The FAA targets gamers for air traffic controller roles, citing their skills in concentration and multitasking. Learn about the $155k salary and application requirements.
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The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an unusual recruitment campaign targeting gamers to address a shortage of air traffic controllers. The agency believes gamers' skills in concentration, reaction time, and multitasking make them ideal candidates.
The hiring push begins on April 17, with the FAA calling it an "accelerated hiring" period. In promotional materials, the agency directly compares air traffic control to gaming, emphasizing that many skills used in video games translate well to the real-world job.
Financial incentives are a key focus: according to the FAA, air traffic controllers can earn an average salary of $155,000 per year within just three years. This makes the profession attractive to young professionals, especially amid an uncertain job market. The aggressive campaign stems from a longstanding personnel shortage. Official data shows the number of U.S. air traffic controllers has been declining since the 2010s, with the situation worsening after the pandemic. Meanwhile, air travel volume continues to grow, increasing the workload for existing staff.
Applicants must meet several requirements: U.S. citizenship, age under 31, and fluency in English. Candidates will undergo testing, medical checks, and training at a specialized academy.