FAA Set to Hire 1,500 Air Traffic Controllers This Year

ATC shortages have contributed to several delays and recent close calls, which have prompted the FAA to lay out guidelines reinforcing safety protocols.

Amelia Walsh

Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 12:17 PM ET

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According to the National Air Traffic Controller Association, staffing levels are at a 30-year low, while two in 10 air traffic controller positions remain unfilled nationwide. [FLYING file photo]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA is facing critical air traffic controller staffing shortages, at a 30-year low, which is leading to significant flight delays, safety concerns, and forced flight reductions, particularly in key regions like New York.
To address the deficit, the FAA is opening a brief application window (May 5-8) to recruit 1,500 controllers this year and 1,800 next, with a focus on clearing pandemic-related training backlogs.
Aspiring controllers must meet specific eligibility criteria and undergo extensive training at the FAA Academy, followed by 1-3 years of on-the-job experience.
The specialized role offers competitive average salaries of over $120,000 annually, along with generous federal employee benefits, despite the challenging and lengthy entry process.

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The 2023 application window for entry-level air traffic controllers will open May 5-8 as the FAA grapples with staffing shortages across the nation.

The agency plans to hire roughly 1,500 controllers this year, and another 1,800 next year as it is catching up on pandemic-related training backlogs—a significant cause of the staffing shortage. According to the National Air Traffic Controller Association (NATCA), staffing levels are at a 30-year low, while two in 10 air traffic controller positions remain unfilled nationwide.