FAA Air Traffic Manager Jobs 2026 Salary Up to $221451
INTRODUCTION
FAA Air Traffic Manager Jobs 2026 provide an outstanding opportunity for experienced aviation professionals seeking senior-level federal employment with the Federal Aviation Administration. The Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Air Traffic Manager) position is designed for qualified air traffic control professionals who have advanced operational experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of FAA procedures.
The Federal Aviation Administration plays a critical role in maintaining the safety and efficiency of the United States aviation system. Air Traffic Managers supervise air traffic control operations, manage teams of controllers, ensure compliance with FAA regulations, and support safe aircraft movement across controlled airspace.
This 2026 FAA career opportunity offers a highly competitive annual salary ranging from $177,161 to $221,451. The position is suitable for professionals who have served in FAA air traffic control roles, including employees with qualifying 2152 series experience or facility-rated and area-certified backgrounds.
Candidates interested in federal jobs USA and aviation management careers must meet strict specialized experience requirements. Applicants need to demonstrate previous FAA experience, operational knowledge, and the ability to manage complex air traffic environments.
The application process is completed through USAJOBS, where candidates must submit a detailed federal resume and supporting documents before the deadline. This article provides complete information about eligibility, salary, selection process, application steps, important dates, preparation strategies, and frequently asked questions for the Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Air Traffic Manager) position.
QUICK FACTS
Organization | Federal Aviation Administration
Post Name | Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Air Traffic Manager)
Vacancies | See official notification
Salary | $177,161 - $221,451 per year
Apply Start | Not announced
Apply End | July 17, 2026
Official Site | https://www.usajobs.gov/job/876062900
DETAILED ELIGIBILITY
Candidates applying for FAA Air Traffic Manager Jobs 2026 must satisfy the qualification standards established by the Federal Aviation Administration. This is a senior supervisory position requiring extensive air traffic control experience and proven leadership ability.
Age Limit:
The official vacancy announcement does not mention a specific maximum age limit. Applicants must meet federal employment eligibility requirements and satisfy FAA qualification standards. Candidates should verify any updated requirements through the official USAJOBS announcement.
Citizenship Requirement:
Applicants must meet federal employment eligibility requirements. Candidates are responsible for providing accurate citizenship and employment information during the application process.
Education Qualification:
This FAA position is primarily based on professional experience rather than a specific college degree requirement. Candidates must demonstrate advanced knowledge of air traffic control operations, FAA procedures, aviation safety standards, and supervisory responsibilities.
Experience Requirements:
Applicants must demonstrate specialized experience. The required specialized experience includes one of the following:
- Holding an FAA 2152 FV-J/FG-14 or above regional or headquarters position for at least one year or 52 weeks.
OR
- Being facility rated or area certified for at least one year or 52 weeks at an Air Traffic Services facility.
Employees who have been facility rated or area certified at an upgraded ATS facility for at least one year may also meet the qualification requirements because they have performed duties at the appropriate level.
Category-Wise Eligibility:
FAA Employees:
Current FAA employees with qualifying air traffic control experience and appropriate grade-level experience are eligible to apply.
Federal Employees:
Employees from other federal agencies may qualify if they possess equivalent specialized aviation experience.
Military Aviation Professionals:
Candidates with military air traffic control or aviation management backgrounds may qualify if their experience meets FAA standards.
Veterans:
Eligible veterans may apply under federal hiring rules and may receive preference benefits when proper documentation is submitted.
External Candidates:
Applicants outside federal service must demonstrate equivalent experience and meet all qualification requirements listed in the announcement.
VACANCY BREAKDOWN
Category | Vacancy Details
Total Vacancies | See official notification
Department | Federal Aviation Administration
Job Series | 2152 Air Traffic Control Specialist
Position Type | Federal Supervisory Aviation Position
Role | Air Traffic Manager
Location | As mentioned in official announcement
State-Wise Vacancies | Not separately announced
SALARY AND PAY SCALE
The Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Air Traffic Manager) position offers an annual salary between $177,161 and $221,451. The final salary depends on professional qualifications, years of experience, federal pay regulations, and applicable locality adjustments.
This senior FAA position provides competitive federal compensation along with comprehensive employee benefits. Eligible employees may receive:
- Federal base salary
- Locality pay adjustments
- Health insurance benefits
- Federal retirement system benefits
- Thrift Savings Plan contributions
- Paid annual leave
- Paid sick leave
- Federal holidays
- Life insurance coverage
- Career advancement opportunities
Estimated monthly gross salary:
At the minimum salary level of $177,161 annually, the approximate monthly gross salary is $14,763 before deductions.
At the maximum salary level of $221,451 annually, the approximate monthly gross salary is $18,454 before deductions.
Actual in-hand salary varies depending on taxes, retirement contributions, health insurance selections, and other federal payroll deductions.
SELECTION PROCESS
The FAA selection process for the Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Air Traffic Manager) position focuses on evaluating professional experience, leadership skills, and suitability for a senior aviation management role.
The selection stages generally include:
Application Screening:
FAA officials review submitted applications and resumes to determine whether candidates meet the specialized experience requirements.
Qualification Review:
Candidates are evaluated based on FAA experience, air traffic control background, supervisory responsibilities, and operational knowledge.
Interview:
Qualified applicants may participate in an interview. The interview may assess leadership ability, communication skills, decision-making experience, and knowledge of FAA operations.
Technical Assessment:
Candidates may be evaluated on understanding of air traffic procedures, safety standards, workforce management, and aviation regulations.
Document Verification:
Applicants may need to provide proof of employment history, FAA qualifications, certifications, and other required documents.
Background Investigation:
Selected candidates may undergo federal suitability checks before appointment.
Written Exam:
A separate written examination is generally not required for this senior FAA position. Selection is based on experience, qualifications, resume evaluation, and interviews.
Physical Test:
No physical fitness test is generally required because this is a civilian FAA supervisory position.
EXAM PATTERN AND SYLLABUS
The Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist recruitment process does not normally include a written competitive examination. Candidates are selected through experience evaluation and qualification assessment.
Applicants should prepare by reviewing the following areas:
Air Traffic Control Operations:
Knowledge of air traffic management procedures, aircraft separation standards, operational coordination, and facility operations.
FAA Rules and Regulations:
Understanding FAA policies, air traffic control orders, safety requirements, and operational standards.
Leadership and Supervision:
Knowledge of employee management, performance evaluation, resource planning, and team leadership.
Aviation Safety:
Understanding risk management, safety reporting, emergency response, and continuous improvement practices.
Communication Skills:
Ability to communicate effectively with controllers, managers, pilots, and aviation stakeholders.
Exam Details:
Subject | FAA specialized experience and management qualifications
Written Exam | Not applicable
Duration | Not applicable
Marks | Not applicable
Negative Marking | Not applicable
HOW TO APPLY
Candidates interested in FAA Air Traffic Manager Jobs 2026 must complete the application process through USAJOBS. Federal hiring requires detailed information because qualification decisions are based on the applicant’s submitted experience.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the USAJOBS website and search for “Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist Air Traffic Manager.”
- Open the official Federal Aviation Administration vacancy announcement.
- Review the complete job description, responsibilities, qualifications, and required documents.
- Create a USAJOBS account or sign in to an existing account.
- Prepare a detailed federal resume including:
- Complete employment history
- Job titles and organizations
- Employment dates
- Hours worked per week
- FAA position details
- Air traffic control duties
- Supervisory experience
- Gather supporting documents such as:
- Federal resume
- FAA employment records
- Qualification documents
- Training certificates
- Veterans preference documents if applicable
- Other requested forms
- Select the Apply button on the USAJOBS vacancy page.
- Complete all application questions accurately. Ensure your responses clearly demonstrate specialized FAA experience.
- Upload required documents and review all information before submission.
- Submit the application before July 17, 2026. Save the confirmation receipt after successful submission.
Application Fee:
USAJOBS federal applications generally do not require an application fee. Candidates should confirm any specific instructions in the official vacancy announcement.
IMPORTANT DATES
Event | Date
Application Start Date | Not announced
Application Closing Date | July 17, 2026
Exam Date | Not applicable
Interview Date | To be announced
Final Selection Date | To be announced
PREVIOUS YEAR CUT-OFFS
Previous year cut-off marks are not available for this FAA Air Traffic Manager recruitment because the position does not use a traditional written examination. Candidate selection depends on specialized FAA experience, professional qualifications, leadership ability, resume evaluation, and interview performance. Applicants should check the official USAJOBS announcement for current qualification requirements and selection procedures.
PREPARATION TIPS
Candidates preparing for FAA Air Traffic Manager Jobs 2026 should focus on demonstrating leadership experience and strong aviation expertise.
- Prepare a detailed federal resume: Clearly explain FAA positions, responsibilities, achievements, and supervisory duties.
- Highlight specialized experience: Show how your FAA 2152 experience or facility certification meets qualification requirements.
- Review FAA procedures: Refresh knowledge of air traffic management policies, safety standards, and operational guidelines.
- Practice leadership examples: Prepare examples involving team management, operational decisions, and problem-solving.
- Organize supporting documents: Collect FAA records, certifications, and employment information before applying.
- Understand the manager role: Research how Air Traffic Managers support controller teams, safety operations, and FAA missions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are FAA Air Traffic Manager Jobs 2026?
A: FAA Air Traffic Manager Jobs 2026 are senior federal aviation positions with the Federal Aviation Administration. These roles involve supervising air traffic control operations and managing aviation teams.
How to apply for Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist jobs in USA?
A: Applicants must apply through USAJOBS by reviewing the FAA vacancy announcement, preparing a federal resume, uploading required documents, and submitting the application before July 17, 2026.
What is the salary for Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist jobs?
A: The salary range for this Air Traffic Manager position is $177,161 to $221,451 per year depending on qualifications and federal pay rules.
Which department is hiring for this Air Traffic Manager position?
A: The Federal Aviation Administration is hiring qualified candidates for the Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Air Traffic Manager) position.
Is a written exam required for this FAA position?
A: No standard written examination is generally required. The FAA evaluates applicants based on specialized experience, qualifications, resume review, and interviews.
What experience is required for this FAA job?
A: Candidates must have qualifying FAA 2152 experience or facility-rated or area-certified air traffic control experience for at least 52 weeks.
Can current FAA employees apply for this position?
A: Yes, FAA employees who meet the required specialized experience and qualification standards may apply.
Are veterans eligible for FAA Air Traffic Manager positions?
A: Eligible veterans may apply and may receive preference benefits according to federal hiring regulations.
What documents are required for the application?
A: Applicants generally need a federal resume, employment details, FAA experience information, certifications, and any additional documents requested by the vacancy announcement.
When is the application deadline?
A: The application deadline for this Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist position is July 17, 2026.
DISCLAIMER
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not an official government recruitment announcement. OnlineJobNews is not affiliated with the Federal Aviation Administration, USAJOBS, or any U.S. government agency. Applicants should verify all details, including eligibility requirements, salary information, application procedures, and deadlines, from the official USAJOBS notification before applying. The official announcement issued by the hiring authority will always be the final source of information. Candidates are responsible for submitting accurate information and completing their application through the authorized federal recruitment platform.