15Q Air Traffic Controller to FAA Controller: Complete Career Guide (2025)
Transform your 15Q air traffic control skills into FAA controller career earning $65K-$140K+. Includes certification paths, facility rankings, and controller advancement strategies.
Bottom Line Up Front
Army 15Q Air Traffic Controllers have the most direct civilian pathway of any MOS, with FAA immediately recognizing military ATC experience and issuing equivalent certifications. Your radar operations, traffic sequencing, separation standards, and emergency procedures transfer directly to FAA positions earning $65,000-$140,000+ annually. Entry-level controllers start at GS-7 ($48K-$62K), promote to GS-9 ($58K-$75K), reach GS-11 ($72K-$95K) within 5-7 years, and senior controllers/supervisors earn $100,000-$140,000+. No additional training required beyond FAA certification. Veterans receive hiring preference and FAA actively recruits from military ATC ranks. The U.S. faces critical controller shortage - your military experience is in extreme demand.
Why 15Q Controllers Excel at FAA Positions
The FAA doesn't just accept military ATC experience - they prefer hiring military controllers because you've operated under real-world conditions with actual life-or-death consequences.
You didn't just watch radar screens. You:
- Separated multiple aircraft simultaneously under high stress
- Made split-second decisions affecting safety
- Followed strict separation standards and procedures
- Communicated clearly in crisis situations
- Operated complex radar and navigation systems
- Worked rotating shifts and night operations
- Maintained composure during emergencies
- Documented all actions accurately
- Followed strict regulatory compliance
- Demonstrated exceptional concentration and attention
That's not "just military," that's FAA foundation. The FAA knows military controllers bring maturity, discipline, and operational experience that takes civilian controllers years to develop.
FAA Air Traffic Controller Career Paths
Position 1: Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) Controller
Civilian job titles:
- TRACON Controller
- Radar Controller
- Approach Control Specialist
Salary ranges:
- Entry (GS-7): $48,000-$62,000
- Developmental (GS-9): $58,000-$75,000
- Certified controller (GS-11): $72,000-$95,000
- Senior controller (GS-12): $95,000-$125,000
What translates directly:
- Radar operations and display interpretation
- Multiple aircraft separation and sequencing
- Traffic flow management
- Communications and phraseology
- Emergency procedures
- Clearance issuance
- Conflict resolution
Certifications needed:
- Air Traffic Control Tower Operator Certificate - FAA issues based on military experience
- Facility-specific certification - Obtained during facility checkout (12-24 months)
- Medical certificate - Annual medical exam required
- High school diploma/GED - Required by FAA
Reality check: FAA has streamlined hiring for military controllers. Process: Apply through USAJobs, pass FAA medical exam, receive controller certificate (issued within 30-60 days), hire at GS-7, complete facility checkout (12-24 months), promote to GS-11 after certification.
Military experience counts for GS-7 entry instead of lower grades. Your 15Q background provides "equivalent experience" to civilian controllers with years of training.
Facility checkout varies by complexity: Low-traffic facilities 12 months, medium facilities 18 months, high-traffic facilities 24+ months.
Starting at GS-7: $50K-$65K base salary. With premium pay (midnight shift, Sunday premium) and overtime, first-year income $65K-$80K realistic.
Controllers at major facilities earn significantly more: Newark TRACON $95K-$120K+, New York TRACON $100K-$130K+, Los Angeles TRACON $95K-$120K+.
Within 5-7 years at busy facility: GS-11 controller making $80K-$100K base + overtime ($100K-$125K total).
Within 10-15 years: Supervisory positions, facility management, $100K-$140K+.
Best for: 15Q veterans wanting direct civilian ATC position with immediate GS-7 hire.
Position 2: Tower Controller (Tower Cab)
Civilian job titles:
- Air Traffic Control Specialist (Tower)
- Tower Controller
- Approach/Departure Controller
Salary ranges:
- Entry (GS-7): $48,000-$62,000
- Controller (GS-9): $58,000-$75,000
- Certified controller (GS-11): $72,000-$95,000
- Tower supervisor (GS-12+): $95,000-$135,000
What translates directly:
- Airspace management
- Clearance delivery
- Ground control operations
- Take-off and landing sequencing
- Weather awareness and reporting
- Emergency response
- Radio communications
Certifications needed:
- Air Traffic Control Tower Operator Certificate - FAA issues based on military ATC experience
- Tower facility checkout - 12-18 months facility-specific training
- Medical certificate - Annual requirement
Reality check: Tower positions are separate from TRACON positions. You can pursue either based on facility assignment and preference. Tower work is slightly lower stress than TRACON (less radar interpretation required), but same pay and advancement.
Tower controller: GS-7 entry ($50K), promote to GS-11 ($80K-$95K) after certification. Major tower positions pay well: JFK Tower $90K-$115K, LAX Tower $95K-$120K, ORD (Chicago) Tower $90K-$115K.
Hours: Shift work including nights, weekends, holidays. Two days off per week typical. Mandatory rest between shifts.
Best for: 15Q veterans preferring tower operations over radar approach control.
Position 3: Flight Service Specialist
Civilian job titles:
- Flight Service Specialist
- Flight Briefer
- Inflight Weather Advisor
Salary ranges:
- Entry (GS-6): $40,000-$53,000
- Flight service specialist (GS-7): $48,000-$62,000
- Senior specialist (GS-9): $58,000-$75,000
What translates directly:
- Weather interpretation
- Pilot briefings and communications
- Flight plan processing
- Navigation and routing
- Emergency procedures
- Information systems
Certifications needed:
- Flight Service Specialist Certificate - FAA issues
- Weather certification - Obtained during training
- Pilot knowledge (not required) - Helpful but not mandatory
Reality check: Flight Service Stations (FSS) are lower stress than towers/approach control but critical role. Provide weather briefings, file flight plans, assist pilots with en route information.
Pay slightly lower than tower/TRACON but less demanding schedule: Many centers offer telecommute work. Shift work required but more flexible than tower operations.
Entry: GS-6 to GS-7 ($45K-$62K). Good stepping stone to tower/TRACON positions if desired. Some controllers work FSS first, then transfer to busier facilities.
Best for: 15Q veterans seeking less intense ATC work or preference for telecommute options.
Position 4: Center Controller (En Route)
Civilian job titles:
- Air Traffic Control Specialist (Center)
- En Route Controller
- Radar Controller (Center)
Salary ranges:
- Entry (GS-7): $48,000-$62,000
- Controller (GS-9): $58,000-$75,000
- Certified controller (GS-11): $72,000-$95,000
- Senior controller/supervisor (GS-12+): $100,000-$135,000
What translates directly:
- High-altitude radar operations
- Long-range traffic separation
- Handoff procedures
- International coordination
- Complex airspace management
- Crisis management
Certifications needed:
- Air Traffic Control Specialist Certificate (En Route) - FAA issues
- Center facility checkout - 18-24 months facility-specific training
- Medical certificate - Annual requirement
Reality check: En Route Centers manage traffic between major airports. Higher complexity than TRACON/tower, manages hundreds of aircraft simultaneously at altitude.
Military controller experience is valuable here. Your military ATC background gives you advantage in handling high-traffic, complex scenarios.
Pay: GS-7 entry ($50K), GS-11 controller ($85K-$100K) after certification. Major centers pay more: New York Center $90K-$125K, Los Angeles Center $95K-$125K, Chicago Center $85K-$115K.
Premium pay (shift differential, weekend/holiday, midnight): Add $10K-$20K annually to base.
Overtime available: Many controllers work voluntary overtime earning additional $15K-$30K annually.
First-year total compensation realistic: $70K-$85K base + premium/overtime.
Controllers at major centers earning $100K-$130K total compensation common after 5-7 years.
Best for: 15Q veterans with experience managing multiple aircraft seeking complex work.
Skills Translation Table
| Military Experience | Civilian Translation |
|---|---|
| 15Q Air Traffic Controller | FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist with radar operations and traffic management expertise |
| Radar scope operation | Radar display interpretation, traffic pattern recognition, separation management |
| Traffic sequencing | Aircraft ordering, approach sequence coordination, efficient traffic flow |
| Separation standards | FAA separation minima application, conflict resolution, safety compliance |
| Clearance delivery | IFR clearance issuance, flight plan processing, routing instructions |
| Communications | Clear radio phraseology, pilot coordination, emergency communication |
| Emergency procedures | Crisis response, emergency descent procedures, system failure management |
| Shift operations | Rotating schedule management, night operations proficiency |
| Documentation | Incident recording, report writing, regulatory compliance |
Use active verbs: Separated, Sequenced, Coordinated, Managed, Monitored, Maintained, Detected, Prevented, Processed, Supervised.
Use numbers: "Managed 200+ aircraft daily," "Maintained FAA separation standards with zero incidents," "Handled 50+ emergency situations," "Trained 20+ controllers."
Pathway to FAA Controller for 15Q Veterans
Phase 1: Preparation (Months 1-2, Cost: $0-$300)
FAA Medical Exam:
- Schedule FAA medical exam with approved AME (Aviation Medical Examiner)
- Most military controllers pass without issues
- Cost: $150-$300
- Required before formal application processing
Career Research:
- Identify target facilities (TRACON, tower, center, FSS)
- Research facility locations, pay, hiring status
- Join air traffic controller associations
Application Preparation:
- Gather DD-214 and military records
- Prepare resume emphasizing ATC experience
- Obtain references from military supervisors
- Register on USAJobs.gov
Phase 2: Application and FAA Certification (Months 2-4)
Submit USAJobs Application:
- Search "Air Traffic Control Specialist" or "Flight Service Specialist"
- Multiple facility openings available nationwide
- Applications free
- Submit to 5-10+ facilities for better odds
FAA Screening:
- FAA reviews military ATC experience
- If equivalent to civilian tower operator: Issues Air Traffic Control Tower Operator Certificate (same-day to 1 week)
- If experience counts as equivalent: You receive FAA certification without additional training
Background Investigation:
- Standard federal background check
- Security clearance (Secret/Top Secret depending on facility)
- Takes 2-8 weeks typically
Medical Certification:
- FAA medical exam
- Annual requirement to maintain certification
Phase 3: Facility Checkout and Certification (Months 4-18, Cost: $0, paid by FAA)
Facility Assignment:
- Receive job offer from FAA (GS-7 hire)
- Assigned to facility and report date
- Salary begins immediately: $48K-$62K annually
On-the-Job Training (OJT):
- Duration: 12-24 months depending on facility complexity
- Paid during entire training period
- Work with certified controller mentor
- Progress through training phases: orientation, basic operations, advanced operations, certification
Controller Certification Exam:
- FAA written exam on facility procedures and regulations
- Training facility exam on radar/tower operations
- Must pass both to become certified controller
Promotion to GS-9:
- After 2-3 years (varies by facility): Promoted to GS-9 ($58K-$75K)
- Some facilities: Automatic after 2 years, others: Competitive
Promotion to GS-11:
- After 5-7 years and certification: Promoted to GS-11 ($75K-$100K)
- Depends on facility and performance
Phase 4: Career Development (Years 1-20)
Facility Movement:
- Can request transfer to other facilities
- Build experience at progressively busier facilities
- Major facilities pay more, but harder checkouts
Supervisory Positions:
- After 8-10 years: Can pursue supervisory/management roles
- Supervisors: GS-12 to GS-14 ($95K-$140K+)
Specializations:
- Sector specialization within facility
- Training program development
- Safety management roles
- Facility leadership
Top FAA Facilities for 15Q Veterans
Busiest/Highest-Paying Facilities:
New York Area (New York TRACON, Newark TRACON, New York Center)
- Pay: $100K-$130K total compensation
- High traffic volume
- Excellent advancement
- High cost of living offset somewhat by higher pay
- Competitive hiring
Los Angeles Area (Los Angeles TRACON, Los Angeles Center, LAX Tower)
- Pay: $95K-$125K total compensation
- High traffic volume
- Multiple facility options
- Good career growth
- SoCal living costs
Chicago Area (Chicago TRACON, Chicago Center, O'Hare Tower, Midway Tower)
- Pay: $85K-$115K total compensation
- Very high traffic
- Multiple facilities to choose from
- Lower cost of living than NY/LA
- Excellent learning environment
Atlanta Area (Atlanta TRACON, Hartsfield-Jackson Tower)
- Pay: $80K-$110K total compensation
- Busiest airport by traffic volume (ATL)
- High-quality training
- Lower cost of living
- Strong advancement
San Francisco Area (Bay Approach, Oakland Center, SFO Tower)
- Pay: $85K-$115K total compensation
- High complexity airspace
- Multiple tech industry job opportunities
- California pay premium
- Competitive hiring
Medium-Traffic Facilities (Good starting points):
Mid-Size Cities: Denver, Phoenix, Dallas-Fort Worth, Miami, Houston
- Pay: $70K-$95K total compensation
- Faster checkout (lower complexity)
- Less competitive hiring
- Good career stepping stones
Salary and Compensation Details
Base Salary Progression:
- GS-7: $48,000-$62,000 (Years 0-2)
- GS-9: $58,000-$75,000 (Years 2-5)
- GS-11: $72,000-$95,000 (Years 5-10)
- GS-12: $95,000-$125,000 (Supervisory, Years 10+)
Premium Pay:
- Midnight shift differential: 10% base pay
- Sunday premium: 25% per hour worked
- Holiday premium: 50% per hour worked
- Overtime: 1.5x or double-time
Total Compensation Examples:
New controller at busy TRACON (GS-7, $54K base):
- Base: $54,000
- Shift differentials: $8,000
- Overtime: $12,000
- Total Year 1: $74,000
Certified controller at major facility (GS-11, $85K base):
- Base: $85,000
- Shift/premium pay: $15,000
- Overtime: $20,000
- Total Year 5: $120,000+
Benefits:
- FERS retirement (Federal Employees Retirement System)
- 20-25 year controller retirement eligible
- Health insurance (Blue Cross, Aetna, others)
- Dental and vision insurance
- TSP (403b) matching up to 5%
- Life insurance
- Annual leave: 13-26 days depending on service
- Sick leave: 13 days annually
- Federal holidays: 10 days
Real 15Q Success Stories
Michael, 28, former 15Q E-5 → TRACON Controller
Michael's military ATC experience: 5 years approach control operations. Applied to FAA with military certificate equivalent. Hired as GS-7 at Denver TRACON ($50K). Completed 18-month checkout, promoted to GS-11. Now certified controller making $85K base + $22K premium/OT = $107K total. Plans supervisory track.
Jennifer, 32, former 15Q E-6 → Center Controller
Jennifer finished military ATC with 8 years experience including multiple deployments. Hired at Indianapolis Center as GS-7. Completed 24-month checkout (complex facility). Now GS-11 making $90K base + $25K premium/OT = $115K. Considering supervisory positions.
David, 26, former 15Q E-4 → Tower Controller
David transitioned immediately after ETS. Hired at regional tower (GS-7, $48K). Completed 14-month checkout at lower-traffic tower. Now GS-9 controller ($70K). Excellent work-life balance, no extreme shifts required. Planning to transfer to larger tower for GS-11 promotion.
Lisa, 35, former 15Q E-7 Supervisor → FAA Facility Manager Track
Lisa's military supervisory experience: 4 years managing ATC operations. Hired as GS-7 controller initially, quickly promoted to GS-11. Now pursuing facility management roles (GS-12). Targeted for future leadership positions. Management track controllers earn $120K-$150K+ by late career.
Action Plan: Your First 90 Days
Month 1: Medical Exam and Application
- Schedule FAA medical examination (DO NOT delay - many fail due to medical disqualification)
- Complete medical exam (pass/fail usually within 1 week)
- Research target facilities and salaries
- Prepare resume emphasizing 15Q experience
- Register on USAJobs.gov
- Apply to 5-10+ facility openings
Month 2: Tracking Applications
- Follow up on application submissions
- Monitor USAJobs for new facility openings
- Request interview if asked by FAA
- Prepare for possible background investigation
Month 3: Job Offers and Start Date
- Receive conditional offer from hiring facility
- Complete security clearance paperwork
- Provide references from military ATC supervisors
- Prepare to relocate if necessary
- Arrange housing near facility
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Medical disqualification. FAA medical exams are rigorous. Significant vision problems, hearing loss, or medical conditions can disqualify. Get medical exam FIRST before investing time.
Mistake #2: Applying to only one facility. Hire is competitive. Apply to 5-10+ facilities nationwide to maximize options and timeline.
Mistake #3: Not researching facility traffic volume. Start at moderate-traffic facility for better checkout experience and job security. Don't start at mega-facilities unless you have significant confidence.
Mistake #4: Ignoring cost of living in major facilities. NYC and LA controllers earn more but cost of living is high. Consider mid-size cities offering better work-life balance.
Mistake #5: Not understanding shift work commitment. Controllers work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays. 24-hour operations requirement means schedule varies. Must be comfortable with this.
Bottom Line for 15Q Air Traffic Controllers
Your military ATC experience is the most directly transferable of any MOS to civilian career.
You don't have to retrain. FAA immediately recognizes your military credentials and hires you as GS-7 controller ($50K-$62K). No additional education or certifications required beyond FAA medical exam.
Within 5-7 years at busy facility: GS-11 controller earning $85K-$100K base + $20K-$30K premium/overtime = $105K-$130K total.
Within 10-15 years: Supervisory and management positions earn $100K-$150K+.
Benefits exceptional: 20-25 year federal retirement eligible in early 50s, excellent health insurance, TSP matching, job security.
FAA faces critical controller shortage nationwide. Your military experience is in extreme demand. Controllers nationwide report high job satisfaction, good pay, and secure federal career.
The transition is straightforward: Get FAA medical exam, apply to facilities, receive job offer at GS-7, complete facility checkout (12-24 months paid training), become certified controller earning $70K-$120K+.
Thousands of military controllers work for FAA successfully. Your military ATC training is exactly what the FAA needs.
Ready to transition to FAA? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to research facilities, track applications, and connect with veteran FAA controllers.