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Military Air Traffic Controllers

Military Career

General Information

Description

Air traffic controllers direct the movement of aircraft into and out of military airfields. They operate communications equipment and track aircraft using navigational aids. They coordinate and communicate aircraft movement information, as well as weather and airfield conditions. They also provide critical information to direct the action of combat aircraft engaged in close air support and other offensive air operations.  

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Work Environment

Air traffic controllers work in land-based and shipboard control centers.

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Comparable Industries

  • Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

Related Military Careers

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Military Outlook

Service Branches

Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.

Military Status

  • Enlisted
    • Hands-on/specialized
    • High school diploma required

Military Workforce

Air Traffic Controllers in the Military

24,192

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Salary

Salary Information

Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

$59,251

Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.

$22,748 - $236,074

What makes up a Military salary?

Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.

They also offer:

  • Housing allowances
  • Subsistence allowances
  • Special and incentive pays
  • Cost-of-living allowances
  • Hazardous-duty pay
  • Bonuses

Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator

Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits

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Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • High school 36%
  • Bachelor's degree 20%
  • Post-secondary certificate 20%
  • Associate's degree 14%
  • Some college 5%
  • Post baccalaureate 1%
  • Less than high school 1%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%

Military training

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Air traffic controllers will gain skills through classes and on-the-job experience. Training content varies by specialty (e.g., those stationed on aircraft carriers), and may include: Air traffic control fundamentalsVisual and instrument flight proceduresTake-off, landing, and ground control proceduresAircraft recognitionCommunication and radar procedures

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Military training

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All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Air traffic controllers will gain skills through classes and on-the-job experience. Training content varies by specialty (e.g., those stationed on aircraft carriers), and may include:

  • Air traffic control fundamentals
  • Visual and instrument flight procedures
  • Take-off, landing, and ground control procedures
  • Aircraft recognition
  • Communication and radar procedures

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership

Related College Majors

Select major to see colleges that offer it

Knowledge

  • Transportation
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Education and Training
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Geography

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.