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United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

Safe Skies. Strong Careers. We're Hiring Air Traffic Controllers.

ADVANCED TECH

We are modernizing the sky. The BEST AND BRIGHTEST controllers leverage the world's most advanced air traffic technology.

Electronic Flight Strips

Digital flight data management for seamless coordination.

Voice Switches

High-reliability communication systems for instant pilot contact.

Advanced Radar

Precision tracking and spatial awareness in complex airspace.

Copper to Fiber

BNATCS infrastructure for high-speed, zero-latency data.

MISSION REQUIREMENTS

Do you have what it takes to join the elite?

U.S. CITIZEN

Must be a citizen of the United States.

UNDER 31

Must be under 31 years of age at application.

FLUENT ENGLISH

Must speak English clearly and fluently.

THE QUEST TO CERTIFICATION

A streamlined 5-step process to join the patriots of the sky.

1

Phase 01

Apply on USAJobs

Build your resume, 2 pages max. Include dates and hours/weeks worked. Collect required documents. Your mission starts here.

2-page max resume
Transcripts and/or CTI endorsement letter
DD Form 214, if claiming veterans' preference
2

Phase 02

The Aptitude Exam

Pass the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA). A 3.5-hour computer-based test of your cognitive skills.

In-person at PearsonVUE
Predicts aptitude
Well-Qualified required
3

Phase 03

Medical & Security Clearance

Clear the final hurdles: fingerprinting, federal background checks, and medical exams.

Drug testing
Psychological eval
Medical exam
4

Phase 04

Academy Training

Intensive training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. Level up your skills in a simulated environment.

Several months
Paid while learning
Hands-on simulation
5

Phase 05

On-the-Job Experience

Graduate and deploy. Gain 1-3 years of experience to become a Certified Professional Controller.

Nationwide placement
Shift assignments
Real-world certification
MISSION BRIEFING

Watch the elite squad in action and see what it takes to control the skies.

HIGH SCORE REWARDS.
💰

Elite Compensation

Average certified earnings exceed $155,000+ per year within 3 years of Academy graduation.

🎓

Paid Academy Training

Start at $22.61/hr during training with full health and housing benefits provided.

🛡️

Legendary Benefits

Eligible to retire at age 50 with 20 years of service. Full federal benefits package included.

"Being an air traffic controller is one of the best, most rewarding jobs in America. The next generation at the Academy is the best in the world."

 
Sean P. Duffy
U.S. Transportation Secretary
Last updated: Tuesday, April 21, 2026