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United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

FAA Hiring Air Traffic Controllers in NYC

air traffic controller hiring new york city

Attention New Yorkers — looking for a new career? We’re hiring entry-level air traffic controllers for our facility on Long Island! If you live in NYC or the surrounding area, check your eligibility and view the requirements below.


This unique opportunity is open August 8th – August 15th at 11:59pm ET.

 

Be Ready 

Am I eligible? Applicants must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Speak English fluently and clearly
  • Be younger than 31 years old before the closing date of the application period
  • Have either one year of full-time work experience or one year of higher education, or a combination of both
  • Be physically and mentally fit and meet standards for vision, hearing, cardiovascular, neurological and psychiatric health
⚠ This announcement is limited to individuals residing within a 50-mile radius of Westbury, NY.  

 

ATC Hiring 5-step Process


Application Process

We have streamlined the hiring process by changing the previous 8-step hiring process to a 5-step process. This change will accelerate the time-to-hire for these critical positions by shaving more than four months off the old process. Eligible candidates must complete the following steps: submit your application through USAJobs, take the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA), and pass medical and security clearances.

Training, Hours, Pay, and Benefits

Entry-level applicants must complete required training courses and spend several months at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. After graduating the academy, individuals are placed in locations across the country and must gain 1-3 years on-the-job experience before becoming a certified professional controller. Controllers work full-time and some work additional hours. Many of our facilities operate continuously (24/7/365), where employees work day, evening and night shifts, along with weekends and holidays.

For one of America’s most critical jobs ensuring safety of the flying public, we’re raising starting salaries by nearly 30% (from $17.61/hr to $22.61/hr) during paid Academy training. You will also receive health benefits, food and housing allowances while at the Academy. Pay continues to increase as you gain more experience and earn professional certifications. Within three years of graduating the Academy, the average certified professional controller earns over $160,000 per year.

As a federal employee, air traffic controllers receive a robust benefits package - with a variety of insurance, retirement, leave, and flexible spending options for employees and their families. In addition, air traffic controllers are afforded some unique benefits like an early retirement age and special retirement annuity calculation.  

  • Unlike traditional federal employees that need 30 years of service to retire, air traffic controllers are able to retire at age 50 with at least 20 years of service or any age with at least 25 years. This means depending when you embark on your air traffic controller career you may have the time to pursue a second career. 
  • Retirement annuity is a guaranteed income for a person during their retirement years. Air traffic controllers receive a more generous annuity than traditional federal employees.  

Learn More

Check out The Air Up There - Miracle in the Air podcast episode to hear about how keeping the skies safe is every controller's top priority.

Share this opportunity with people in your community!

Still interested in an aviation career but not sure this position is right for you? Learn about more career opportunities at the FAA.  

Questions? Email us at aviation.careers@faa.gov.

Last updated: Friday, August 8, 2025