An air traffic controller salary is probably one of the most significant reasons one would consider becoming a controller. Because air traffic controlling is a highly demanding career and the standards controllers are held to are extremely high it is not surprising that those working in this field are very well compensated. You will often find air traffic controller’s salary making the list of highest paying jobs that do not require a college degree.

Air traffic controlling when reduced down to its most basic form is to maintain order throughout our countries airports and beyond; I say beyond because in addition to the Unites States, the FAA also places controllers in Puerto Rico, The Virgin Islands, and Guam. To become an air traffic controller one must posses the utmost specialized skills in order to ensure the safety and security at our nation’s airports. The job of a controller is often recognized as one of the most difficult high stress positions one could possess. However, the career of a controller can also be an extremely rewarding one as well. In addition to making a really nice salary, controller’s also receive great benefits, and early retirement.

Air Traffic Controller Job Growth

Within the United States a major amount of the air traffic controller workforce will be retiring over the next 10 years. This is great news for those interested in becoming controllers; as the FAA will hire more than 12,000 brand new trainees over the next 10 years. While demand is increasing for air traffic controllers at the same time there is a lack of Federal Aviation Administration approved courses and facilities.

In today’s economic climate job certainty is anything but certain. However, for air traffic controller’s the opposite applies. The Unites States Bureau of Labor reported that the need for controllers will increase by 13% through 2018. An air traffic controller’s salary is based on several factors including educational level and experience.

Air Traffic Controller Salary Figures

According to the U.S. Department of Labor the median air traffic controller salary in May 2010 was nearly $110k annually. The middle 50% of controllers earned between $73k and $146k, while the lowest 10% earned less than $54k, and the top paid 10% were paid more than $166k annually. The average yearly salary, not including overtime worked for controllers who work for the Federal Government (who employs 90% of all air traffic controllers) was $109k as reported March 2009.

When it comes to pay air traffic controllers are placed into one of eight different levels which each has its own pay band. An air traffic controllers salary is calculated based on the ranking level of the facility where they work. Higher rated facilities typically demand a controller needs a higher level of skills, judgment & decision making abilities.

A controller may receive 13-26 days of paid time off, and 13 days of sick pay each year depending on his/her length of time at the position. A controller will also receive health benefits and life insurance. Controllers can also retire earlier than other Federal employees with less service time served. Controllers have the ability to retire by the time they hit age 50; in order to make this happen they need to have served 20 years as an active controller, or have put in 25 years of active service at any age.

It is mandatory that controllers who oversee air traffic retire by the age of 56. Although, in certain cases because Federal law provides exclusions to this mandatory age requirement, some may be able to work up until the age of 61.

Additional Air Traffic Controller Salary Information

A controller possessing 5-9 years of experience had an average annual salary of $32,262-75,920 reported as of January 2010 by additional salary resources. A controller possessing 20 years plus of job experience averaged $79,894-142,490. Air traffic controller’s benefits also included 2.4-4.4 weeks of paid vacation each year. Controller’s also averaged $2,000-4,5000 in bonuses annually.

With this being said an air traffic controller salary, plus benefits is definitely a tantalizing proposition for those who have ever concerned this career. Besides a great salary & benefits, the high demand for controller’s and job security are also great reasons to consider this position as a future career. For more information about how to become an air traffic controller you can visit our page by clicking here.