How much does an air traffic controller make?

They watch radar screens or runways, guide several planes at once by radio, and give takeoff, landing, and route instructions. They also share weather or runway alerts and call emergency teams when needed.

Did you know? U.S. air traffic controllers are required to retire at age 56—a surprising rule meant to help prevent burnout.

U.S. citizens qualify via an FAA-approved AT-CTI program, a bachelor’s degree, or work experience, then pass FAA tests and checks before age 31. After FAA Academy, they train at a facility for over a year before certification.

School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience

Good for people who like keeping things organized and building and doing

Why does pay differ?

In the U.S., pay rises as controllers progress through training and gain certification; it also varies with a facility’s location and how complex its flight paths are. Night, weekend, and holiday shifts can bring extra pay, too.