FAA offers bonuses up to $15,000 to attract 2,000 new air traffic controllers by 2028.

The FAA is offering financial incentives to attract and retain air traffic controllers to address a shortage of around 3,000 workers. New hires and academy graduates will receive $5,000 upon completing training, with an additional $10,000 for those assigned to hard-to-staff facilities. Experienced controllers under retirement age can receive a lump-sum payment of 20% of their basic pay for each year they continue working. The goal is to hire 2,000 new controllers this year, aiming to fully staff by 2028.