Air Traffic Controller
Ensure the safe travel of aircraft.
Job opportunities
-
Jobs in SEEK right nowJob growth
-
5-year projectionSalary
-
Typical salaryJob satisfaction
-
Job opportunities
-
Jobs in SEEK right nowSalary
-
Typical salaryJob growth
-
5-year projectionJob satisfaction
-
On this page
- What's it like to be an Air Traffic Controller?
- How to become an Air Traffic Controller
- Latest Air Traffic Controller jobs
- Top skills and experience for Air Traffic Controllers
- Air Traffic Controller role reviews
What's it like to be an Air Traffic Controller?
Air Traffic Controllers ensure the safe travel of aircraft by directing their movements. They organise the flow of aircraft into, out of and between airports. Air Traffic Controllers need to be confident decision-makers, accurate, fast and able to work under very high pressure. They need excellent communication skills, good geospatial awareness and the ability to work as part of a team. People in this role work on shifts around the clock, and can be required to work on any day of the year.
Tasks and duties
- Monitor radar to manage aircraft movement.
- Brief pilots with information pre-flight.
- Instruct pilots on landings, take-offs and aircraft taxiing.
- Maintain radio contact with pilots to keep aircraft traffic flowing.
- Manage aircraft to fly along pre-arranged routes at approved altitudes.
- Provide assistance and information to pilots, ground crew and first responders during emergencies.
How to become an Air Traffic Controller
Becoming an Air Traffic Controller requires specific qualifications and training. You need to be 18 years of age or older to be eligible for training.
- Complete a Diploma of Aviation (Air Traffic Control) (AVI50115) with Airservices Australia. This usually takes 12–14 months and includes a combination of practical and theoretical learning. Alternatively, complete a training program with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Eligibility requirements apply for both pathways, so check with your preferred training provider for specific details.
- On completion of your training, apply for an Air Traffic Control Licence which is issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
Compare your salary
Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Air Traffic Controllers.Latest Air Traffic Controller jobs on SEEK
Be one of the first to discover these recently listed jobs, or browse all Air Traffic Controller jobs on SEEK right now.Did you find this helpful?
Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Air Traffic Controller employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas. Aviation
Flying
Multitasking
Problem Solving
Technical Aptitude
Resilience
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
Did you find this helpful?
Latest Air Traffic Controller reviews
Oct 2023
Prioritising Safety is our Number one aim
Reviewer's QualificationBachelor of Physics
ExperienceLess than a year
Organisation sizeLarge (200+ employees)
SpecialisationGovernment & Defence
The good thingsWorking as a Air Traffic Controller is fun and exciting everyday..New challenges everyday but you enjoy every bit .It builds you up to be a proactive, multitasking person..
The challengesNothing serious, but the early mornings wake ups for am shifts.
Read more
Aug 2019
Air traffic control, nothing quite like it!
Reviewer's QualificationMaster of Science
Experience10+ years
Organisation sizeLarge (200+ employees)
Specialisationair traffic control
The good thingsThe variety of work is excellent, with no two days being the same. It's much different to a normal workplace, in that you don't check your emails with you, you don't take work home with you, and the e...
The challengesThere are only two employers in Australia, with different conditions and work arrangements. Shift work is challenging, meaning visiting friends, families, kids schools and sports can be difficult to m...
Read more
Share insights on your current role.
Help people decide if your job is right for them - it only takes a few minutes.Source: SEEK role reviews
SEEK has not verified the truth or accuracy of these comments and does not adopt or endorse any of the comments posted on this page.SEEK collects and posts the comments for what they are worth and for information purposes only to assist candidates to find employment through www.seek.com.au
