Air traffic controllers
SOC Code: 53-2021
Air traffic controllers carries a 56% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $144,580 and +1.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 24,100 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 56% AI exposure, Air traffic controllers sits 19 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 92% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Air traffic controllers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Air traffic controllers has ai exposure of 56%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Air traffic controllers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Air traffic controllers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021) carries an AI exposure score of 56%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 24,100 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +1.2% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $144,580, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Associate's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Air traffic controllers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Inform pilots about nearby planes or potentially hazardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of wind, or visibility problems.
- 2. Issue landing and take-off authorizations or instructions.
- 3. Transfer control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights.
- 4. Provide flight path changes or directions to emergency landing fields for pilots traveling in bad weather or in emergency situations.
- 5. Alert airport emergency services in cases of emergency or when aircraft are experiencing difficulties.
- 6. Monitor or direct the movement of aircraft within an assigned air space or on the ground at airports to minimize delays and maximize safety.
- 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.
- 8. Monitor aircraft within a specific airspace, using radar, computer equipment, or visual references.
- 9. Direct ground traffic, including taxiing aircraft, maintenance or baggage vehicles, or airport workers.
- 10. Contact pilots by radio to provide meteorological, navigational, or other information.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Monitoring
- Complex Problem Solving
- Coordination
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Time Management
Knowledge Areas
- Transportation
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
- Geography
- Telecommunications
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Law and Government
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Air traffic controllers?
Air traffic controllers has an AI exposure score of 56%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Air traffic controllers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Air traffic controllers is projected to grow by 1.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 24,100 workers.
What skills are needed for Air traffic controllers?
Key skills for Air traffic controllers include Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Associate's degree.
How much do Air traffic controllers earn?
The median annual wage for Air traffic controllers is $144,580, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Air traffic controllers?
The typical entry-level education for Air traffic controllers is Associate's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Long-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Air traffic controllers?
Air traffic controllers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).