The table below provides information about the number of workers in this occupation in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.
Employment
Almost all air traffic controllers work for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Most of the rest work for private companies that contract with small communities. A few work as military air traffic controllers for the Department of Defense.
Major employers:
- Federal government agencies
Outlook
Despite an expected increase in air traffic, growth will be limited as air traffic control systems become more automated. New computerized systems assist controllers by making many routine decisions for them. This allows controllers to handle more traffic. The federal budget also may limit how many air traffic controllers are hired.
Most job openings will occur as current controllers retire. Competition to get into the FAA training programs is expected to remain strong. Opportunities will be best for those who obtain an air traffic management degree from a FAA certified school or have military experience as an air traffic controller.
Air Traffic Controllers (CIS 100231)
Location | Employment | & | Growth | >>>> | Annual openings | |
This occupation |
All occupations |
|||||
Illinois |
793 Small |
& |
0.8% |
2.4% |
>>>> |
75 Moderate |
Champaign Area |
14 Very small |
& |
0.0% |
-0.9% |
>>>> |
1 Moderate |
Cook County |
369 Small |
& |
-1.1% |
0.6% |
>>>> |
35 Moderate |
DeKalb-Elgin-Aurora Area |
20 Very small |
& |
0.0% |
2.5% |
>>>> |
1 Few |
Du Page County |
34 Very small |
& |
17.6% |
3.3% |
>>>> |
5 Very High |
Edwardsville Area |
7 Very small |
& |
-14.3% |
5.5% |
>>>> |
0 None |
Lake County |
39 Very small |
& |
-7.7% |
1.9% |
>>>> |
4 Very few |
Mt Vernon-Marion-Carbondale Area |
8 Very small |
& |
-12.5% |
1.0% |
>>>> |
0 None |
Peoria-Bloomington Area |
31 Very small |
& |
-3.2% |
-1.9% |
>>>> |
3 Few |
Quincy-Macomb-Galesburg Area |
6 Very small |
& |
-16.7% |
-1.1% |
>>>> |
0 None |
Rock Island-Moline Area |
91 Small |
& |
1.1% |
-1.8% |
>>>> |
8 Moderate |
Rockford Area |
8 Very small |
& |
12.5% |
0.9% |
>>>> |
1 High |
Springfield Area |
24 Very small |
& |
0.0% |
0.0% |
>>>> |
3 Moderate |
St Louis-Belleville Area |
111 Small |
& |
0.0% |
-1.7% |
>>>> |
11 Moderate |
United States |
24,500 Very small |
& |
4.1% |
7.7% |
>>>> |
2,500 Few |