by our College Data Analytics TeamIn 2020-2021, air traffic controller was the 735th most popular major nationwide with 338 degrees awarded. This is a difference of 76 over the prior year, a growth of 22.5%.
Our 2023 Best Air Traffic Controller Schools ranking analyzes 8 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for air traffic controller students. Explore this or one of our many other custom air traffic controller rankings further below.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
BS in Operations Management - Logistics & Transportation
Enhance your Bachelor of Science in Operations Management with a concentration in Logistics and Transportation at Southern New Hampshire University.
One of the most important skills you will need for a career in air traffic controller is 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. Talking to others to convey information effectively and using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems are all required skills for careers related to this major.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most air traffic controller degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. Once you obtain your degree, additional air traffic controller certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
There are various different levels of air traffic controller degrees. Air Traffic Controller programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest air traffic controller degree you can get. Air Traffic Controller programs can take anywhere between one to four or more years for a full-time student to complete.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to air traffic controller, with approximately 29.3% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for air traffic controller workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 27.6% |
| High School Diploma | 26.4% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 17.1% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 16.7% |
| Some College Courses | 6.6% |
Most workers in air traffic controller have at least a associate degree. View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in air traffic controller careers have.
This of course varies depending on which air traffic controller career you choose.
Want a job when you graduate with your air traffic controller degree? Air Traffic Controller careers are expected to grow 5.0% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to air traffic controller.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controllers | 25,800 | 3.6% |
| Airfield Operations Specialists | 9,700 | 9.0% |
As you might expect, salaries for air traffic controller graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for air traffic controller graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers air traffic controller grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controllers | $120,830 |
| Airfield Operations Specialists | $56,760 |
With over 30 different air traffic controller degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased air traffic controller school rankings to help you with this.
Air Traffic Controller is one of 6 different types of Air Transportation programs to choose from.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| General Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science & Technology | 5,034 |
| Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot & Flight Crew | 2,223 |
| Aviation/Airway Management & Operations | 1,895 |
| Other Air Transportation | 317 |
| Airline Flight Attendant | 44 |
