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Air Traffic Control
Federal air traffic controller position directing aircraft movement in controlled airspace, coordinating takeoffs and landings, and ensuring aviation safety at FAA facilities nationwide.
What GS-2152 pays
2025 base rates, before locality. Most federal employees add a locality adjustment on top.
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
| GS-15 | $125,133 | $129,304 | $133,475 | $137,646 | $141,817 | $145,988 | $150,159 | $154,330 | $158,501 | $162,672 |
Base pay only. Locality pay adds 15 to 40 percent or more depending on where the job sits. Source: OPM 2025 General Schedule.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for GS-2152, as written.
Air Traffic Control Individual Occupational Requirements
Education:
- Bachelor's degree with coursework in aviation, or graduation from FAA-approved ATC program
OR
Experience: Experience in air traffic control operations.
Special Requirements:
- Must pass FAA medical examination
- Must complete FAA ATC training program
- Subject to age limits for initial appointment
- Must pass background investigation
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- No positive education requirement here, so qualifying experience can stand in for the education.
How to qualify for GS-2152
1Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
2Find Your Grade Level
Grade follows the scope and complexity of the work you can document against the announcement, not the rank you held. OPM does not use military rank or pay when it evaluates specialized experience. Roughly: GS-5 entry, GS-7/9 junior, GS-11/12 journey, GS-13 and up senior.
3Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages. USAJOBS has enforced that limit since 27 September 2025 and will not accept a longer resume from a Title 5 agency posting, so the space has to answer every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact details, and the accomplishments with numbers on them.
5Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that map to this series
Air Traffic Control
Air Traffic Control series. FAA actively recruits military ATCs with CTI preference.
Skills that carry over: Air Traffic Control, Radar Operations, Communication, Decision Making, Stress Management.
Usually opens at: FG-5, FG-7, FG-9, FG-11.
Air Traffic Controller
Direct path to FAA Air Traffic Control. CTI preference.
Skills that carry over: Air Traffic Control, Radar, Communications, Decision Making.
Usually opens at: FG-5, FG-7, FG-9, FG-11.
Combat Control
1C2X1s with active FAA Control Tower Operator certifications transfer directly into FAA Air Traffic Control hiring. The Experienced Controller hiring track bypasses the standard age cap and ATSA assessment.
Skills that carry over: FAA CTO certification, Tower operations, Approach control, Radar separation, Austere airfield ATC.
Usually opens at: GS-9, GS-11, GS-12, GS-13.
Your record can qualify you even when your code is not on this list. The crosswalk is a starting point, not the gate.
Typical duties
- Direct aircraft movements
- Issue clearances and instructions
- Monitor radar displays
- Coordinate with pilots
- Manage airspace
- Handle emergency situations
- Maintain separation between aircraft
- Process flight plans
- Coordinate with other facilities
- Document traffic activities
Key competencies
Traffic Separation
Ability to maintain safe separation of aircraft.
Communication
Skill in clear radio communication.
Decision Making
Ability to make rapid, accurate decisions.
Situational Awareness
Skill in tracking multiple aircraft.
Stress Management
Ability to perform under pressure.
Regulations
Knowledge of FAA regulations and procedures.
Coordination
Skill in coordinating with pilots and controllers.
Equipment
Proficiency in ATC radar and systems.
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about GS-2152
What is an Air Traffic Controller?
An Air Traffic Controller (GS-2152) directs aircraft movement in controlled airspace, coordinating takeoffs, landings, and in-flight operations. They issue clearances, monitor radar displays, maintain safe separation between aircraft, handle emergencies, and ensure aviation safety at FAA facilities nationwide.
How much does a federal Air Traffic Controller make?
Federal Air Traffic Controllers are among the highest-paid federal employees, earning $75,000-$180,000+ depending on facility complexity and experience. Base pay plus locality adjustments and premium pay for nights/weekends significantly increase compensation. Controllers at major facilities earn the highest salaries.
What are the requirements for GS-2152 positions?
GS-2152 positions require graduation from an FAA-approved ATC program OR a bachelor's degree with aviation coursework OR prior ATC experience. Special requirements include passing FAA medical examinations, completing FAA ATC training, passing background investigations, and meeting age limits (generally must start before age 31).
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-2152?
Yes, military ATC experience is highly valued and provides a direct path to FAA positions. Air Force 1C1X1 (Air Traffic Control), Navy AC (Air Traffic Controller), Army 15Q (Air Traffic Control Operator), and Marine ATC ratings directly qualify. Prior military controllers often receive expedited training and placement through FAA programs.
What is the career progression for Air Traffic Control?
Air Traffic Controllers progress through certification levels at their facility, then can transfer to higher-level facilities for increased pay. Career paths include Certified Professional Controller (CPC), supervisory positions, traffic management units, and FAA headquarters roles. Facility rating (ATC-5 through ATC-12) determines maximum pay.
How do I apply for GS-2152 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Air Traffic Control' or series '2152.' The FAA has specific hiring announcements - check usajobs.gov and faa.gov regularly. Military controllers should apply through the AT-CTI (Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative) or prior experience track. Veterans with ATC experience receive strong consideration.
Ready to apply for GS-2152?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.