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MarinesMOS 5953

Air Traffic Controller

That is Marines MOS 5953. Civilian jobs, federal paths, and how the work reads on a resume.

What is in this guide

Salary range
$48K to $137K
Career paths
14
Federal GS series
11
Companies hiring
12
Resume examples
10
Certification paths
6
Questions answered
10

What the translation looks like

How it reads in service

Controlled radar approach operations for 15+ aircraft per hour in mixed VFR/IFR conditions at MCAS Cherry Point RAPCON

How a hiring manager reads it

Managed real-time coordination of 15+ simultaneous operations per hour, making time-critical routing decisions while maintaining full compliance with federal safety regulations and zero incidents over 18-month period


Roles this background maps to

  • Air Traffic Controller$137,380
  • Airfield Operations Specialist$55,830
  • Aviation Safety Inspector$80,690

Median pay, BLS OEWS May 2024

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Brad TachiNavy Diver · BMR founder

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What the job actually is

Marine Corps Air Traffic Controllers (MOS 5953) manage the safe movement of fixed-wing and rotary aircraft in both garrison and combat environments. They work in control towers, radar approach control facilities (RAPCON), ground controlled approach (GCA) units, and direct air support centers (DASC). This is one of the few military jobs with a near-direct civilian equivalent backed by FAA certification paths.

What makes USMC controllers different from their civilian counterparts is the expeditionary mission. Marine ATC personnel deploy with the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) and set up portable air traffic control equipment in austere locations with no permanent infrastructure. They control aircraft in combat zones, handle mixed traffic of jets, helicopters, and tiltrotors, and do it all with tactical communications and mobile radar systems.

The civilian air traffic control field is one of the highest-paid careers that does not require a four-year degree. Marine controllers who earn their FAA Control Tower Operator (CTO) certificate have a strong path into the FAA or contract tower positions. Those who want to leave ATC entirely bring exceptional skills in communication, decision-making under pressure, and real-time multitasking that translate well to many other fields.

The path from Marine 5953 to FAA Air Traffic Control via the Veterans Recruitment Appointment is one of the cleanest civilian transitions in the Marine Corps — and it pays $80K+ entry. From the federal hiring side, the certified controller training plus tower hours is exactly what FAA needs out of the gate. — Brad Tachi, Navy Diver veteran & BMR founder

Security clearance
Secret (minimum)
ASVAB requirement
GT=110
Training
ATC A-School at NAS Pensacola, FL (joint service). Approximately 12-16 weeks of classroom and simulator training. Follow-on OJT at a Marine Corps Air Station to earn facility ratings. Controllers work tower, RAPCON (radar approach control), GCA (ground controlled approach), and DASC (direct air support center) positions.
Certs earned in service
FAA Control Tower Operator (CTO) certificate eligible, Marine Corps ATC facility ratings, First Aid/CPR/AED, HAZMAT awareness

Pay reality check

The number that decides most of this: how does civilian pay compare to what the paycheck looks like now?

Marines mid-career

$58K to $82K

E-5 to E-7 total comp: base plus BAH, BAS and the tax advantage.

Civilian Air Traffic Controller

$48K to $137K

BLS median across the direct-match civilian roles on this page.

Federal, GS-9 to GS-13

$58K to $120K

11 matching GS series, plus locality pay and step increases.

About 23% higher on average

Civilian roles for Air Traffic Controllers pay about $16K more than mid-career enlisted total comp.

Military comp is approximate and moves with location and dependents. Civilian is the BLS median. Federal includes locality pay. The real number depends on duty station, family status, GS step and overtime.

Private sector career paths

Marine Air Traffic Controllers have one of the strongest military-to-civilian career pipelines available. The FAA actively recruits veterans with ATC experience, and private contract tower companies seek out former military controllers because they arrive with live traffic experience that civilian trainees spend years building.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), the median annual wage for air traffic controllers is $137,380 (BLS 53-2021). This makes it one of the highest-paid occupations in the country. The top 10% earn more than $193,950. Airfield operations specialists earn a median of $55,830 (BLS 53-2022), and dispatchers earn $48,020 (BLS 43-5032).

The FAA hiring process has specific rules for veterans. If you are under 31 years old (or qualify for a veteran age waiver), you can apply through the FAA's prior experience hiring track. This path skips the general public bid and puts you into the FAA Academy at Oklahoma City based on your military ATC experience. Many Marine controllers also start at contract towers operated by companies like Robinson Aviation (RVA), Midwest ATC Services, or Serco while waiting for an FAA slot.

Outside of ATC, your skills transfer to aviation operations management, airline dispatch, airport management, and defense contracting roles that need people who understand airspace and aircraft operations. The military-to-civilian jobs tool can help you explore options beyond the tower.

Civilian job title translations

Civilian job titleIndustryBLS median salaryOutlookMatch
Air Traffic ControllerO*NET 53-2021.00Aviation / Government$137,380About as fast as average (3%)strong
Airfield Operations SpecialistO*NET 53-2022.00Aviation / Government$55,830About as fast as averagestrong
Aviation Safety InspectorO*NET 53-6051.00Government / Aviation$80,690About as fast as averagestrong
Aircraft DispatcherO*NET 43-5032.00Airlines / Aviation$48,020About as fast as averagestrong
Transportation ManagerO*NET 11-3071.00Transportation / Logistics$99,200Faster than average (8%)moderate
Operations ManagerO*NET 11-1021.00Multiple Industries$102,950About as fast as averagemoderate
Emergency Management DirectorO*NET 11-9161.00Government / Public Safety$86,130About as fast as averagemoderate
LogisticianO*NET 13-1081.00Government / Manufacturing / Transportation$80,880Much faster than average (17%)moderate

Companies that hire this background

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)Prior Experience Hiring

The primary employer for former military controllers. Apply through USAJobs during prior experience announcements. FAA pay scale often exceeds standard GS rates.

Robinson Aviation (RVA)Military Hiring

Largest contract tower operator in the US. Operates 80+ FAA contract towers. Actively recruits former military controllers. Excellent bridge to FAA or long-term career.

Midwest ATC Services

Major contract tower operator. Hires former military controllers for towers across the US. Competitive pay with good quality of life at smaller airports.

Serco GroupMilitary Transition

Operates contract towers and provides ATC services for DOD. Also has roles in aviation management, training, and operations support.

LeidosMilitary Hiring Program

Defense contractor with aviation and airspace management contracts. Roles in systems engineering, program management, and ATC technology development.

Raytheon (RTX)Military Veterans Program

Builds ATC radar and communications systems. Former controllers bring operational perspective to systems development, testing, and training roles.

L3Harris TechnologiesMilitary Hiring

Develops ATC simulation, training, and communications systems. Former controllers valued for subject matter expertise in product development and testing.

CACI InternationalMilitary Veteran Careers

DOD contracts in C4ISR, intelligence, and aviation support. Controllers with clearances are strong candidates for operations and technical roles.

Delta Air LinesMilitary Hiring Initiative

Hires for dispatch, operations control, and airport operations. Former controllers understand airspace, weather, and traffic flow. Strong veteran culture.

United Airlines

Flight dispatch, network operations, and airport management roles. Your ATC background gives you an edge in understanding airline operations from the air side.

Department of Defense (DOD)Veterans Preference

Aviation program management, airfield operations, and safety roles at military installations. Your knowledge of military ATC operations is directly relevant.

Booz Allen HamiltonMilitary Veteran Program

Aviation consulting, DOD advisory, and program management roles. Former controllers bring operational credibility to aviation modernization projects.

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Federal career paths

The FAA is the biggest federal employer for former Marine controllers, but it is far from the only option. Federal air traffic control positions fall under the GS-2152 series, and the FAA has its own pay scale (FG/FV bands) that often exceeds standard GS pay. Starting salaries at FAA facilities depend on facility level and location, but even entry-level developmental controllers earn well above GS-9 equivalent pay.

Beyond the FAA, several other federal paths make sense for MOS 5953 veterans:

GS-2152 Air Traffic Control Specialist (FAA): The direct match. Apply through USAJobs or the FAA's prior experience announcement. Veterans' preference applies. Facility assignments are based on experience level and facility needs. GS-7 through GS-14 equivalent on the FAA pay scale.

GS-1801 Aviation Safety Inspector: Former controllers who want to stay in aviation but leave the radar scope. Inspect facilities, evaluate procedures, and ensure compliance. Requires ATC experience. Median salary for transportation inspectors is $80,690 (BLS May 2024).

GS-2101 Transportation Specialist: Broader transportation planning and coordination roles at DOD, DOT, or DHS. Your understanding of airspace management and traffic flow is directly relevant.

GS-0301 Program Analyst / Management Analyst: Senior controllers with leadership experience fit well into program management roles at FAA, DOD, or any agency. The analytical thinking and decision-making skills from ATC are valued.

GS-0081 Fire Protection & Prevention: ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting) coordination is part of ATC operations. Some controllers transition into fire protection roles at military installations or federal airports.

GS-0343 Management & Program Analysis: For controllers who led shifts, managed training programs, or supervised teams. Federal management analyst roles value the structured decision-making background.

GS-1101 General Business & Industry: Broad series that covers contracting, business operations, and industry liaison roles. Good fit for controllers who want to leave aviation entirely but stay federal.

GS-0346 Logistics Management: Controllers who managed equipment, supply chains, or deployment logistics can target this series at DOD installations.

GS-2181 Aircraft Operation: For controllers who also hold pilot ratings or want to work in flight operations management.

GS-0080 Security Administration: Airfield security and access control are part of the ATC mission. This series covers physical security, personnel security, and information security roles.

Build your federal resume at bestmilitaryresume.com/federal-resume-builder. Federal resumes are 2 pages max and follow different rules than private sector resumes. Include your hours per week, supervisor info, and facility ratings. Learn more in our guide to hours per week on federal resumes.

Federal series and position matches

SeriesFederal job titleTypical gradesMatchExplore
GS-2152Air Traffic ControlGS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12, GS-13, GS-145 of 5View details
GS-1801General Inspection, Investigation, EnforcementGS-9, GS-11, GS-12, GS-134 of 5View details
GS-2101Transportation SpecialistGS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-124 of 5View details
GS-0301Miscellaneous Administration and ProgramGS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-123 of 5View details
GS-0343Management and Program AnalystGS-9, GS-11, GS-12, GS-133 of 5View details
GS-0081Fire Protection and PreventionGS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-113 of 5View details
GS-0346Logistics ManagementGS-7, GS-9, GS-112 of 5View details
GS-0080Security AdministrationGS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-112 of 5View details
GS-0018Safety and Occupational Health ManagementGS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-122 of 5View details
GS-1101General Business and IndustryGS-7, GS-9, GS-112 of 5View details
GS-1712Training InstructionGS-7, GS-9, GS-112 of 5View details

Federal resumes follow different rules. We know them.

Federal raters match your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement. BMR writes the federal format for any GS series above, with the hours per week and supervisor detail a rater looks for.

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Want to change careers entirely?

Not everyone stays in a related field. These paths run on the transferable half of the job: leadership, risk, logistics, planning.

Public Safety Telecommunicator$50,730 median · Public Safety · O*NET 43-5031.00

A 911 floor is a tower with a different scope. Marine controllers already juggle several aircraft, keep their voice level when it counts, and direct people who depend on every word being right.

Transfers: Managing multiple simultaneous incidents in real time, Calm, decisive voice communication under pressure, Prioritizing competing emergencies in seconds, Coordinating responders by clear protocol.

How to get there: Most centers hire on a high school diploma plus a typing and stress-screening test, then provide on-the-job and APCO certification training.

BLS OEWS May 2024 · 3% to 4% (Average)

Power Distributor and Dispatcher$107,240 median · Electric Power and Utilities · O*NET 51-8012.00

Running a power grid is scope-watching and split-second routing under high stakes, the same cognitive load as separating traffic. Controllers adapt to the console faster than almost any other background.

Transfers: Monitoring live system displays for anomalies, Decisive control actions with no margin for error, Coordinating across positions by strict protocol, Sustained focus across long console shifts.

How to get there: Utilities hire on aptitude testing and provide extensive on-the-job training and NERC System Operator certification. A two-year technical degree helps.

BLS OEWS May 2024 · -1% or lower (Decline)

Nuclear Power Reactor Operator$122,610 median · Energy and Utilities · O*NET 51-8011.00

Reactor operations reward exactly what ATC builds: total focus on a board of indicators and a procedural calm when something drifts out of limits. The military operations background is highly valued by utilities.

Transfers: Continuous console and instrument monitoring, Strict procedural discipline and checklists, Calm response to off-normal conditions, High-stakes decision-making by the book.

How to get there: Utilities hire on aptitude and provide 1-2 years of paid training toward an NRC reactor operator license. Navy nuclear experience is a fast track, but the role is open to disciplined operators.

BLS OEWS May 2024 · -1% or lower (Decline)

Surgical Technologist$62,830 median · Healthcare · O*NET 29-2055.00

An operating room runs on the same situational awareness and crisp team comms as a control tower. Controllers who thrive on high-tempo, high-stakes focus adapt well to the surgical field.

Transfers: Tracking many moving elements at once, Precise execution under time pressure, Clear closed-loop communication with a team, Composure when seconds matter.

How to get there: Complete an accredited surgical technology program (about 1-2 years) and earn the CST credential. The GI Bill covers most programs.

BLS OEWS May 2024 · 5% to 6% (Faster than average)

Respiratory Therapist$80,450 median · Healthcare · O*NET 29-1126.00

Respiratory therapy in an ICU is the medical version of controlling traffic: watch the readouts, catch the trend early, act before it becomes a crisis. The temperament transfers directly.

Transfers: Monitoring patient vitals and reacting fast, Decisive intervention in critical moments, Calm under life-or-death pressure, Clear handoffs and status communication.

How to get there: Earn an associate or bachelor degree in respiratory therapy and pass the NBRC exam for state licensure. The GI Bill covers the degree.

BLS OEWS May 2024 · 7% or higher (Much faster than average)

Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agent$78,140 median · Finance · O*NET 41-3031.00

A trading desk is several screens, constant movement, and decisions measured in seconds, the same load a controller carries every shift. That tolerance for high-tempo pressure is rare and valuable on Wall Street.

Transfers: Reading multiple live data feeds simultaneously, Fast, confident decisions under pressure, Composure during volatile, high-stakes moments, Concise communication of complex information.

How to get there: Pass the SIE plus Series 7 and 63 exams (sponsored by a hiring firm). A finance background helps but disciplined high-pressure performers are recruited from many fields.

BLS OEWS May 2024 · 3% to 4% (Average)

Pivoting industries does not mean starting from scratch.

The skills behind the specialty carry further than the specialty. BMR rewrites your bullets for any of the paths above without making it sound like you have never done the work.

Free to start. Try as many angles as you want.

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Skills translation guide

If you are applying to FAA positions or contract tower jobs, you probably do not need this section. They know what RAPCON means. They know what a GCA is.

But if you are applying outside of aviation, the hiring manager has no idea what "DASC controller" means. Below are translations that reframe your MOS 5953 experience into language that works in non-aviation industries. These are not just word swaps. They show how to present your experience with numbers and context that a hiring manager in any field can understand.

Resume bullet examples

Before, in service

Controlled radar approach operations for 15+ aircraft per hour in mixed VFR/IFR conditions at MCAS Cherry Point RAPCON

After, on the resume

Managed real-time coordination of 15+ simultaneous operations per hour, making time-critical routing decisions while maintaining full compliance with federal safety regulations and zero incidents over 18-month period

Before, in service

Performed 200+ ground controlled approaches in IMC conditions, maintaining voice contact and radar monitoring throughout each approach to minimums

After, on the resume

Delivered 200+ precision guidance sequences in low-visibility conditions, maintaining continuous communication and real-time monitoring to ensure safe completion of each critical operation

Before, in service

Served as tower watch supervisor for 8-controller team, managing all tower, ground, and clearance delivery positions during 12-hour shifts

After, on the resume

Supervised 8-person operations team across multiple work positions during 12-hour shifts, maintaining real-time quality oversight, resolving conflicts, and exercising direct stop-work authority for safety

Before, in service

Operated as DASC controller during Exercise Steel Knight, coordinating 30+ sorties per day across fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and tiltrotor platforms with ground units

After, on the resume

Coordinated allocation of 30+ daily resources across multiple platforms and stakeholder groups in a field environment, maintaining real-time communication with 6 separate teams and adjusting priorities based on changing conditions

Before, in service

Deployed with MACS-2 to establish expeditionary MATCS facility in 48 hours, including AN/TPN-22 radar, radios, and portable tower operations supporting 100+ daily aircraft movements

After, on the resume

Led rapid deployment of critical communications infrastructure at a remote site, completing full system installation and operational testing within 48 hours and supporting 100+ daily operations from day one

Before, in service

Controlled mixed traffic of F/A-18s, MV-22s, CH-53Es, and transient civilian aircraft in Class D airspace with active pattern work

After, on the resume

Managed 4+ simultaneous workflow types with different speed, priority, and handling requirements, continuously reprioritizing to maintain throughput while preventing conflicts and meeting all safety standards

Before, in service

Managed facility OJT program for 12 developmental controllers, tracking progress on 15 position certifications and conducting quarterly evaluations

After, on the resume

Directed technical training program for 12 employees, managing progress across 15 certification tracks, conducting quarterly performance evaluations, and achieving 92% first-time certification pass rate

Before, in service

Handled 15+ in-flight emergencies including engine failures, hydraulic malfunctions, and fuel emergencies, coordinating ARFF response and clearing airspace within 30 seconds of declaration

After, on the resume

Coordinated 15+ emergency responses, activating response teams within 30 seconds, clearing operational areas, maintaining communication with affected parties, and managing the situation through resolution with zero loss incidents

Before, in service

Issued and managed NOTAMs for MCAS Miramar, coordinating runway closures, construction activities, and airspace restrictions with base operations and 3 tenant squadrons

After, on the resume

Managed operational status communications across the organization, coordinating scheduled and unscheduled service disruptions with 3 internal departments and external stakeholders, ensuring 100% notification compliance

Before, in service

Coordinated maintenance scheduling for AN/TPN-22 radar, TACAN, ILS, and UHF/VHF radio systems with MACS-2 comm/nav technicians, minimizing operational downtime

After, on the resume

Coordinated preventive and corrective maintenance for 8+ critical technology systems with technical support teams, scheduling work windows to minimize operational impact and maintaining 98% system availability

Get bullets like these written from your own record.

BMR turns your 5953 duties and accomplishments into civilian bullets aimed at the job you are applying for. No manual translation.

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Certifications by career path

Which ones you need depends on where you are headed.

Aviation Operations

FAA Control Tower Operator (CTO) CertificateFAA

RequiredCost $0 - $150 (application fee)Time 2-4 weeks processing

FAA Aircraft Dispatcher CertificateFAA

RequiredCost $3,000 - $6,000 (school + exam)Time 4-6 weeks at dispatch schoolGI Bill eligible

Contract Tower QualificationRobinson Aviation / Midwest ATC / Serco

RequiredCost $0 (employer-provided training)Time 2-4 months OJT

Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)AAAE

BeneficialCost $350 - $500 examTime 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligible

FAA Academy CompletionFAA

RequiredCost $0 (paid training)Time 3-5 months at FAA Academy

Emergency Management

Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)IAEM

RecommendedCost $250 - $375 examTime 3-6 months study

FEMA Professional Development SeriesFEMA Emergency Management Institute

BeneficialCost Free (online)Time 2-4 weeks

Federal Employment

Federal Resume + USAJobs ProfileN/A

RequiredCost Free (build at bestmilitaryresume.com)Time 1-2 hours

GIS & Geospatial

APICS CSCPASCM (formerly APICS)

RecommendedCost $1,500 - $2,500Time 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligible

Operations Management

OSHA 30-Hour General IndustryOSHA

RecommendedCost $150 - $300Time 4 days (available online)

Lean Six Sigma Green BeltASQ or IASSC

RecommendedCost $300 - $500Time 2-4 monthsGI Bill eligible

Project Management

Project Management Professional (PMP)PMI

RecommendedCost $400 - $600Time 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligible

Got a cert? Do not bury it.

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Transition resources

For Staying in Air Traffic Control

FAA Prior Experience Hiring: The FAA runs periodic announcements for experienced controllers. Watch USAJobs and the FAA careers page for "prior experience" bids. You must apply during the open window. The age limit is 31, but veterans with prior ATC experience may qualify for an age waiver. Do not miss these windows.

Contract Tower Companies: Robinson Aviation (RVA), Midwest ATC Services, and Serco operate FAA contract towers across the country. These are excellent stepping stones while waiting for an FAA bid, or full careers on their own. Pay is lower than FAA but still strong. Many hire directly from the military.

FAA CTI Program Credit: Your military ATC training may count toward CTI (Collegiate Training Initiative) equivalency. Check with the FAA and the AT-CTI program for current guidance on military credit.

NATCA (National Air Traffic Controllers Association): The union for FAA controllers. Join once you are hired. They also have resources for military controllers transitioning to the FAA.

For Careers Outside of Air Traffic Control

SkillBridge: If you have 180+ days left on your contract, you may qualify for DOD SkillBridge. This lets you work full-time at a civilian company while still drawing military pay. Search the SkillBridge database for aviation, logistics, or operations internships.

Project Management (PMP): The PMP certification from PMI is valued across every industry. Senior controllers who managed shifts, training programs, or equipment upgrades likely have enough documented hours to qualify. Cost is about $555 for PMI members. GI Bill covers some prep courses.

Airline Dispatch: The FAA Aircraft Dispatcher certificate is a natural fit for controllers. Dispatchers plan flights, monitor weather, and coordinate with ATC. Several dispatch schools accept GI Bill. It is a quicker path than waiting for an FAA controller slot.

Federal Employment (USAJobs): Create your USAJobs profile 6 months before separation. Use the veterans filter. Federal resumes are 2 pages max. Build yours free at bestmilitaryresume.com.

Veteran Networking: American Corporate Partners (ACP) provides free mentorship from corporate executives. You get paired with someone in your target industry. Completely free for veterans.

Education Benefits: Your GI Bill covers professional certifications, degree programs, and prep courses. Verify program approval with the GI Bill Comparison Tool before enrolling.

Clearance Value: If you hold an active Secret or higher, that saves employers thousands of dollars and months of processing. Defense contractors and federal agencies actively seek cleared candidates. Use ClearanceJobs.com to find positions. Do not let your clearance lapse during transition.

SFL-TAP / Transition Resources: Review the SFL-TAP transition guide for timeline planning and checklists.

Related Career Pages

Army 15Q Air Traffic Control Operator | Air Force 1C3X1 Command Post | Navy OS (Operations Specialist)

BMR Career Resources

Jobs for Veterans by MOS | Federal Resume With No Civilian Experience | SkillBridge Programs by Industry | Build Your Resume Free

Your 30, 60, 90-day transition plan

Most people do this backwards: wait for terminal leave, then panic. This is the sequence that works. Already out? Same plan, day one is today.

Days 0 to 30

Set the foundation

  • Pull your DD-214 (request it from milConnect if you are already separated)
  • List your top three civilian roles and your top three GS series
  • Build your tailored 5953 resume, free
  • Write one strong LinkedIn headline, not "veteran seeking opportunities"
  • Gather your evals and performance reports for the accomplishments
Build my resume free

Days 30 to 60

Apply with intent

  • Apply to five to ten jobs a week, quality over volume
  • Tailor every resume to the announcement (BMR does this part for you)
  • Connect with five people a week on LinkedIn, not a spray
  • Set up a USAJOBS profile and a saved search for your GS series
  • Say your bullets out loud to a civilian friend and fix what they do not follow
Tailor my next resume

Days 60 to 90

Close the offer

  • Track every application: date, status, contact, notes
  • Follow up seven to ten days after each one
  • Prep behavioral interviews with the STAR method
  • Negotiate. The BLS median is your floor, not the offer
  • Keep applying after the first offer. Options are the leverage
Track my applications

Questions about 5953

Can Marine controllers go straight to the FAA?

Yes, but only through specific hiring windows. The FAA runs prior experience announcements on USAJobs for veterans with ATC experience. You must apply during the open window. There is an age limit of 31, but veterans with prior military ATC experience may qualify for an age waiver. Once selected, you attend the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. The process can take 6-18 months from application to academy date.

What is the salary for FAA air traffic controllers?

According to BLS May 2024 data, the median annual wage for air traffic controllers is $137,380 (SOC 53-2021). The top 10% earn more than $193,950. FAA pay depends on facility level. High-traffic facilities like Chicago TRACON or New York TRACON pay significantly more than smaller towers. Starting developmental controllers still earn well above most entry-level jobs.

What if I miss the FAA age cutoff?

The general age limit is 31, but veterans with prior ATC experience can apply for an age waiver. If you do not qualify for the waiver, contract tower companies (Robinson Aviation, Midwest ATC, Serco) have no age limit. You can also target aviation safety inspector roles (GS-1801) at the FAA, which have no age restriction and value your ATC background. Airport operations, airline dispatch, and aviation management roles are other strong options with no age limit.

Do my Marine ATC ratings transfer to the FAA?

Your military facility ratings do not directly transfer, but they count as qualifying experience on FAA prior experience bids. You will still need to complete FAA Academy training and earn FAA ratings at your assigned facility. The good news is that your live traffic experience puts you ahead of candidates who only have simulator time. Many former military controllers complete FAA certification faster than ab initio trainees.

What is a contract tower and should I consider one?

Contract towers are FAA-certified air traffic control towers operated by private companies instead of FAA employees. About 250 towers in the US are contract-operated. Pay is lower than FAA (typically $60,000-$90,000 depending on location and experience) but still solid. Many Marine controllers use contract towers as a bridge while waiting for an FAA bid. Some stay at contract towers long-term for the quality of life, since these are usually at smaller, lower-stress airports.

Is my security clearance valuable outside ATC?

Yes. An active Secret or higher clearance saves employers thousands of dollars and months of processing time. Defense contractors, federal agencies, and some aviation companies require clearances. Sites like ClearanceJobs.com list positions that need active clearances. Your clearance stays active for up to 24 months after separation if not renewed, so start your job search before it expires.

How does Veterans Preference work for federal ATC jobs?

Veterans Preference gives you 5 or 10 extra points on federal hiring assessments. Disabled veterans get 10 points. You need your DD-214 (Member 4 copy) and SF-15 form. For FAA positions specifically, the prior experience hiring track is separate from the general public bid, and your military experience is the qualifying factor. Start your federal resume at bestmilitaryresume.com. Federal resumes follow different rules than private sector resumes.

What certifications should I get before separating?

For FAA careers: make sure your military ATC training records are complete and documented. Get your CTO (Control Tower Operator) certificate if eligible. For non-ATC careers: PMP for project management, OSHA 30 for safety roles, or FAA Aircraft Dispatcher certificate for airline dispatch. For any federal job: build your USAJobs profile and federal resume 6 months before separation. Universal: keep your First Aid/CPR current.

Can I start job searching while still on active duty?

Yes, and you should. Start 12 months before your EAS. At 180 days out, check if you qualify for DOD SkillBridge to work at a civilian company while still earning military pay. At minimum: have your resume ready 6 months out, start networking on LinkedIn 6 months out, apply to federal positions 6 months out (federal hiring is slow), and watch for FAA prior experience announcements. Use terminal leave as your transition runway.

What if I want to leave aviation entirely?

Many former controllers succeed in completely different fields. Strong non-aviation paths include project management (BLS median $98,580), operations management ($102,950), logistics ($80,880), safety management ($83,910), and transportation management ($99,200). Your real-time decision-making, communication under pressure, team coordination, and multitasking skills are valued in many industries. See the Career Change Paths and Skills Translation sections for specifics on reframing your experience.

Turn your 5953 Air Traffic Controller experience into a resume that gets callbacks

Stop rewriting from scratch every time you apply. BMR turns your military experience into civilian and federal resumes, tailored to each job.

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Cover letters

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LinkedIn optimization

Profile rewrite for civilian recruiters

Elevator pitch generator

For interviews and networking

2

Company research reports

Know who you are applying to

Job tracker

Every application in one place

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