ATC
DOT watchdog criticizes high pay for air traffic controllers
With the major airlines toppling in all directions, and the opportunities there for young pilots diminishing rapidly, maybe thinking about a different care

With the major airlines toppling in all directions, and the opportunities there for young pilots diminishing rapidly, maybe thinking about a different career in aviation might be beneficial. If so, becoming an FAA air traffic controller could be worth investigating. Compared with wage scales young pilots may be more familiar with, controller pay is pretty attractive.

In February testimony before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, DOT Inspector General Kenneth Mead reported that last year more than 1,000 FAA air traffic controllers (approximately 6.7 percent of the present controller workforce) earned $150,000+, with the 10 highest paid earning between $192,000 and $214,000. This was a major increase over 2000, when only 65 controllers exceeded $150,000.