From an article in Barrons:
" Air-Traffic Controllers Make $158,000 a Year. Why There Is Still a Shortage?"
“Despite high average pay of $158,000 for fully certified controllers, slow hiring combined with a wave of retirees have driven the shortage.”
“Nearly 80% of the busiest control towers in the U.S. were staffed below the threshold at which the Federal Aviation Administration prioritizes placement of controllers at that facility…”
“Budget constraints and hiring setbacks have exacerbated the problem. The 2019 government shutdown along with training pauses during the Covid-19 pandemic contributed to the number of fully certified controllers falling from around 11,800 in 2012 to the current 10,800. To be fully staffed, some 14,300 certified controllers are needed…”
“… only about 60% of new hires make the cut. “The other 40% are removed, resign, or remain in training”
“To get accepted into the FAA’s training academy in Oklahoma City, applicants must pass an assessment test, as well as drug testing, a personality test, and a medical and physical exam. They must also undergo fingerprinting and a federal background test. Once they graduate from the academy, their starting salary is $60,000 on average.”
“An accelerated pension schedule makes them eligible for full benefits at any age after[ 25 years of service versus 30 years for most civilian government workers.”