Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers according to established procedures and policies. Authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.
Significant Points
- Nearly all air traffic controllers are employed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), an agency of the Federal Government.
- Replacement needs will account for most job openings, reflecting the large number of air traffic controllers who will be eligible to retire over the next decade.
- Competition to get into FAA training programs is expected to remain keen; however, graduates of these programs have good job prospects.
- Air traffic controllers earn relatively high pay and have good benefits.
National Outlook
| 2004 Total Employment | 24,000 |
| 2014 Expected Employment | 27,000 |
| Change (Percent) | 3,000 ( 14.3) |
| Total Openings | 9,000 |