ANZSCO 231112
Air Traffic Controller
General information, not immigration advice. Data as at 2026-10-22.
About this occupation
ANZSCO 2022Ensures the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in controlled airspace and aerodromes by directing aircraft movements. Registration or licensing is required.
Unit group 2311
Air Transport Professionals
Air Transport Professionals fly and navigate aircraft, control and direct air traffic to ensure the safe and efficient operation of aircraft in flight and on the ground, and instruct students in flying aircraft.
Indicative skill level
In Australia and New Zealand
Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. Aeroplane and Helicopter Pilots require a prescribed minimum amount of flying experience in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).
Registration or licensing is required.
Tasks include
- Preparing and submitting flight plans giving consideration to factors such as weather conditions and aircraft performance
- Flying aircraft in accordance with established air traffic control and aircraft operating procedures
- Providing flight information for flight crews and air traffic services staff
- Controlling aircraft movements, and directing aircraft taxiing, take-offs and landings by radio
- Providing pre-flight briefings and aeronautical information services
- Completing cockpit preparations and external inspections to determine that aircraft are acceptable for flight
Show all 8 tasks
- Monitoring aircraft performance and reporting on mechanical condition
- Giving in-flight instruction, supervising solo flights, accompanying students on training flights and demonstrating techniques for controlling aircraft
Occupations in this unit group
- 231111 Aeroplane Pilot
- 231112 Air Traffic ControllerThis occupation
- 231113 Flying Instructor
- 231114 Helicopter Pilot
- 231199 Air Transport Professionals nec
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ANZSCO 2022. CC BY 4.0.
ANZSCO 2022 (the edition the CSOL uses for the 482 and 186 visas)
Title in this edition: Air Traffic Controller, skill level 1
- Major group
- 2 Professionals
- Sub-major group
- 23 Design, Engineering, Science and Transport Professionals
- Minor group
- 231 Air and Marine Transport Professionals
- Unit group
- 2311 Air Transport Professionals
The title and groups are the same in ANZSCO 2013 v1.2 and ANZSCO 2022.
Occupation Shortage List (2026)
- National rating
- Shortage
- Confidence
- Clear
- Rated on
- ANZSCO 2022
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia, 2026 Occupation Shortage List - 6 digit ANZSCO and OSCA, released 21 October 2026. CC BY 4.0.
Average salary, May 2025
Unit group 2311 Air transport professionals (ANZSCO 2022). all employees, Average weekly total cash earnings.
| Average weekly earnings | Average age | |
|---|---|---|
| All employees | $3,023.90 | 40.4 |
| Males | $3,172.70 | 41.0 |
| Females | $1,588.60 (estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution) | 35.2 |
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Employee Earnings and Hours, Australia, May 2025: data cube 63060DO011_202505 (Table 1), released 23 January 2026. CC BY 4.0.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ANZSCO (CC BY 4.0). Source: Department of Home Affairs, Skilled occupation list (CC BY 4.0). Source: Jobs and Skills Australia, 2026 Occupation Shortage List. © Commonwealth of Australia, CC BY 4.0. Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Employee Earnings and Hours, Australia, May 2025. © Commonwealth of Australia, CC BY 4.0. Search another occupation