ATC Resume Examples & Templates for 2025

Explore air traffic controller resume examples and tips to learn how to showcase your experience managing flight paths, ensuring safety, and staying calm under pressure.

By Elizabeth Muenzen, CPRW, Career Advice Writer Last Updated: January 03, 2023

More ATC Resume Examples

Explore more ATC resume examples to learn how to highlight your communication skills, quick decision-making, and ability to manage air traffic. These aviation resume samples will help you craft a resume that meets industry standards and showcases your expertise effectively.

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ATC Resume Template (Text Version)

Olivia Martinez

Buffalo, NY 14201
(555)555-5555
Olivia.Martinez@example.com

Professional Summary

Dedicated ATC with 4 years of experience optimizing flight safety and efficiency. Proven track record in managing radar operations, implementing safety protocols, and training team members.

Work History

ATC
SkyTrack Aviation Services – Buffalo, NY
August 2024 – June 2025

  • Managed 100+ aircraft movements daily
  • Reduced delay rates by 15% via optimized scheduling
  • Implemented safety protocols ensuring 0 incidents

Air Traffic Control Specialist
AeroLink Control Center – Albany, NY
September 2022 – July 2024

  • Directed flight operations across 8 sectors
  • Improved communication efficiency by 10%
  • Monitored radar systems ensuring 99.9% uptime

Air Navigation Coordinator
FlightSafe Operations – New York, NY
July 2021 – August 2022

  • Navigated aircraft through severe weather, ensuring safety
  • Trained 5 junior controllers improving team capabilities
  • Conducted air traffic simulations reducing errors by 20%

Languages

  • Spanish – Beginner (A1)
  • French – Intermediate (B1)
  • German – Beginner (A1)

Skills

  • Air Traffic Control
  • Radar Monitoring
  • Flight Coordination
  • Aircraft Navigation
  • Safety Protocols
  • Team Training
  • Weather Navigation
  • Communication Efficiency

Certifications

  • Certified Professional Controller – Federal Aviation Administration
  • ATC Radar Endorsement – Air Traffic Control Association

Education

Master’s Aeronautical Science
University of Washington Seattle, Washington
June 2021

Bachelor’s Air Traffic Management
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach, Florida
June 2019

Advice for Writing Your ATC Resume

Explore our tips on how to write a resume for an ATC position and discover how to highlight your aviation skills, quick decision-making, and ability to keep skies safe.

Aviation Video Thumbnail

Highlight relevant technical skills

Technical skills are key for an air traffic controller (ATC) role, as they directly affect how you manage and oversee aircraft movements safely and efficiently. To showcase these abilities, you can create a dedicated skills section on your resume and integrate them into your work experience.

This helps employers quickly notice the expertise that makes you stand out. Focus on skills closely related to ATC duties, like radar systems operation, navigation software usage, and radio communication protocols.

Common technical skills for an ATC include skills in air traffic control systems, understanding of aeronautical charts, and familiarity with real-time decision-making tools. Strong computer skills related to data monitoring and analysis are also highly valued in this field. Highlighting experience with tools like flight tracking systems or conflict detection software shows your readiness to manage complex situations.

When detailing your skills, be precise and avoid listing generic traits. Instead, mention specific technologies or equipment you’ve used in previous roles or training. If integrating technical skills into the work experience section, describe how you’ve applied these tools to ensure safety and efficiency in controlled airspace or during high-traffic conditions. Tailoring your resume this way will make it more relevant for an ATC position.

Example of a technical skills section

  • Air traffic control software (TMA, STARS, ERAM)
  • Radar systems operation
  • Aeronautical information management
  • Flight data processing systems
  • Radio communication protocols
  • Aviation safety regulations
  • Weather monitoring tools

Quantify your accomplishments

Quantifying accomplishments on your resume helps hiring managers assess your impact and skills. For example, instead of saying “managed air traffic,” you could say “guided over 50 aircraft safely through busy airspace daily, reducing delays by 20%.”

This approach highlights your impact and shows potential employers what you achieved in your role as an ATC. When writing your work experience section, always include your job title, employer name, location, and employment dates to set the context for each entry.

Using numbers like percentages, time savings, cost reductions, or efficiency improvements turns duties into achievements. It helps hiring managers quickly see how effective you were in your previous roles. Action verbs paired with metrics make your resume results-driven and compelling.

For instance, “implemented new routing strategies that cut average travel time by 15%” is more powerful than just “developed routing strategies.” By turning your duties into measurable achievements, you make it clear that you are a strong performer who can bring tangible benefits to the team.

5 ATC work history bullet points

  • Coordinated air traffic control operations for a busy airport, reducing delays by 20% through efficient routing.
  • Trained and mentored 15 new air traffic controllers, improving team performance by 25%.
  • Implemented advanced radar systems, increasing detection accuracy by 30%.
  • Managed communication protocols between pilots and ground staff, improving safety measures.
  • Led emergency response efforts during critical incidents, ensuring swift resolution and minimal impact.

Write a powerful professional summary

A professional summary on a resume serves as an introduction to hiring managers, letting readers choose between showcasing a summary or setting a career objective. This section is important for making a strong first impression and highlights your skills and impact in action-oriented language.

A professional summary is typically three to four sentences that showcase your experience, skills, and achievements. It’s best suited for experienced applicants who want to display their professional identity and value. Highlighting what you’ve accomplished in your career helps position you as a strong fit for the role.

On the other hand, resume objectives are statements about career goals. They’re most useful for those at entry-level positions, people changing careers, or individuals with employment gaps. While summaries focus on “what I’ve accomplished,” objectives emphasize “what I aim to contribute.”

Next, we’ll provide examples of both summaries and objectives tailored for various industries and levels of experience, including one specifically tailored for an ATC position.

ATC resume summary examples

Entry-level
Recent graduate from an FAA-approved air traffic control training program with foundational knowledge in radar operations, communication protocols, and aviation safety standards. Holds a Control Tower Operator (CTO) certification and excels in maintaining situational awareness and coordinating flight paths under supervision. Eager to contribute to safe and efficient airspace management.

Mid-career
Experienced air traffic controller with 5+ years managing airport tower operations and en-route control. Skilled in monitoring aircraft movements, issuing clearances, and resolving potential conflicts in high-pressure environments. Certified in advanced ATC systems such as ADS-B technology and recognized for ensuring seamless coordination between pilots, ground staff, and other controllers.

Experienced
Seasoned air traffic controller specializing in complex airspace navigation and leading operational teams in high-traffic airports. Expertise includes strategic planning for peak traffic hours, training junior controllers, and optimizing route efficiency to reduce delays. Proven track record of improving aviation safety through collaboration with FAA authorities and implementation of advanced control strategies.

ATC resume objective examples

Recent graduate
Aspiring air traffic controller with a degree in aviation management eager to contribute technical skills and analytical abilities to optimize flight safety and efficiency. Committed to applying knowledge of navigation systems, meteorology, and communication protocols within a dynamic air traffic control environment.

Career changer
Dedicated professional transitioning from logistics coordination to air traffic control, bringing strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Passionate about improving aviation safety and operational efficiency through effective communication and problem-solving in high-pressure situations.

Specialized training
Trainee air traffic controller with comprehensive coursework in radar operations and aircraft separation principles seeking an opportunity to apply learned skills in a busy airport setting. Excited to contribute to the safe and orderly flow of air traffic while continuously learning from experienced professionals.

Showcase your credentials

Listing your credentials as an air traffic controller is important because it shows you have the right skills and knowledge for the job. Certifications, licenses, and specialized training can make you stand out in technical fields.

By creating a dedicated certifications section on your resume, you can highlight these achievements prominently. This section complements your education and helps employers see your qualifications quickly. Here are a few examples of certifications for an ATC resume:

  • Air Traffic Control Tower Operator (CTO) Certification
  • FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) Certification
  • Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Certification
  • Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) Certification
  • BasicMed or FAA Medical Clearance

Having these certifications can improve your chances of success as an air traffic controller by showing that you are committed to keeping up with industry standards. They also demonstrate specific skills that are valuable in managing complex systems effectively. Highlighting these on your resume can help set you apart from other applicants.

Example of a certifications section

Air Traffic Control Tower Operator Certificate
Issued by: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Issued 2021

Private Pilot License (PPL)
Issued by: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Expires 2025

Certified Air Traffic Controller Specialist
Issued by: International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA)
Issued 2020

Salary Insights for ATCs

If you are considering your career path, reviewing salary information can provide valuable insight into potential earnings and current job market trends. Explore key salary insights below.

Top 10 highest-paying states for ATCs

ATCs earn varying salaries across the United States, with a national average of $63,398. The table below highlights the states where ATCs command the highest compensation.

Our salary information comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. This official government data provides the most comprehensive and reliable salary information for writers across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The figures presented here reflect the May 2025 dataset, which is the most recent available as of this publication.

StateAverage Salary
Idaho$140,750
Washington$139,290
Oregon$133,310
Nevada$130,530
California$130,210
New York$129,570
Connecticut$123,360
Georgia$121,290
New Jersey$119,010
Alabama$118,520
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey, May 2025 dataset (latest available).

FAQ

Do I need to include a cover letter with my ATC resume?

Yes, including a cover letter with your ATC resume can improve your application by showcasing your enthusiasm and understanding of the role. A cover letter gives you the chance to explain why you’re passionate about air traffic control and highlight specific skills or experiences that make you an ideal applicant.

It’s also a great way to mention any particular interest in the airport or region where you’re applying, as well as any related achievements or certifications. Consider discussing scenarios where you’ve demonstrated quick decision-making or effective communication—key skills for an air traffic controller.

If you’re unsure how to start, there are resources like our Cover Letter Generator available to help craft a compelling cover letter tailored to ATC positions. You can also refer to cover letter examples that can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview.

How long should an ATC’s resume be?

For an air traffic controller (ATC), a one-page resume is usually enough to showcase key skills and experiences. Focus on important competencies like communication, decision-making, and stress management, along with important certifications such as FAA certification.

If you have extensive experience or specialized achievements in the field, a two-page resume might be fitting. Ensure every detail relates directly to the ATC role, highlighting recent roles and important responsibilities that display your expertise.

Check out our guide on how long a resume should be for tips tailored to different career stages.

How do you write an ATC resume with no experience?

When crafting your air traffic controller resume, especially if you have no experience, highlight your education, skills, and any relevant training that demonstrate you’re ready for the role. Here are a few tips on how to write a resume with no experience:

  • Highlight your educational background: Start with your degree in aviation or a related field. If you’ve taken courses specific to air traffic management or aviation safety, include those too.
  • Showcase relevant certifications: Mention any certifications like the FAA’s Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program if applicable. These can demonstrate your commitment to the field.
  • Emphasize transferable skills: Highlight skills such as strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. These are important for an ATC role and can be developed through other experiences or coursework.
  • Include volunteer or internship experiences: If you’ve volunteered at an airport or completed internships in aviation-related fields, describe what you learned and how these experiences prepared you for an ATC position.

Tailoring your resume to highlight these elements will help demonstrate your potential as a capable air traffic controller.

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