Explore Careers
Air Traffic Controllers
Explore Careers
Air Traffic Controllers
Transportation, Distribution & LogisticsService Branches with this Role
What do Air Traffic Controllers do in the Military?
Where do Air Traffic Controllers work?
Air traffic controllers work in land-based and shipboard control centers.
How much do they make?
Median Military Salary
This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.
This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.
$94,076
Military Salary Range
This is the range based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.
Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.
This is the range based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.
Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.
$23,396 - $331,665
How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you'll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Set based on rank and years of service.
- Paid every month.
Allowances are additional payments to help cover living expenses like housing and food.
- Tax-free payments.
- Varies by location and family status.
Special pay provides extra compensation for unique skills, hazardous duties, or challenging assignments.
- Based on specialized roles.
- Varies by position and duty.
What training do Air Traffic Controllers gain in the Military?
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Air traffic controllers will gain skills through classes and on-the-job experience. Training content varies by specialty (e.g., those stationed on aircraft carriers), and may include:
- Air traffic control fundamentals
- Visual and instrument flight procedures
- Take-off, landing, and ground control procedures
- Aircraft recognition
- Communication and radar procedures
Military Training for Officers
Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree. All officers complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development.
What skills help Air Traffic Controllers succeed?
- Ability to make quick, decisive judgments
- Ability to work under stress
- Skill in math computation
What are possible career paths after the Military?
- Airfield Operations Specialists
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire and Ambulance
- Public Safety Telecommunicators
- Traffic Technicians
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
- Transportation Planners
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
- Transportation, Storage and Distribution Managers