Also called: ATC, Tower Controller, Radar Controller
Keeps aircraft safely separated on the ground and in the air by giving pilots instructions over the radio.
In a tower you watch the runway and say things like 'Delta 452, cleared for takeoff.' In a radar center you might juggle 15 planes at once on a screen covering several states. Shifts rotate around the clock, and you take mandatory breaks because the focus is so intense.
Pay rises a lot once fully certified at busy facilities.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 3 years after high school. FAA Academy training in Oklahoma City (or an approved college AT-CTI program), then years of on-the-job certification. You must start before age 31.
Ways in: 2-year college, 4-year college, Military, On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Air Traffic Management, Aviation, Any degree.
Growing slowly (about 1% over 10 years). BLS projects 1% growth, but about 2,200 openings a year because of mandatory retirement at 56 and a current controller shortage.
Low risk for 10 years. AI may suggest routes and flag conflicts, but the FAA keeps humans legally in charge and hiring stays strong.
Classes: Algebra II, Geography, Physics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 53-2021.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.