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Careers · Air Traffic Controllers · Pennsylvania

Air Traffic Controllers in Pennsylvania

Air traffic controllers direct the movement of aircraft on the ground and in the air to ensure safe spacing and efficient flight operations. They work in airport control towers, radar facilities, and flight service stations, monitoring radar screens, communicating with pilots, and coordinating with other controllers to manage traffic flow according to established procedures. In Pennsylvania the median pay is $132,350 a year, 11% below the national median of $148,080.

$132,350median pay in Pennsylvania, per year
$100,210–$190,360middle half earn
460employed in Pennsylvania
$148,080U.S. median, for comparison
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What it takes

Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most hold a certificate or training program.

Skills that matter most

Active ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingJudgment and Decision MakingMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingCoordinationReading Comprehension

Knowledge areas

TransportationEnglish LanguagePublic Safety and SecurityEducation and TrainingCustomer and Personal ServiceGeography

Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Air Traffic Controllers.

Licenses and training in Pennsylvania

Air Traffic Controllers pay in other states

Related occupations

Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against air traffic controllers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
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O*NET-SOC 53-2021.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Pennsylvania, annual.