'One of the highest-stress occupations': Why $148,000 median pay can’t fix the air traffic controller shortage | Fortune

The U.S. air traffic control system is operating with roughly 6% fewer controllers than a decade ago while flight volume has risen 10%, according to a January analysis, leaving one of the nation's most stress-intensive occupations short-staffed despite a median pay of $148,000. The staffing gap persists even as compensation remains well above the national average, underscoring that pay alone has not resolved recruitment and retention challenges. The mismatch matters because controller shortages can ripple into flight delays, reduced capacity and safety concerns across the aviation network. What to watch next is whether hiring pipelines, training throughput and retention efforts can close the gap as air travel demand continues to climb.