Transport & Aviation
Air Traffic Controller
You guide aircraft safely through the sky and on the ground.
- Starting salary
- R20 000 – R35 000
- Job demand
- Steady demand
- Key subjects
- Mathematics, Physical Sciences
What do they do?
You guide aircraft safely through the sky and on the ground.
A day in the life
You watch radar, talk to pilots, sequence take-offs and landings, and stay calm always.
Skills you need
- Concentration
- Clear speech
- Spatial awareness
- Calmness
School subjects that help
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- English
- Geography
How long does it take?
3 main steps after school, usually 3–6 years of study, plus practical experience.
Study path
- 1High school
- 2ATNS selection and training
- 3Licensing
- 4Controller
Ways in: Work-based training (ATNS Aviation Training Academy). University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- ATNS Aviation Training Academy
- Tshwane University of Technology
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R20 000 – R35 000
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R40 000 – R70 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R75 000 – R120 000+
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Practise speaking clearly and briefly
- • Learn the phonetic alphabet
- • Play spatial strategy games
Try this career
Learn the aviation alphabet and spell your full name in it.
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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.