Air traffic controller position is one of those professions that require high level of specialized skills as they are known to apply what is known as separation rules which are some set of rules used to keep aircraft apart from colliding against each other within the assigned area of responsibility. Air traffic controllers are also charged with the responsibility of moving the aircraft efficiently and safely through the airspace. Air traffic controller job is one of the hardest jobs known and can prove to be very stressful. Because of the stressful nature of the job, most air traffic controllers are known to cite higher air traffic controller salary.
Individuals in this sector are well organized people with good visual memory and greater short term memory. For you to be a good air traffic controller you must posses fast and firm decision making skills and also be quick with mathematical calculations and numeric computations. Studies carried out have revealed that air traffic controllers have a higher level of awareness especially situational awareness compared to average individuals. They are known to undergo regular strict medical check ups for conditions such as heart disease, epilepsy and diabetes among other mental illnesses. In the US, majority of air traffic controllers are generally employed by an aviation agency of the federal government called Federal Aviation Administration which is known to offer good air traffic controller salary and benefits.
In the US, the air traffic controller salary system is classified into eight levels with different pay bands and what each controller earns is basically determined by the facility’s rating. The controller salary is known to start at an average of $ 80,000. This is a starting pay that most people see as one of the benefits of becoming an air traffic controller. Compared to most professional occupations this starting salary is relatively high. Some controllers earn higher starting salaries slightly above the average and that might be somewhere close to $ 100,000 or even higher. According to the statistics released by the United States’ Bureau of Labor, air traffic controller salary in the year of 2009 reached an annual average of approximately $ 110,000. But one must note that air traffic controller earnings largely depend on the rating of the facility in which one operates.
The Bureau of Labor shows that Federal Aviation Administration payments are higher compared to payments given by other organizations and it varies from $ 45,000 to $ 161,000. Other US government organizations like the US Air force, Army and Navy give air traffic controller salary that range from $ 20,000 to $ 50,000. Generally it is better to do comparisons of the air control industry salary to help you decide on a well paying employer in case you are planning to be an air traffic controller. You can read more on air traffic controllers here.