially hired, like an aptitude test, a skills assessment, and physical and psychological exams. There are over 14,000 controllers employed under the Federal Aviation Administration that operate out of some 700 facilities across the US, according to the agency. Burben/Shutterstockīecoming an air traffic controller can be a high-stress job, but the work comes with good pay and benefits.Īir traffic controller Cedrick Earley explained to Insider that he enjoys the challenges of the job.Ĭontrollers must go through rigorous training and testing and have mandatory retirement at age 56.īeing an air traffic controller is an extremely high-stress job, with workers responsible for the movement and direction of thousands of lives onboard commercial and general aviation aircraft every day.
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