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Area Controller, En Route Controller, Instrument Flight Rules Controller, Terminal Controller, Tower Controller
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Air traffic controllers help pilots keep aircraft safely separated from other aircraft or obstacles while in flight or on the ground. They can specialize in airport tower control or area control.
Tower controllers direct air traffic within a radius of 3 to 12 nautical miles around airports. They work in glass-walled rooms at the tops of airport control towers. As a group, they:
Area controllers work at regional-area control centres across Canada. They:
Air traffic controllers work for NAV CANADA. Most NAV CANADA facilities operate 24 hours a day. All of them operate 7 days a week. They work rotating shifts, most often 34 hours per week. They may work overtime.
On the job, air traffic controllers must make rapid decisions. They often work under a lot of pressure.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in controlling flow of air traffic using radar monitors, radios and other communication equipment and visual references
Interest in co-ordinating information to maintain radio and telephone contact with control towers, terminal control units and other area control centers
Interest in speaking with pilots to issue take-off and landing instructions; and in directing activities of all moving aircraft and service vehicles on and near airport runways
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Air traffic controllers need:
They should enjoy using specialized equipment and instruments. They should like working with clear rules and organized methods.
To work with NAV CANADA, an air traffic controller must:
NAV CANADA has a multistep selection process:
If successful, the candidate must satisfy any outstanding requirements, such as the medical exam and security clearance.
About 30 to 40 training positions become available each year in Alberta.
Successful applicants receive initial classroom and simulator training from NAV CANADA. This first phase of training is 5 to 8 months long, depending on the program. The last phase is on-the-job training at a flight service station or flight information centre for 5 to 12 months.
Area controllers have an additional 6 to 7 months of specialty training between their first and last training phases. Tower controllers may also have additional training. The duration will vary depending on the complexity of the tower to which they are assigned.
While training, students receive a training salary.
Air traffic controllers must stay up to date with regulations as they relate to traffic procedures and pilot directives.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Air traffic controllers work for NAV CANADA. After training, they may be assigned to any air traffic control centre or tower in Canada. Area controllers work in area control centres in Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, Moncton, and Gander. Tower controllers work in control towers at 41 airports in Canada.
Air traffic controllers can move to other locations if they qualify. There is a seniority bid process. Experienced controllers may move into supervisory or management roles. They may work on special projects or become instructors.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Air traffic controllers and related occupations
2016 NOC: 2272
87.1% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
According to NAV CANADA, the base salaries for air traffic controllers range from $81,000 to $165,000 a year. Trainees earn about $48,000 (2021 rates).
Air traffic controllers are part of the larger 2021 National Occupational Classification 72601: Air traffic controllers and related occupations.
According to the 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Air traffic controllers and related occupations occupational group earned on average from $24.00 to $39.36 an hour. The overall average was $27.73 an hour. For more information, see the Air traffic controllers and related occupations wage profile.
Canadian Air Traffic Control Association (CATCA) website: www.catca.ca
NAV CANADA’s website: www.navcanada.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
