Play video games? You, too, could become an air traffic controller

U.S. transportation officials are seeking to recruit video gamers to train as air traffic controllers, according to a recent announcement. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has hired over 2,000 gamers to meet a 94% hiring goal, with an additional 2,000+ candidates in the pipeline, as reported by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

Duffy, speaking to CBS News, explained that the process of controlling air traffic through video games shares many similarities with the actual job of an air traffic controller. He noted that many current trainees started out as gamers before entering the profession. Currently, only about 25% of air traffic controllers hold a traditional college degree, with gaming being a skill set that aligns well with the demands of the job.

According to the most recent federal data, air traffic controllers earned a median annual wage of $144,580 in 2024. However, pay can vary significantly depending on experience and location. Less experienced controllers at smaller airports typically earn around $60,000 annually. A recent U.S. Government Accountability Office report highlighted a critical shortage of air traffic controllers, warning that it could result in increased flight delays or cancellations.

To become an air traffic controller, candidates must meet several stringent requirements. They must be U.S. citizens under the age of 31 and pass a series of FAA pre-employment tests. A specialized test predicting their aptitude for the role follows, and applicants are notified within a week if they have passed. Historically, only about 10% of applicants have met the FAA's standards to enter the agency's training program.