Job Prospects... At a glance
Entry into this occupation is difficult as only a limited number of air traffic controllers are needed in New Zealand. Very few new air traffic controllers are recruited each year and competition for openings is intense. For those who are already in this occupation, job prospects are good and incomes are very high.
Air traffic controllers direct and coordinate aircraft in flight and on the ground to make sure air traffic is safe and organised.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requires air traffic controllers to hold a licence.
To become a CAA-licensed air traffic controller you need a Diploma in Air Traffic Control (Level 7), involving a six-month course and on-the-job training. The diploma course is run by Airways New Zealand. To get into the course you must pass aptitude tests, interviews and group exercises, and be at least 20-years-old at the start of your training. Entry into the diploma course is very competitive.
Airways NZ, air traffic control training: www.airways.co.nz/careers/train-to-be-an-air-traffic-controller
| Diploma in Air Traffic Control (Level 7) |
|---|
| $13,500 over six months |
Average costs in 2014 for a domestic student. Costs vary between institutions. Further costs include materials, fuel, and accommodation.
Rents vary from place to place. Estimated market rents by region, city and suburb are available on the MBIE Tenancy Services website.
The StudyLink website provides general budget advice for students, and the Sorted website provides help with detailed budget planning.
Tenancy Services: www.tenancy.govt.nz/rent-bond-and-bills
StudyLink: www.studylink.govt.nz
Sorted: www.sorted.org.nz/calculators/money-planner
You can study for a Diploma in Air Traffic Control at Airways NZ in Christchurch.
Airways NZ: www.airways.co.nz/careers/index.asp
The number of students completing a diploma in the broader category ‘Aerospace engineering and technology’, has been between 150 and 200 since 2011. Although this also includes graduates in jobs other than air traffic controller, it indicates that the supply of graduates has been fairly stable.
Qualification completions chart
Source: Ministry of Education
Air traffic controllers’ income depends on experience. They generally earn between $80,000 and $180,000.
In 2016, the average annual income for air transport professionals was estimated to be around $131,000.
| Estimated Average Income |
|---|
| $131,000 |
Source: MBIE estimates based on Statistics NZ Census and Labour Cost Index.
Air traffic controllers’ employment
| Historic | Projected Growth | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 2013 | 2020 | 2025 |
| 411 | 453 | 507 | 511 |
| 1.4% | 1.6% | 0.1% | |
Source: Statistics NZ Census and MBIE projections. Percentages are compound annual growth rates.
*Growth projections are for the broader category “Air Transport Professionals”.
Employment of air traffic controllers increased between 2006 and 2013, but it is still a small occupation in terms of employment. Employment growth for the broader category ‘Air transport professionals’ is projected to be at 1.6% annually until 2020, and then 0.1% annually until 2025. Because of the small size of the occupation and the small growth in employment, only a few job openings come up each year.
Employment chart
Source: Statistics NZ Census and MBIE projections
| Overseas | In further study | Receiving a benefit | In employment | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15% | 39% | 0% | 52% | $35,200 |
Source: Ministry of Education
*Two years after completion of L5 or 6 Diploma - Aerospace Engineering & Technology. ‘Overseas’ refers to the percentage of ALL graduates completing this qualification. Other indicators refer only to graduates living in New Zealand.
About half of all graduates were in employment and the other half was in further study or overseas two years after completing a Level 5 or 6 diploma in the broader category ‘Aerospace engineering and technology’. Almost none were receiving a benefit. The median salary was around $35,200. Note: graduates who are employed as air traffic controllers are likely to earn significantly more than this two years after graduation.
Air traffic controllers are not on Immigration New Zealand’s immediate skill shortage list.
Immigration NZ, skill shortage list: skillshortages.immigration.govt.nz
Air traffic controller vacancies are advertised through public media such as the Trade Me Jobs and Seek websites.
Trade Me Jobs: www.trademe.co.nz/jobs
Seek: www.seek.co.nz
Air traffic controllers are employed by Airways New Zealand.
Air traffic controllers start their careers in regional control towers, dealing only with domestic flights. As they gain experience, they may move on to international flights. Some experienced air traffic controllers become managers or an instructor for new air traffic controllers.
The following occupations are related roles or alternative titles. Some of the roles may require a higher level of skill than entry-level air traffic controllers.
More information on air traffic controllers is available on the Careers New Zealand website, or on Airways New Zealand’s website.
Careers New Zealand: www.careers.govt.nz
Airways New Zealand: www.airways.co.nz
The Australian New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) is the official classification of occupations in New Zealand.
The occupation of air traffic controllers has been coded to the following ANZSCO code for the purpose of this report:
231112 – Air Traffic Controller