Idaho Has An Air Traffic Controller Shortage; $60K Starting Wage

Following a string of deadly aviation disasters in the past few weeks in the United States, the need for more qualified air traffic controllers has been exposed by several media outlets. Most U.S. states, including Idaho, have grossly understaffed control towers and these employees usually start at $60,000 per year and can earn upwards of $150,000.

America's airports are hugely understaffed, according to many sources including fortune.com. This reality was recently brought to light following a deadly accident near Washington D.C. over a week ago when a military helicopter collided with an American Airlines passenger plane resulting in 67 deaths. The position of air traffic controller, while stressful compared to most careers, pays very well and doesn't require years of training, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

All training needed to land a job in this field can take less than three years.

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It's estimated that over 280 of the 313 traffic control centers in the U.S. are understaffed, according to fortune.com. Idaho has about a handful of airports that guide commercial flights. This is a relatively small number when compared to states like Texas and California, but the fact remains that a position as an air traffic controller is undesirable for most young students trying to decide on a career path due to the amount of pressure that goes with wearing the headphones.

The qualifications for this job include an Associate's degree, training at one of the country's aviation centers, clearing a background and medical check, and passing an exam from the Federal Aviation Administration, according to faa.gov. All training needed to land a job in this field can take less than three years.