SOC 53-2021
Air Traffic Controllers
Risk Score
⚠️40/100
Moderate
US Employment
👥22,400
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$145K
$76K – $210K
Projected Growth
📈+1.2%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖95/100
High exposure
💡 Air Traffic Controllers face a risk score of 40/100 — 4 points below the national average of 44. With 95/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite strong projected growth. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $145K ($98K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions offer lower AI risk while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 40/100, Air Traffic Controllers faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like autonomous vehicle and self-driving truck technology are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 22,400 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in navigating unpredictable road and weather conditions and emergency situation response and quick decision-making to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Air Traffic Controllers?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Autonomous vehicle and self-driving truck technology
AI-generated written content replacing manual drafting
AI route optimization reducing dispatcher roles
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Navigating unpredictable road and weather conditions
Emergency situation response and quick decision-making
Navigating complex urban environments with obstacles
Customer interaction and conflict resolution during delivery
📊 vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
🔄 Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 70% |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | 37 | $227K | 81% |
| Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians | 28 | $34K | 79% |