Well, it is one of the only careers left where you retire with a pension - Air Traffic Control Specialist FAA Employee Review

3.0
25 Feb 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

After you are certified, the work is somewhat rewarding if a bit repetitive and boring. The pay is pretty good and the benefits are good. Work doesn’t follow you home; no deadlines, no off-hours responsibilities.

Cons

Management and the workforce have very different and often opposing views on how things should be done and what is importing regarding the national airspace system and safety of flight. This can be quite frustrating and lead to low morale with very little opportunity for positive change. Initial training for the job is very stressful and difficult and takes several years. The work schedule can be a grind. The whole nation is short staffed currently requiring 6 day work weeks at many facilities and very little opportunity for life outside work. That said, the work week is 40 or 48 hours with a maximum of 60 hours with anything over 40 paid as overtime (1.5x) also extra pay for night shift (any hours worked between 6pm-6am an extra 10%) and Sundays (+25%.) After working 6 days a week for a while (or for years) the money doesn’t seem to matter at all. You are working in a small room with the same 10-15 people day in and day out. No cubicles, just everyone in everyone else’s face. I hope you really like your co-workers.

Explore other reviews about FAA

5.0
4 Mar 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Usually very lenient and peaceful. People are great

Cons

They are very strict on certain areas. There are some managers who have power trips

4.0
27 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The mission is fantastic and the clients are good to work with in the agency.

Cons

Management changes with each administration with varying results

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