Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Aberdeen, SD: $72,365 (2026)

Regarding job opportunities and growth within the industry, aspiring air traffic controllers in Aberdeen may find openings through FAA recruitment initiatives, particularly the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program and off-the-street hiring announcements. To qualify, candidates must be U.S. citizens, under age 31 (unless they are military veterans), and possess a bachelor’s degree, three years of progressive work experience, or a combination of the two. Success in landing a position often hinges on passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA), followed by Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. Once hired, new controllers can anticipate undergoing one to three years of facility-specific training before achieving full certification. Given the current federal employment structure, controllers in Aberdeen are classified under the FG pay scale, which, while lower than positions at top-tier en route facilities, ultimately leads to significant salary opportunities for those who effectively manage their careers in the first few years. Realistically, as they settle into their roles, these entry-level controllers can expect a steady salary increase driven by the ongoing demand for qualified personnel in the aviation sector.