Play video games? You, too, could become an air traffic controller

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is finding an unexpected solution to its critical air traffic controller shortage: video gamers. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy described the recruitment initiative as a "game changer," with the agency hiring over 2,000 gamers to train as controllers, achieving 94% of its hiring goal. An additional 2,000-plus candidates are currently in the hiring pipeline.

Duffy explained that many skills honed through gaming directly translate to the complex tasks of air traffic control. "A lot of what they do playing games ... is what they do ... controlling traffic in the air," he told CBS News. This approach is vital as the FAA faces a significant deficit in controllers, a situation that a Government Accountability Office report warned could lead to increased flight delays and cancellations.

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A lot of what they do playing games ... is what they do ... controlling traffic in the air.

The median annual wage for air traffic controllers was $144,580 in 2024, though pay varies by experience and location. The profession requires rigorous training and a demanding application process, including U.S. citizenship, being under 31, and passing FAA aptitude tests. Historically, fewer than 10% of applicants have met the FAA's requirements, making innovative recruitment strategies like targeting gamers essential for maintaining the safety and efficiency of the nation's skies.

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game changer