Air Traffic Controllers and Airfield Operations Specialists

Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

O’NET publishes details below this occupation’s level. Showing Air Traffic Controllers — one of 2 occupations here: Air Traffic Controllers, Airfield Operations Specialists.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Inform pilots about nearby planes or potentially hazardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of wind, or visibility problems.100
Monitor aircraft within a specific airspace, using radar, computer equipment, or visual references.97
Monitor, direct, or sequence the movement of aircraft within an assigned air space or on the ground at airports to minimize delays and maximize safety.97
Alert airport emergency services in cases of emergency or when aircraft are experiencing difficulties.97
Maintain radio or telephone contact with adjacent control towers, terminal control units, or other area control centers to coordinate aircraft movement.96
Transfer control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights.95
Provide flight path changes or directions to emergency landing fields for pilots traveling in bad weather or in emergency situations.93
Direct pilots to runways when space is available or direct them to maintain a traffic pattern until there is space for them to land.93
Contact pilots by radio to provide meteorological, navigational, or other information.92
Determine the timing or procedures for flight vector changes.91
Direct ground traffic, including taxiing aircraft, maintenance or baggage vehicles, or airport workers.91
Issue landing and take-off authorizations or instructions.90

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Check conditions and traffic at different altitudes in response to pilots' requests for altitude changes.88
Initiate or coordinate searches for missing aircraft.87
Provide on-the-job training to new air traffic controllers.86
Organize flight plans or traffic management plans to prepare for planes about to enter assigned airspace.84
Compile information about flights from flight plans, pilot reports, radar, or observations.82
Relay air traffic information, such as courses, altitudes, or expected arrival times, to control centers.77
Conduct pre-flight briefings on weather conditions, suggested routes, altitudes, indications of turbulence, or other flight safety information.73
Inspect, adjust, or control radio equipment or airport lights.72
Analyze factors such as weather reports, fuel requirements, or maps to determine air routes.70
Complete daily activity reports and keep records of messages from aircraft.53
Review records or reports for clarity and completeness and maintain records or reports, as required under federal law.49

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening85
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking81
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking78
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making78
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Complex Problem Solving75
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Monitoring75
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Coordination72
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Active Learning69
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Reading Comprehension69
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Time Management63
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Social Perceptiveness60
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Operations Monitoring56
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

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Systems Analysis56
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Instructing53
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies53
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Service Orientation53
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Systems Evaluation53
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Writing53
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Management of Personnel Resources47
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Mathematics47
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Persuasion47
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Operations Analysis44
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Quality Control Analysis44
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Negotiation41
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Operation and Control38
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Troubleshooting25
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Management of Financial Resources19
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources19
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Programming19
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Science19
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Technology Design19
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Equipment Maintenance6
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection6
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Repairing3
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Transportation80
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
English Language73
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Education and Training69
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Public Safety and Security69
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Customer and Personal Service65
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Geography62
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Telecommunications61
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Mathematics57
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Computers and Electronics50
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Law and Government45
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Administration and Management39
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Psychology39
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

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Communications and Media37
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Physics35
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Personnel and Human Resources32
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Administrative30
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Engineering and Technology28
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Production and Processing25
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Design23
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Mechanical16
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Therapy and Counseling13
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Economics and Accounting12
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Sociology and Anthropology10
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Philosophy and Theology9
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Foreign Language7
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
History and Archeology6
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Chemistry5
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Medicine and Dentistry5
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Sales and Marketing5
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Building and Construction4
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Fine Arts4
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Biology3
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Food Production0
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Problem Sensitivity94
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Oral Comprehension91
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression91
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Selective Attention88
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Deductive Reasoning85
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Flexibility of Closure81
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Inductive Reasoning81
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Speed of Closure81
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Far Vision78
The ability to see details at a distance.
Near Vision78
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Perceptual Speed78
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Speech Clarity78
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

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Time Sharing78
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Information Ordering75
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Speech Recognition75
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Comprehension72
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Category Flexibility66
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Auditory Attention63
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Visualization63
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Fluency of Ideas60
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Originality60
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Written Expression60
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Mathematical Reasoning53
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Memorization50
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Number Facility50
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Visual Color Discrimination50
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Control Precision47
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Finger Dexterity47
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Hearing Sensitivity47
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Depth Perception41
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Arm-Hand Steadiness38
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Manual Dexterity35
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Glare Sensitivity28
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Night Vision28
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Spatial Orientation22
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Reaction Time19
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Sound Localization19
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Trunk Strength19
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Peripheral Vision16
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Response Orientation16
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Rate Control13
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Multilimb Coordination10
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Extent Flexibility3
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Wrist-Finger Speed3
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Dynamic Strength0
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength0
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems96
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events90
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Getting Information89
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings81
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates80
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Processing Information80
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Training and Teaching Others78
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge78
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Analyzing Data or Information75
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards73
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work73
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Thinking Creatively73
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

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Performing for or Working Directly with the Public66
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Coaching and Developing Others65
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Working with Computers62
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Documenting/Recording Information58
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information58
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization55
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others54
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships53
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Developing Objectives and Strategies52
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials49
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others47
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Developing and Building Teams44
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People44
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others42
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Scheduling Work and Activities38
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates37
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others36
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Controlling Machines and Processes33
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Assisting and Caring for Others30
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Performing Administrative Activities25
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources22
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Handling and Moving Objects19
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Staffing Organizational Units18
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment13
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Selling or Influencing Others13
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Performing General Physical Activities12
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment10
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment7
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment4
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail100
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Cautiousness100
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Self-Control100
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Stress Tolerance100
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Dependability98
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Integrity85
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Self-Confidence81
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Perseverance73
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Adaptability72
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Achievement Orientation70
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Cooperation65
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Leadership Orientation51
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

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Intellectual Curiosity31
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Sincerity25
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Initiative18
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Optimism11
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Empathy10
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Social Orientation6
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Conventional67
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Realistic59
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Enterprising55
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Social28
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Investigative24
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Artistic0
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day96%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day97%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results87%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important88%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important83%
- Very important16%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others87%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important77%
- Very important17%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually60%
- More than half the time27%
Conflict Situations
- Every day65%
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom59%
- Some freedom21%
- Limited freedom11%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)33%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)62%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important70%
- Not important at all11%

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Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious76%
- Not serious at all17%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important53%
- Very important23%
- Important14%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually63%
- More than half the time15%
- Never12%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day62%
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom48%
- Some freedom20%
- Limited freedom14%
- Very little freedom13%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day62%
- Never22%
Degree of Automation
- Completely automated22%
- Highly automated32%
- Moderately automated29%
- Slightly automated16%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day29%
- Once a week or more but not every day30%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually30%
- More than half the time33%
- Less than half the time16%
- Never13%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility33%
- High responsibility15%
- Moderate responsibility26%
- Limited responsibility19%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day20%
- Once a week or more but not every day30%
- Once a month or more but not every week30%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
Time Pressure
- Every day48%
- Never27%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day30%
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never16%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours12%
- 40 hours88%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive19%
- Highly competitive24%
- Moderately competitive23%
- Slightly competitive13%
- Not at all competitive21%
E-Mail
- Every day16%
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
- Never28%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility11%
- High responsibility18%
- Moderate responsibility16%
- Limited responsibility32%
- No responsibility23%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day29%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never51%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Extremely important22%
- Fairly important11%
- Not important at all57%
Spend Time Standing
- About half the time13%
- Less than half the time63%
- Never13%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day19%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never54%
Exposed to High Places
- Every day25%
- Never72%
Public Speaking
- Every day14%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never61%
Exposed to Radiation
- Every day16%
- Never81%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)25%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)72%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time40%
- Never55%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time22%
- Never67%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never75%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never76%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Never89%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never88%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Never87%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Never87%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never91%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Never89%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never94%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never95%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never93%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Never97%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never97%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never97%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Never97%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Never97%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Never97%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never97%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

High school diploma or equivalent
Post-secondary certificate
Bachelor’s degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Flight control software
Direct-to-tool software, En route descent advisor EDA, Multi-center traffic management advisor McTMA, Traffic management advisor TMA software
Expert system software
Advanced technologies and oceanic procedures ATOP, Automated radar terminal systems ARTS, Center TRACON automation systems CTAS
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Document management software
Adobe Acrobat
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access
Web page creation and editing software
Really Simple Syndication RSS

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Notify others of emergencies, problems, or hazards.
Direct vehicle traffic.
Monitor vehicle movement or location.
Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.
Coordinate flight control or management activities.
Respond to transportation emergencies.
Adjust routes or speeds as necessary.
Monitor surroundings to detect potential hazards.
Direct emergency management activities.
Train transportation or material moving personnel.
Plan flight operations.
Compile operational data.

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Meet with coworkers to communicate work orders or plans.
Operate communications equipment or systems.
Choose optimal transportation routes or speeds.
Record operational details of travel.
Review documents or materials for compliance with policies or regulations.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Air Traffic Controller

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology