How to become an Air Traffic Controller
Ensures the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in controlled airspace and aerodromes by directing aircraft movements.
Main tasks
- Monitors and controls the movement of aircraft in controlled airspace and aerodromes
- Provides clear and concise instructions to pilots regarding their flight paths and altitudes
- Communicates with other air traffic control centres, pilots and airport staff members to ensure safety, relay estimated arrival times, and prevent or respond to emergency situations
- Monitors radar displays and other equipment to track the position and movement of aircraft
- Keeps accurate records of all aircraft movements and communications
Ways in
- TAFE and VET: Diploma of Aviation (Air Traffic Control) (AVI50115)
- Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $137,852 a year
- About 15,500 people work in this job group now, and about 17,600 are projected by 2035. (+13.7%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become an Air Traffic Controller?
Ways in include: Diploma of Aviation (Air Traffic Control).
How much does an Air Traffic Controller earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $137,852 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is an Air Traffic Controller a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 14% by 2035, from about 15,500 to about 17,600 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become an Air Traffic Controller?
Not always. 43% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Diploma of Aviation (Air Traffic Control).
Will AI change the work of an Air Traffic Controller?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04