Salary Range
Low (10th %)$76,190
Median$137,380
High (90th %)$200,990
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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.
The automation risk for the occupation "Air Traffic Controllers" is assessed at 54.5%, only slightly below the base risk of 55.4%. This moderate risk level results from the highly structured and rule-based nature of many routine air traffic control tasks, making them relatively amenable to automation. The top three most automatable tasks include informing pilots about nearby planes and hazardous conditions, issuing landing and take-off authorizations or instructions, and transferring control of flights between centers. These responsibilities follow strict procedural guidelines and can often be standardized, allowing advanced automation systems or artificial intelligence to handle communications and transition protocols with high accuracy and speed. However, some critical tasks in air traffic control remain resistant to automation due to their reliance on nuanced judgment, complex analysis, and effective communication. Analyzing factors such as weather, fuel, and routing involves synthesizing disparate data sources and making decisions that require situational awareness and experience. Similarly, conducting pre-flight briefings requires personalized communication and real-time assessment of emergent conditions that might not be adequately handled by automated systems. Completing daily reports and maintaining records might seem administrative, yet these activities frequently demand contextual understanding to ensure critical information is preserved and appropriately conveyed, preventing loss of crucial operational knowledge. Bottleneck skills such as Originality, with measured levels of 3.4% and 3.5%, further limit the full automation potential of air traffic controllers' roles. Originality, in this context, refers to the capacity for innovative problem-solving and adaptive thinking when confronted with unexpected situations, such as emergencies or sudden weather changes. These scenarios often require improvised solutions outside the scope of pre-programmed responses. As a result, while automation can enhance efficiency and manage routine aspects, it currently cannot completely substitute the human elements essential for safety, risk assessment, and adaptation in high-stakes air traffic environments. This combination of automatable routine and resistant complex tasks justifies the moderate automation risk, balanced between efficiency gains and the irreplaceable need for human judgment.
Filter by Automatable Status
Issue landing and take-off authorizations or instructions.
Partially Automatable
Transfer control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights.
Partially Automatable
Provide flight path changes or directions to emergency landing fields for pilots traveling in bad weather or in emergency situations.
Partially Automatable
Alert airport emergency services in cases of emergency or when aircraft are experiencing difficulties.
Automatable
Monitor or direct the movement of aircraft within an assigned air space or on the ground at airports to minimize delays and maximize safety.
Partially Automatable
Direct pilots to runways when space is available or direct them to maintain a traffic pattern until there is space for them to land.
Partially Automatable
Monitor aircraft within a specific airspace, using radar, computer equipment, or visual references.
Partially Automatable
Direct ground traffic, including taxiing aircraft, maintenance or baggage vehicles, or airport workers.
Non-Automatable
Contact pilots by radio to provide meteorological, navigational, or other information.
Partially Automatable
Determine the timing or procedures for flight vector changes.
Partially Automatable
Initiate or coordinate searches for missing aircraft.
Partially Automatable
Provide on-the-job training to new air traffic controllers.
Partially Automatable
Relay air traffic information, such as courses, altitudes, or expected arrival times, to control centers.
Automatable
Inspect, adjust, or control radio equipment or airport lights.
Partially Automatable
Compile information about flights from flight plans, pilot reports, radar, or observations.
Automatable
Review records or reports for clarity and completeness and maintain records or reports, as required under federal law.
Partially Automatable
Complete daily activity reports and keep records of messages from aircraft.
Automatable
Conduct pre-flight briefings on weather conditions, suggested routes, altitudes, indications of turbulence, or other flight safety information.
Partially Automatable
Analyze factors such as weather reports, fuel requirements, or maps to determine air routes.
Partially Automatable
Inform pilots about nearby planes or potentially hazardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of wind, or visibility problems.
Automatable
Maintain radio or telephone contact with adjacent control towers, terminal control units, or other area control centers to coordinate aircraft movement.
Partially Automatable
Check conditions and traffic at different altitudes in response to pilots' requests for altitude changes.
Partially Automatable
Organize flight plans or traffic management plans to prepare for planes about to enter assigned airspace.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingActive LearningComplex Problem SolvingInstallationEquipment MaintenanceQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationManagement of Financial ResourcesTime ManagementWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionProgrammingOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsEducation and TrainingTherapy and Counseling
Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsProcessing InformationGetting InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesAnalyzing Data or InformationCommunicating with People Outside the Organization
Microsoft AccessAdvanced technologies and oceanic procedures ATOPAutomated radar terminal systems ARTSCenter TRACON automation systems CTASDirect-to-tool softwareExpedite departure path EDP softwareTraffic management advisor TMA softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordSAP softwareAdvanced technologies and oceanic procedures ATOPFlight simulation softwareCenter TRACON automation systems CTASDirect-to-tool softwareTraffic management advisor TMA softwareFinal approach spacing tool FASTMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordSAP softwareMicrosoft AccessEn route descent advisor EDAAdobe AcrobatAdobe AcrobatReally Simple Syndication RSSReally Simple Syndication RSSFlight simulation softwareAutomated radar terminal systems ARTSExpedite departure path EDP softwareEn route descent advisor EDAFinal approach spacing tool FASTMulti-center traffic management advisor McTMAMulti-center traffic management advisor McTMAEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office software
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
Medium54.11%
Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.
Public Safety Telecommunicators
High71.21%
Operate telephone, radio, or other communication systems to receive and communicate requests for emergency assistance at 9-1-1 public safety answering points and emergency operations centers. Take information from the public and other sources regarding crimes, threats, disturbances, acts of terrorism, fires, medical emergencies, and other public safety matters. May coordinate and provide information to law enforcement and emergency response personnel. May access sensitive databases and other information sources as needed. May provide additional instructions to callers based on knowledge of and certification in law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical procedures.
Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance
Medium65.75%
Schedule and dispatch workers, work crews, equipment, or service vehicles for conveyance of materials, freight, or passengers, or for normal installation, service, or emergency repairs rendered outside the place of business. Duties may include using radio, telephone, or computer to transmit assignments and compiling statistics and reports on work progress.
Avionics Technicians
Low28.44%
Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.
Power Distributors and Dispatchers
Medium63.42%
Coordinate, regulate, or distribute electricity or steam.
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
Medium61.58%
Supervise and coordinate the activities of ground crew in the loading, unloading, securing, and staging of aircraft cargo or baggage. May determine the quantity and orientation of cargo and compute aircraft center of gravity. May accompany aircraft as member of flight crew and monitor and handle cargo in flight, and assist and brief passengers on safety and emergency procedures. Includes loadmasters.
First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators
Medium53.71%
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of material-moving machine and vehicle operators and helpers.
First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants
Medium50.00%
Supervise and coordinate activities of passenger attendants.
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Medium52.34%
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.
Commercial Pilots
Medium45.15%
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots.
Airfield Operations Specialists
Medium55.65%
Ensure the safe takeoff and landing of commercial and military aircraft. Duties include coordination between air-traffic control and maintenance personnel, dispatching, using airfield landing and navigational aids, implementing airfield safety procedures, monitoring and maintaining flight records, and applying knowledge of weather information.
Flight Attendants
Medium45.42%
Monitor safety of the aircraft cabin. Provide services to airline passengers, explain safety information, serve food and beverages, and respond to emergency incidents.
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
Medium58.38%
Drive bus or motor coach, including regular route operations, charters, and private carriage. May assist passengers with baggage. May collect fares or tickets.
Locomotive Engineers
Medium54.80%
Drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives to transport passengers or freight. Interpret train orders, electronic or manual signals, and railroad rules and regulations.
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Medium40.83%
Operate or monitor railroad track switches or locomotive instruments. May couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Watch for and relay traffic signals. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes. May watch for dragging equipment or obstacles on rights-of-way.
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Medium56.73%
Coordinate activities of switch-engine crew within railroad yard, industrial plant, or similar location. Conductors coordinate activities of train crew on passenger or freight trains. Yardmasters review train schedules and switching orders and coordinate activities of workers engaged in railroad traffic operations, such as the makeup or breakup of trains and yard switching.
Subway and Streetcar Operators
High66.85%
Operate subway or elevated suburban trains with no separate locomotive, or electric-powered streetcar, to transport passengers. May handle fares.
Aircraft Service Attendants
Low22.22%
Service aircraft with fuel. May de-ice aircraft, refill water and cooling agents, empty sewage tanks, service air and oxygen systems, or clean and polish exterior.
Traffic Technicians
Medium59.96%
Conduct field studies to determine traffic volume, speed, effectiveness of signals, adequacy of lighting, and other factors influencing traffic conditions, under direction of traffic engineer.
Aviation Inspectors
Medium49.28%
Inspect aircraft, maintenance procedures, air navigational aids, air traffic controls, and communications equipment to ensure conformance with Federal safety regulations.
Parking Enforcement Workers
Medium47.22%
Patrol assigned area, such as public parking lot or city streets to issue tickets to overtime parking violators and illegally parked vehicles.
Crossing Guards and Flaggers
Medium47.59%
Guide or control vehicular or pedestrian traffic at such places as streets, schools, railroad crossings, or construction sites.
Transportation Security Screeners
Medium43.69%
Conduct screening of passengers, baggage, or cargo to ensure compliance with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations. May operate basic security equipment such as x-ray machines and hand wands at screening checkpoints.