Occupation AtlasAir Traffic Controllers
O*NET · 53-2021.00
Air Traffic Controllers
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.
Also called Air Route Controller · Air Route Traffic Controller · Air Traffic Control Operator · Air Traffic Coordinator · Aircraft Communicator · Airport Tower Controller · Airport Traffic Controller · Airway Controller
33 more
Airway Traffic Controller · Airways Control Specialist · Airways Operations Specialist · ATC Support Specialist · ATC Support Specialist (Air Traffic Control Support Specialist) · ATCS · ATCS (Air Traffic Control Specialist) · Center ATC · Center ATC (Center Air Traffic Controller) · Certified Professional Controller (CPC) · CPC · Developmental Air Traffic Controller · Developmental ATCS · Developmental ATCS (Developmental Air Traffic Control Specialist) · Enroute ATCS · Enroute ATCS (Enroute Air Traffic Control Specialist) · Enroute Controller · Flight Control Specialist · Flight Controller · Flight Dispatcher · Flight Radio Officer · Flight Radio Operator · Flight Service Specialist · Radar Air Traffic Controller · Signal Tower Operator · Terminal ATC Specialist · Terminal ATC Specialist (Terminal Air Traffic Control Specialist) · Terminal Radar Approach Controller · Tower Air Traffic Control Specialist · Tower ATC · Tower ATC (Tower Air Traffic Controller) · Tower Control Operator · Traffic Control Specialist
Compare with another occupationCompare with Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed
Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
CREConventional · Realistic · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order
- C Conventional4.99
- R Realistic4.55
- E Enterprising4.29
- S Social2.68
- I Investigative2.45
- A Artistic1.00
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- None (43%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (30%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (39%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 4.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 4.0Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- MonitoringbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- CoordinationImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Time ManagementImportance 3.5Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.4Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
Show the other 23
- Operations MonitoringImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
- InstructingImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- Service OrientationImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- Systems EvaluationImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
- WritingbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- PersuasionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- NegotiationImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Operation and ControlImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- TroubleshootingImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
- SciencebasicImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- ProgrammingImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Technology DesignImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.3Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.3Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.1Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
21 core · 2 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Inform pilots about nearby planes or potentially hazardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of wind, or visibility problems.Importance 5.0
- Monitor aircraft within a specific airspace, using radar, computer equipment, or visual references.Importance 4.9
- Alert airport emergency services in cases of emergency or when aircraft are experiencing difficulties.Importance 4.9
- Monitor, direct, or sequence the movement of aircraft within an assigned air space or on the ground at airports to minimize delays and maximize safety.Importance 4.9
- Transfer control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights.Importance 4.8
- Maintain radio or telephone contact with adjacent control towers, terminal control units, or other area control centers to coordinate aircraft movement.Importance 4.8
- Provide flight path changes or directions to emergency landing fields for pilots traveling in bad weather or in emergency situations.Importance 4.7
- Direct pilots to runways when space is available or direct them to maintain a traffic pattern until there is space for them to land.Importance 4.7
- Determine the timing or procedures for flight vector changes.Importance 4.7
- Contact pilots by radio to provide meteorological, navigational, or other information.Importance 4.7
- Issue landing and take-off authorizations or instructions.Importance 4.6
- Initiate or coordinate searches for missing aircraft.Importance 4.5
Show the other 11
- Check conditions and traffic at different altitudes in response to pilots' requests for altitude changes.Importance 4.5
- Organize flight plans or traffic management plans to prepare for planes about to enter assigned airspace.Importance 4.4
- Provide on-the-job training to new air traffic controllers.Importance 4.4
- Compile information about flights from flight plans, pilot reports, radar, or observations.Importance 4.3
- Relay air traffic information, such as courses, altitudes, or expected arrival times, to control centers.Importance 4.1
- Inspect, adjust, or control radio equipment or airport lights.Importance 3.9
- Conduct pre-flight briefings on weather conditions, suggested routes, altitudes, indications of turbulence, or other flight safety information.Importance 3.9
- Analyze factors such as weather reports, fuel requirements, or maps to determine air routes.Importance 3.8
- Complete daily activity reports and keep records of messages from aircraft.Importance 3.1
- Direct ground traffic, including taxiing aircraft, maintenance or baggage vehicles, or airport workers.Importance 4.6
- Review records or reports for clarity and completeness and maintain records or reports, as required under federal law.Importance 3.0
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- TransportationImportance 4.2Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
- English LanguageImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Education and TrainingImportance 3.8Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.8Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.6Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- GeographyImportance 3.5Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
- TelecommunicationsImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Install a wireless internet router
- MathematicsImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
Show all 33
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.0Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.8Level 2.7
- PsychologyImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.5Level 2.8
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- PhysicsImportance 2.4Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- AdministrativeImportance 2.2Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- Production and ProcessingImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- DesignImportance 1.9Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- MechanicalImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.5Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.4Level —
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.4Level —
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.3Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.2Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.2Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.2Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.2Level —
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.2Level —
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.2Level —
- BiologyImportance 1.1Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Problem SensitivityImportance 4.8Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.6Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.6Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Selective AttentionImportance 4.5Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 4.4Level 4.4Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 4.3Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.3Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Speed of ClosureImportance 4.3Level 4.9Level 5 looks like: Interpret patterns on weather radar to decide if the weather is changing
Show all 52
- Far VisionImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
- Near VisionImportance 4.1Level 4.1Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 4.1Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
- Speech ClarityImportance 4.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Time SharingImportance 4.1Level 5.6Level 6 looks like: Monitor radar and radio transmissions to keep track of heavy aircraft traffic
- Information OrderingImportance 4.0Level 4.1
- Speech RecognitionImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Auditory AttentionImportance 3.5Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Listen for your flight announcement at a busy airport
- VisualizationImportance 3.5Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- OriginalityImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
- MemorizationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Recite the first names of the five people you just met
- Number FacilityImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Manual DexterityImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Glare SensitivityImportance 2.1Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
- Night VisionImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Response OrientationImportance 1.6Level 0.9
- Rate ControlImportance 1.5Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.1Level —
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.9Level 6.3Level 7 looks like: Make the final decision about a company's 5-year plan
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.6Level 5.8
- Getting InformationImportance 4.5Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.2Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 4.2Level 5.7
- Processing InformationImportance 4.2Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 4.1Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.1Level 5.6
Show all 41
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.9Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.9Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.9Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.6Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Working with ComputersImportance 3.5Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.3Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.2Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.1Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.8Level 2.8
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.7Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.7Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.5Level 2.6
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 2.5Level 2.8
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.4Level 2.7
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.3Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.2Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.5Level —
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.4Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
19 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (4)
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft Outlookhot
- Microsoft PowerPointhot
Hot (4; 4 more marked hot above)
- Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Other tools (11)
- Advanced technologies and oceanic procedures ATOP
- Automated radar terminal systems ARTS
- Center TRACON automation systems CTAS
- Direct-to-tool software
- En route descent advisor EDA
- Expedite departure path EDP software
- Final approach spacing tool FAST
- Flight simulation software
- Multi-center traffic management advisor McTMA
- Really Simple Syndication RSS
- Traffic management advisor TMA software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −1.0, Writing +0.9
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Critical Care Nurses
Average difference 0.3 points · Science +1.2, Service Orientation +0.9
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Airfield Operations Specialists
Average difference 0.3 points · Judgment and Decision Making −0.8, Mathematics −0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Average difference 0.3 points · Science +1.2, Coordination −0.9
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Range Managers
Average difference 0.3 points · Science +1.3, Operations Monitoring −0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Athletic Trainers
Average difference 0.3 points · Coordination −0.8, Mathematics −0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Registered Nurses
Average difference 0.3 points · Science +1.1, Service Orientation +0.9
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Medical Dosimetrists
Average difference 0.3 points · Science +1.6, Coordination −0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.