FAA Air Traffic Control Manager Jobs 2026 Salary Details
INTRODUCTION
FAA Air Traffic Control Manager Jobs 2026 offer an excellent opportunity for experienced aviation professionals to advance their careers with the Federal Aviation Administration. The Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Air Traffic Manager - MSS4) position is a senior federal leadership role responsible for managing air traffic operations, supervising air traffic controllers, and ensuring the highest standards of aviation safety.
The Federal Aviation Administration is seeking qualified professionals who have extensive air traffic control experience and the specialized background required to lead complex air traffic service operations. This position provides a competitive federal salary ranging from $186,022 to $228,000 per year, making it one of the highest-paying aviation management opportunities in the U.S. federal government.
The Air Traffic Manager - MSS4 role is designed for experienced FAA employees and aviation specialists who have demonstrated leadership capabilities, operational knowledge, and the ability to manage air traffic facilities or areas. Selected candidates will play a critical role in maintaining safe and efficient air transportation systems across the United States.
Applicants must meet strict FAA qualification standards, including specialized experience requirements, facility ratings, area certifications, and supervisory qualifications. The application deadline for this recruitment is July 20, 2026.
This article provides complete information about FAA Air Traffic Control Manager Jobs 2026, including eligibility criteria, salary details, selection process, application steps, important dates, and preparation guidance for qualified candidates.
QUICK FACTS
Organization | Federal Aviation Administration
Post Name | Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Air Traffic Manager - MSS4)
Vacancies | See official notification
Salary | $186,022 - $228,000 per year
Apply Start | Not announced
Apply End | July 20, 2026
Official Site | https://www.usajobs.gov/job/876038600
DETAILED ELIGIBILITY
Candidates applying for the Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Air Traffic Manager - MSS4) position must satisfy the specialized experience requirements established by the Federal Aviation Administration. This is an advanced-level federal aviation management position and requires significant professional experience in air traffic control operations.
Age Limit:
The official notification does not specify a separate maximum age limit for this FAA position. Candidates must satisfy federal employment eligibility rules and meet all qualification requirements. Applicants should review the official USAJOBS announcement for any applicable age-related conditions.
Citizenship Requirement:
Applicants must generally be United States citizens to qualify for federal employment with the FAA. Candidates should provide accurate citizenship information during the application process.
Education Qualification:
The position primarily focuses on specialized aviation experience rather than a specific academic degree requirement. Applicants must demonstrate the professional knowledge and operational expertise required for senior air traffic management responsibilities.
Experience Requirements:
Candidates must have qualifying specialized experience. Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
- Candidates must have held an FAA 2152 FV-J/FG-14 or above regional or headquarters position for at least one year, equivalent to 52 weeks.
- Candidates must have been facility rated or area certified for at least one year, equivalent to 52 weeks, at an Air Traffic Services facility.
Employees who have been facility rated or area certified for at least one year at an upgraded ATS facility may also be considered as meeting qualification requirements according to FAA standards.
Professional Skills:
Qualified candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong leadership and supervisory abilities
- Knowledge of air traffic control procedures
- Experience managing operational environments
- Ability to make safety-focused decisions
- Effective communication and coordination skills
Category-Based Eligibility:
FAA Employees:
Current FAA employees who meet grade level, certification, and specialized experience requirements may apply.
Veterans:
Eligible veterans may receive preference according to federal hiring regulations if they meet required documentation standards.
Federal Employees:
Current federal employees with qualifying aviation experience may be considered if they satisfy the position requirements.
Other Applicants:
Applicants outside the FAA may only qualify if they meet the specialized aviation experience requirements listed in the official announcement.
VACANCY BREAKDOWN
Category | Vacancy Details
Total Vacancies | See official notification
Department | Federal Aviation Administration
Position Type | Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist
Grade Level | MSS4
Location | United States
State-Wise Vacancies | Not separately announced
SALARY AND PAY SCALE
The Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Air Traffic Manager - MSS4) position provides a highly competitive federal salary ranging from $186,022 to $228,000 annually. The final salary depends on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, pay setting rules, and applicable federal adjustments.
This position follows the FAA federal pay system. The MSS4 level represents a senior management classification within the FAA’s air traffic control career structure. Salary placement may vary depending on the employee’s current federal pay status and duty location.
Salary components may include
- Basic federal salary
- Locality pay adjustments based on geographic location
- Performance-based compensation opportunities
- Federal retirement benefits
- Health insurance benefits
- Paid annual and sick leave
- Life insurance coverage
- Flexible spending programs
Estimated monthly gross salary:
At the lower salary level of $186,022 annually, the estimated monthly gross income is approximately $15,502 before deductions.
At the maximum salary level of $228,000 annually, the estimated monthly gross income is approximately $19,000 before deductions.
Actual take-home pay will vary depending on federal taxes, retirement contributions, health insurance selections, locality adjustments, and other deductions.
SELECTION PROCESS
The FAA selection process for the Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Air Traffic Manager - MSS4) position is designed to identify candidates with advanced aviation knowledge, leadership experience, and operational management skills.
The expected selection stages include:
Application Review:
FAA hiring officials review applications, resumes, and supporting documents to determine whether candidates meet specialized experience requirements.
Qualification Assessment:
Candidates are evaluated based on FAA experience, facility ratings, certifications, supervisory background, and operational expertise.
Interview:
Qualified applicants may participate in an interview process. Interview questions may focus on leadership abilities, air traffic management experience, safety decisions, conflict resolution, and operational planning.
Document Verification:
Candidates must provide supporting documentation proving employment history, FAA certifications, experience qualifications, and other required information.
Background Investigation:
Selected candidates may undergo federal background checks and employment verification procedures.
Written Examination:
A separate written exam is generally not required for this senior FAA management position. Selection is primarily based on qualifications, experience evaluation, and interviews.
Physical Test:
A physical fitness test is not generally required because this is a supervisory aviation management role rather than a physical operational position.
EXAM PATTERN AND SYLLABUS
The Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Air Traffic Manager - MSS4) recruitment process does not normally include a traditional written examination. Instead, candidates are assessed through federal qualification standards and FAA leadership evaluation procedures.
Applicants should prepare in the following areas:
Air Traffic Control Knowledge:
Candidates should understand FAA air traffic control procedures, operational standards, safety requirements, and facility management responsibilities.
Leadership and Supervision:
Preparation should focus on managing teams, resolving operational challenges, mentoring employees, and improving workplace performance.
Aviation Safety:
Candidates should understand risk management, safety programs, emergency response procedures, and FAA operational priorities.
Decision Making:
Applicants should demonstrate experience making timely decisions in complex air traffic environments.
Communication Skills:
Strong communication skills are essential for coordinating with controllers, FAA leadership, aviation stakeholders, and government agencies.
Exam details:
Subjects | FAA operations, leadership, safety management, air traffic procedures
Written Exam | Not applicable
Duration | Not applicable
Marks | Not applicable
Negative Marking | Not applicable
HOW TO APPLY
Candidates interested in FAA Air Traffic Control Manager Jobs 2026 must submit their applications through the official USAJOBS platform. Applicants should complete each step carefully because incomplete applications may not be considered.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official USAJOBS website and search for “Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist Air Traffic Manager MSS4.”
- Open the official vacancy announcement published by the Federal Aviation Administration.
- Review all eligibility requirements, specialized experience conditions, and required documents.
- Create a USAJOBS account or sign in using an existing account.
- Prepare a detailed federal resume. Include:
- FAA employment history
- Air traffic control experience
- Facility ratings or area certifications
- Supervisory experience
- Leadership achievements
- Training and qualifications
- Collect supporting documents, including:
- Resume
- FAA certification records
- Employment verification documents
- Veterans preference documents if applicable
- Other supporting materials requested in the announcement
- Click the Apply button on the official USAJOBS announcement.
- Complete all required application questions accurately. Provide detailed information about your specialized experience.
- Upload all required documents and review the application before submission.
- Submit the completed application before July 20, 2026. Save the confirmation information for future reference.
Application Fee:
No application fee information is listed for this federal FAA recruitment. Most USAJOBS federal applications do not require an application fee. Candidates should confirm details through the official announcement.
IMPORTANT DATES
Event | Date
Application Start Date | Not announced
Application Closing Date | July 20, 2026
Exam Date | Not applicable
Interview Date | To be announced
Final Selection Date | To be announced
PREVIOUS YEAR CUT-OFFS
Previous year cut-off information is not available for the Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Air Traffic Manager - MSS4) position because FAA senior-level hiring does not follow a standard competitive examination cut-off system. Candidate selection is based on specialized experience, qualifications, leadership background, and application evaluation. Applicants should review the official FAA and USAJOBS announcements for current requirements and selection procedures.
PREPARATION TIPS
Candidates preparing for FAA Air Traffic Control Manager Jobs 2026 should focus on demonstrating strong aviation leadership and operational expertise.
- Update your federal resume: Highlight FAA positions, facility certifications, supervisory responsibilities, and major operational achievements.
- Review FAA regulations: Refresh your knowledge of air traffic control procedures, safety management systems, and operational policies.
- Prepare leadership examples: Develop examples showing how you handled difficult decisions, managed teams, and improved operational performance.
- Organize documentation: Keep FAA certifications, employment records, and qualification documents ready before applying.
- Practice interview responses: Prepare answers related to safety management, employee leadership, emergency situations, and operational challenges.
- Understand FAA priorities: Learn about current aviation safety goals, technology improvements, and air traffic modernization initiatives.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are FAA Air Traffic Control Manager Jobs 2026?
A: FAA Air Traffic Control Manager Jobs 2026 are senior federal aviation management positions responsible for supervising air traffic operations and leading air traffic control teams. The MSS4 Air Traffic Manager role requires advanced FAA experience and leadership skills.
How to apply for FAA air traffic control manager jobs in USA?
A: Candidates can apply through USAJOBS by finding the official FAA vacancy, creating an account, uploading a federal resume and required documents, completing application questions, and submitting before July 20, 2026.
What is the salary for FAA Air Traffic Control Manager Jobs?
A: The salary range for the Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist Air Traffic Manager MSS4 position is $186,022 to $228,000 per year.
Which department is hiring for this position?
A: The Federal Aviation Administration is hiring candidates for this Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist position.
Is a written exam required for this FAA job?
A: No traditional written exam is generally required. Candidates are selected based on specialized experience, qualifications, interviews, and documentation review.
What experience is required for the Air Traffic Manager MSS4 position?
A: Candidates must have qualifying FAA experience, including holding an FAA 2152 FV-J/FG-14 or above position or having facility rating or area certification experience for at least one year.
Are non-US citizens eligible for this FAA position?
A: Federal aviation positions generally require U.S. citizenship. Applicants should check the official announcement for detailed eligibility rules.
What documents are needed to apply?
A: Applicants typically need a federal resume, FAA qualification records, certification details, employment history, and any other documents requested in the announcement.
What is the last date to apply for this FAA recruitment?
A: The last date to submit an application is July 20, 2026.
Where can candidates apply for this FAA vacancy?
A: Candidates must apply through the official USAJOBS application portal linked in the vacancy announcement.
DISCLAIMER
This article is published for informational and educational purposes only. OnlineJobNews is not affiliated with the Federal Aviation Administration, USAJOBS, or the U.S. Government. Candidates must verify all recruitment details, eligibility requirements, salary information, deadlines, and application instructions through the official FAA and USAJOBS notification before applying. Any changes, corrections, or updates issued by the official recruiting authority will take priority over the information provided in this article. Applicants are responsible for submitting accurate details and completing their applications through the authorized government portal.