Also called:
Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS), Air Traffic Controller (ATC), Certified Professional Controller (CPC), Enroute Air Traffic Controller (Enroute ATC)
In the Air Force:
Air Battle Manager; Air Traffic Control Apprentice; Airfield Management Journeyman; Airfield Operations, RPA; Bomber/Special Electronic Warfare and Radar Surveillance Integrated Avionics Apprentice, E-3 Radar Surveillance; Bomber/Special Electronic Warfare and Radar Surveillance Integrated Avionics Helper, E-8; Bomber/Special Electronic Warfare and Radar Surveillance Integrated Avionics Journeyman, EC-130 Compass Call; Command and Control Battle Management Operations Apprentice; Command and Control Operations Craftsman; Special Reconnaissance Superintendent
In the Army:
Air Defense Artillery Officer; Air Traffic Control (ATC) Operator; Air Traffic and Air Space Management Technician; Aviation Operations Specialist; Command and Control Systems Integrator; Intelligence Analyst; Joint Fire Support Specialist
In the Marine Corps:
Air Command and Control Officer; Air Support Control Officer; Air Traffic Control Officer; Air Traffic Controller-Radar Approach Controller; Air Traffic Controller-Tower; Aviation Operations Specialist; Forward Air Controller/Air Officer; Naval Flight Officer (NFO), FRS Basic F/A-18D Weapons Systems Officer (WSO); Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL) Training Landing Signal Officer; Tactical Air Defense Controller; Weapons and Tactics Instructor - Air Command and Control
In the Navy:
AOC AADC Chief of Operations Staff Officer; AOC Dynamic Targeting Team Member; ASW/ASUW Tactical Air Control (ASTAC) Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI); Air Operations Officer, Afloat; Carrier Air Traffic Control Center (CATCC) Operator; Conversion NEC AC Air Traffic Controller Basic; Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC); Naval Tactical Data System--Combat Information Center Watch Officer, Carrier Controlled Approach Controller; Operations Officer, Aviation Shore Activity; Rated Tactical Air Traffic Control Center (TACC) Controller
Watching blips on radar screens can make it seem like playing a video game… but each number on screen represents an aircraft – and the safety of flights depends on the careful, decisive guidance of air traffic controllers. These professionals typically work in the airport control tower to direct the flow of planes and passengers— whether on the ground, taking off, or coming in for a landing. Safety is their main priority— but air traffic controllers also try to minimize delays. Each controller is part of a nationwide system, responding to weather, mechanical difficulties, and all the small things that can cause big problems for pre-arranged flight plans. They must follow procedures to the letter, adapt to new circumstances continuously, and communicate clearly. Most air traffic controllers in the United States are trained at the Federal Aviation Administration Academy; trainees must start training before age 31, have U.S. citizenship, and pass several evaluations including an assessment of their ability to cope with mental stress over long hours. An aviation background is a plus. With the unusual characteristic of mandatory retirement at age 56, and typically excellent pay and benefits, this can be an attractive career that demands concentrated focus. Like the intricate cogs of a Swiss watch, air traffic controllers are part of an elegant choreography that makes air travel safe and speedy.
What they do:
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.
On the job, you would:
Inform pilots about nearby planes or potentially hazardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of wind, or visibility problems.
Issue landing and take-off authorizations or instructions.
Transfer control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights.
Transportation
movement of people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road
Arts and Humanities
English language
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Safety and Government
public safety and security
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
talking to others
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
Attention
pay attention to something without being distracted
do two or more things at the same time
Visual Understanding
quickly know what you are looking at
see hidden patterns
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
People interested in this work like activities that include leading, making decisions, and business.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Stress Tolerance
Dependability
Adaptability/Flexibility
Persistence
Achievement/Effort
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Flight control software
Direct-to-tool software
Traffic management advisor TMA software
high school diploma/GED or certificate after high school usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
In the Coast Guard:
Aviation Maintenance Technician; Operations Specialist
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