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Air traffic controller: Salary and conditions

• The starting salary is £10,100 during the first year of training, with an additional £60 per week accommodation allowance. The salary rises to £15,000 - £18,000 on appointment, depending upon location. Salaries typically rise after validation (two years into the first appointment) to £46,000 - £50,000, depending on posted unit (salary data collected March 2008). The larger and more complex centres, such as Heathrow and Swanwick, have higher salaries.
• The typical salary for airport controllers with 10-15 years' experience is £60,000. The typical salary for area centre controllers with substantial experience is around £88,000 (salary data collected March 2008). More senior management grades run from £81,000 to £94,000. Again, location has an effect on salary.
• Salary figures include payment for shift working and any extra responsibilities.
• Working hours include unsocial hours, bank holidays and weekends. The typical shift pattern is two days (7am - 2pm), two days (2pm - 10pm), two days of 'nights' (10pm - 7am) and then four days' leave.
• Controllers work in control towers with an overview of the airport, or in approach or area control rooms with radar. They sit in a fixed position all the time. For safety reasons, controllers do not spend more than two hours sitting at a screen without a half-hour break.
• Jobs are mainly located in National Air Traffic Services (NATS) control centres in Swanwick, Prestwick (Glasgow) and Manchester. All three handle aircraft flying through UK airspace and Prestwick also deals with aircraft flying across the Atlantic. The Manchester control centre is due to close shortly.There are also smaller numbers of opportunities at most UK airports.
• First postings are decided by NATS, depending on the needs of the company. NATS employment contracts include a mobility clause, which can require employees to work at other locations.
• Major airports with the highest volumes of traffic employ only aerodrome controllers. Control centres employ approach and area controllers. Controllers at regional airports may be licensed to perform approach and aerodrome controller roles.
• Self-employment/freelance work is virtually impossible.
• Approximately 25% of controllers are women, but this is increasing as more women are applying. NATS is keen to increase the level of applications from ethnic and cultural minorities.
• This is very responsible and pressured work.
• Air traffic controllers are subject to the Rail and Transport Safety Act (as are train drivers and air pilots). This act sets strict limits on blood-alcohol levels (well below the drink/drive levels) and drugs are forbidden. Random testing could take place.
• Overseas work or travel is uncommon but in recent years some controllers have moved to jobs with overseas employers, notably in North America and the Middle East.

AGCAS

Written by Andrew Whitmore, University of Manchester

Last updated:

March 2008

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