How do you become an air traffic controller? Deadly crash puts job requirements in spotlight

After a tragic midair collision at Reagan National Airport, air traffic controller staffing and training have come under scrutiny—along with controversial comments from President Donald Trump.

A devastating crash between an American Airlines flight and an Army helicopter on Wednesday killed all 67 people aboard, raising concerns about air traffic control staffing levels. An FAA report noted that only one controller was working a position typically assigned to two at the time of the accident.

In a White House news conference, Trump honored the victims with a moment of silence but quickly pivoted to blaming air traffic controllers, the helicopter pilots, and Democratic policies at federal agencies. Without evidence, he claimed the FAA had lowered its hiring standards, accusing the agency of prioritizing diversity efforts over competency.

Air traffic controllers are responsible for preventing such disasters, guiding aircraft safely through takeoff, landing, and en route airspace. But becoming a controller requires intense training, rigorous testing, and years of experience before reaching the highest-paying positions. Here’s what it takes to enter this demanding career.

How to become an air traffic controller

Big picture view:

To qualify for an air traffic controller position, candidates must meet the following Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements:

  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Be younger than 31 at the time of application
  • Have three years of work experience, a bachelor’s degree, or a combination of both
  • Pass the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA), which evaluates problem-solving, memory, and decision-making under pressure
  • Pass a medical exam and security clearance
  • Complete training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City

According to the FAA, controllers must also have strong situational awareness, quick decision-making skills, and the ability to handle extreme stress, as they are responsible for coordinating hundreds of flights each shift.

An American Airlines plane prepares to take off as investigators carry pieces of wreckage from the waters of the Potomac River after American Airlines flight 5342 on approach to Reagan National Airport crashed into the river after colliding with a US (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)

How much do air traffic controllers make?

By the numbers:

The path to becoming a fully certified controller is long, and the starting salaries can be surprisingly low:

  • Trainee salary: $35,000–$45,000 per year while completing FAA Academy training
  • Median salary (2022): $137,380 per year
  • Top earners (90th percentile): Over $200,000 per year
  • Highest-paying locations: New York, California, Texas, and Illinois

Controllers working at high-traffic airports, like Reagan National or New York’s JFK, typically earn higher salaries due to the complexity of managing congested airspace.

Why you should care:

The collision at Reagan National has put air traffic controllers in the spotlight, as investigators examine whether staffing shortages or human error contributed to the crash. 

While aviation accidents remain rare, the job of an air traffic controller is among the most stressful in the world. Understanding the rigorous training and qualifications required can shed light on the immense responsibility these professionals carry every day.

The Source: This story is based on information from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an Associated Press report on the midair collision at Reagan National Airport and previous reporting by FOX TV Stations. This story was reported from Los Angeles. 

Washington, D.C.