Story perspectives

FAA hires 2,000 controllers after video-gamer recruitment push

8/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the FAA hired 2,000 air traffic controllers via a video-gamer recruitment campaign, reaching 94% of its hiring goal and adding 2,000 candidates to the pipeline.
The FAA cut more than five months from the hiring timeline, moving applicants into academy training four times faster last year.
The agency reports a 2024 median controller salary of $144,580 and that about 25% hold a traditional college degree.

1 of 1

Story summary

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the FAA hired 2,000 air traffic controllers via a video-gamer recruitment campaign, reaching 94% of its hiring goal and adding 2,000 candidates to the pipeline.
The FAA cut more than five months from the hiring timeline, moving applicants into academy training four times faster last year.
The agency reports a 2024 median controller salary of $144,580 and that about 25% hold a traditional college degree.