Amid a national shortage of air traffic controllers, the United States’ Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched a campaign targeting video gamers to fill roles.
The FAA has been a division of the DOT for nearly 60 years. According to a campaign launched on April 10, the transportation authorities are actively seeking young adult gamers for careers in air traffic control. The DOT suggests gamers are primed to transition into the air traffic control role thanks to their “transferable” skills, including “demonstrated high cognitive functions, multitasking, spatial awareness, strategy, and problem-solving.”
The source says several controllers have reported in their exit interviews that gaming has influenced their “ability to think quickly, stay focused, and manage complexity.” Highlighting what’s framed as untapped potential, the DOT says, “approximately 65%, more than 200 million, of Americans regularly play video games.”
An accompanying promotional video for the campaign is also making the rounds on YouTube. In the clip, it says, “Are you up for the challenge? You’ve been training for this… Become an air traffic controller [supercharged hiring]. It’s not a game, it’s a career.” The video further claims that hires will “keep millions of people safe every day” and “make a lot of money.” The DOT also stated that the average annual salary of an air traffic controller after three years is $155,000. Visuals transitioned from young men streaming gaming sessions to men and women working as controllers.
The Pay, Perks, And Path To Becoming An Air Traffic Controller
As the DOT’s YouTube video notes, this year’s air traffic controller hiring window opens at midnight EDT on April 17.
The FAA uses enticing, gamer-friendly language while sharing additional information. It says promising controllers will gain access to “the world’s most advanced air traffic technology.” Additionally, those who fit “mission requirements” and complete “the quest to certification” are promised “high score rewards,” including “legendary benefits.”
Becoming a U.S. air traffic controller consists of a 5-step process. After submitting your application and resume, selected candidates will need to pass an aptitude exam and obtain medical and security clearances. They’ll also need to complete academy training and gain up to three years of on-the-job experience before being certified. Notably, those in training get health and housing benefits in addition to hourly pay starting at $22.61.
A completed degree is not necessary to apply.
“To reach the next generation of air traffic controllers, we need to adapt. This campaign’s innovative communication style and focus on gaming taps into a growing demographic of young adults who have many of the hard skills it takes to be a successful controller,” stated DOT Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “Thanks to President Trump — we’ve already made incredible progress with the highest controller staffing levels in six years. There’s never been a more exciting time to become a controller and level up into a career with a strong purpose—keeping American families safe.”
“Safety is the FAA’s top priority, and that starts with hiring top talent and equipping them with world-class tools,” noted the organization’s Administrator Bryan Bedford. “We need the best people, the best training, and the best tools because we expect the best results.”
Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median annual wage in May 2024 for air traffic controllers was $144,580. For context, the source additionally notes that “In May 2024, the median annual wage for all workers was $49,500.”