Air Traffic Controllers
Job Description
Air traffic controllers supervise air traffic such as helicopters and planes. They do this to make sure that all aircraft stay a safe distance apart.
Education Required
2 or 4 Year Degree through a Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative program.
Median Wage
$122,530 per year/$58.91 per hour
Work Week
Most air traffic controllers work a full work week, but some work additional hours. Their shifts also vary between evening, day, and night because air traffic is always coming in.
Working Conditions
Most air traffic controllers work at airports in towers. The rooms are semi-dark in order to see screens better. They spend most of their time sitting down. The work is also very stressful because they are always facing new difficult situations to overcome.
Tales from the air traffic control tower
Bibliography
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Air Traffic Controllers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/air-traffic-controllers.htm (visited March 12, 2015).