Air traffic controllers identified as happiest profession in Netherlands

Air traffic controllers have been identified as having the happiest profession in the Netherlands, according to research from Erasmus University. While the study was published in 2019, it remains the most relevant recent data on the subject.

Starting salaries for those entering the training program begin at approximately 28,500 euros gross per year. Upon completion of the training and starting work as a professional, the initial gross annual salary is around 80,000 euros, with potential earnings rising to 14,220 euros gross per month.

Prospective candidates must be between 17 and 30 years old and hold at least a HAVO diploma. While no specific prior education is required, the selection process is described as rigorous and relies heavily on intelligence. The high levels of life satisfaction reported in the study are speculated to be linked to high salaries, clear responsibilities, and significant time off, though the research did not explicitly confirm these causes.