Developmental controllers receive rigorous training in controlling and separating live air traffic within designated airspace at and around airport Traffic Control Towers, Terminal Radar Approach Control facilities (TRACON) or Air Route Traffic Control Facility (ARTCC).

• No prior air traffic experience is required. If selected, you'll be hired at the FG-3 entry level and trained by the FAA - even if you have experience that might qualify you for a higher grade under other announcements.
• Your journey starts at the FAA Academy. While attending academy training, you'll be on a temporary appointment and must successfully complete the program. At the Academy, you’ll learn the fundamentals of air traffic control, including aircraft operations, the U.S. airspace system and the aviation industry, through classroom instruction and hands-on workshop exercises.
• After graduating from the Academy, you'll choose your first facility from a list of locations with the greatest staffing needs. The FAA operates air traffic control facilities in every state and several U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, U. S. Virgin Islands and Guam). Applicants must be willing to work at any FAA facility. Declining to select from the available list will result in termination, as placements are based on FAA staffing needs.
• Successful Academy graduates receive a permanent appointment. Starting salaries range from $47,026 to $177,543 depending on the facility location. Applicants with prior ATCS experience will have their salary set in accordance with the ATCS Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Your pay grows as you train. As you successfully complete each phase of facility training, you'll receive pay increases. Most controllers reach six-figure salaries within about three years.Achieving Certified Professional Controller (CPC) typically takes 2-3 years, depending on the facility size, level, and complexity. Last year, the average CPC salary was $158,000.
• Training matters. Individuals who do not successfully complete FAA Academy training or other required steps will be separated from employment. Failure to certify to CPC level will result in separation, demotion or reassignment.
• Previous FAA Academy failure or declining a facility placement offer after Academy graduation may make you ineligible for selections and/or subject to a Veterans' Preference pass over.

Conditions of employment

• US Citizenship is required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Designated or Random Drug Testing required.
• This vacancy may close early once a total of 8,000 applications have been received.
• To move forward in the hiring process, applicants must achieve a "Best" or "Well-Qualified" ATSA result.
• Medical Clearance: You must obtain medical clearance, including a psychological assessment, drug test, and comprehensive medical evaluation. Successful completion of all components is required for hiring and continued employment.
• Background Check: You are required to pass a background check. If you have previously completed one at an acceptable level, it will be verified. Otherwise, you must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation for Secret clearance.
• Irregular duty hours, a non-standard work week, or tour of duty may be required.
• Upon successful graduation from the FAA Academy, some graduates may be eligible for a one-time incentive up to $20,000.

Qualifications

You must be able to speak English clearly so others can understand you over radios, intercoms, and similar communications equipment.

To apply, you must meet ONE of the five qualification options listed below.

Some eligibility requirements depend on which Applicant Pool you choose. Read carefully and contact Aviation Careers (aviation.careers@faa.gov) with questions before the announcement closes.

Applicant Pools

POOL 1

You qualify for Pool 1 if you meet one of the following and submit documentation as outlined in the Required Documents section.

1. CTI Graduate - You graduated from an FAA Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program and have an official CTI endorsement letter.

2. VRA-Eligible Veteran - You qualify for a Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) under Title 38. More info: https://www.opm.gov/fedshirevets/veteran-job-seekers/vets/

3. Veteran with Aviation Experience - You are a qualifying veteran with aviation experience gained during military service and/or eligible for Veterans' Preference (as stated Title 5, in section 2108 of United States Code).

POOL 2

Pool 2 includes: all U.S. Citizens who do not meet Pool 1 requirements, or Pool 1 applicants who choose to be considered for Pool 2.

Applicants may choose Pool 1 OR Pool 2, but not both.

If you select Pool 1 but are found not eligible, you will automatically be considered under Pool 2, provided you meet one of the five qualification options.

Age Requirement

Federal law (P.L. 92-297) sets a maximum hiring age of 30 for entry level air traffic controllers. If you are 31 or older on the announcement closing date, you are not eligible. If your experience comes from civilian ATC work with the FAA or Department of Defense, you must have been hired before age 31 and provide SF-50 (personnel action) documentation.

5 Ways to Qualify - You only need ONE of these.

1. Work Experience - At least one year of general work experience (about 2,080 hours).

This can include:

• Full-time jobs
• Part-time jobs
• Volunteer work

2. Education - A full 4-year course of study leading to a Bachelor's degree (120 semester or 180 quarter hours).

An associate degree alone does not qualify unless combined with work experience (see option 3).

CTI applicants (Pool 1):

• Submit transcripts (official or unofficial) showing your degree conferral
• Provide your official CTI endorsement letter

Spring 2026 graduates must submit current transcripts now and final transcripts before any firm job offer.

3. Education + Work Combination -A mix of college coursework and work experience equal to one year of qualifying experience.

Undergraduate credit is based on:

• 120 semester hours earned, or
• 180 quarter hours earned

Example: An associate degree plus work experience may qualify.

4. Air Traffic Control Experience - You have specialized Air Traffic Control Specialist experience.

You must provide documentation such as:

• FAA certificates
• Military ATC certification
• Training records

5. Other Aviation Experience - You qualify if you (hold or have held one) of the following:

• Facility rating and actively controlled civilian or military air traffic
• FAA air carrier dispatcher certificate
• Instrument flight rating
• FAA navigator certificate or military Navigator/Bombardier qualification
• 350+ flight hours as a copilot or higher with a private pilot certificate (or military equivalent)
• Served as a rated Aerospace Defense Command Intercept Director

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IMPORTANT: Applicants may be rated on the extent and quality of experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position(s). All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated. Ensure that your application package/resume supports your responses.

• Resume
• Official or Unofficial Transcripts with confer date (if applicable).
• Veterans preference documents - DD-214, VA letter, SF-15, statement of service letter (if applicable)
• SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable) If you do not have a copy of your initial Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50/new-hire action into the 2152 series), you can request it through the National Personnel Records Center at the following link: https://www.archives.gov/st-louis/opf.

In addition, Collegiate Training Initiative applicants must provide:

• Official or Unofficial Transcripts with confer date AND
• Endorsement letter

• SF-15  : Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference

Next steps