AC Rating Air Traffic Controller — Civilian Career Guide
Controls aircraft in Navy airspace. One of the highest-paying direct civilian career transfers — FAA actively recruits military controllers.
CAREER PATHS
4
TOP SALARY
$137,380.00
AVG SALARY
$98,690.00
Civilian Career Matches
Based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Salaries are national medians — your area may vary.
FAA Air Traffic Controller
SOC 53-2021
$137,380.00
median/yr
Contract Tower Controller
SOC 53-2021
$137,380.00
median/yr
Flight Dispatcher
SOC 53-2022
$60,000.00
median/yr
Airfield Manager
SOC 53-2022
$60,000.00
median/yr
What's your next step?
You've got the civilian career picture. Now: pick what to tackle next. Most AC Air Traffic Controller veterans separating in the next 12 months should start here.
Do this first
Start your VA disability claim
File before separation. Every day = back-pay you can't recover. Free claims tracker covers 110+ conditions.
Where to settle
Compare 50 states for veterans
Property tax exemptions, no-state-income-tax states, healthcare access. Side-by-side comparisons.
12-month roadmap
Build your transition timeline
TAP class, VA enrollment, terminal leave, TSP, SkillBridge — all the deadlines no one tells you.
Quick calculator
Estimate your VA combined rating
The VA doesn't add ratings — they use a specific formula. See your combined rating in 30 seconds.
Skills That Transfer
Recommended Certifications
These certifications can increase your salary by 10-25% and make you more competitive for civilian roles.
Translate Your AC Experience to a Civilian Resume
Use our free resume builder to convert your Air Traffic Controller skills and experience into language civilian employers understand. Built specifically for Navy veterans.
More Navy Career Guides
AC Jobs by State
Explore AC Air Traffic Controller career opportunities by state.