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15Q Air Traffic Control Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Army

Air Traffic Controllers (15Q)

Houston, TX · On-site

Enlist as a Soldier into the United States Army and become a certified Air Traffic Control (ATC) Operator (15Q), you'll track aircraft such as jets and helicopters to ensure mission success while ...

SAIC

MDW Air Traffic Control Instructor

Chicago, IL

$40K - $80K/yr

This position may provide mentoring for students and Remote Pilot Operators (RPO), and may ... A well-trained Air Traffic Control (ATC) workforce plays an essential role in fulfilling this ...

SAIC

ORD Air Traffic Control Instructor

Chicago, IL

$40K - $80K/yr

This position will provide mentoring for students and Remote Pilot Operators (RPO) as well as ... FAA air traffic control facilities within the U.S. National Airspace System. Education: * High ...

SAIC

GEG Air Traffic Control Instructor

Spokane, WA

$40K - $80K/yr

This position will provide mentoring for students and Remote Pilot Operators (RPO) as well as ... FAA air traffic control facilities within the U.S. National Airspace System. Education: * High ...

SAIC

BFI Air Traffic Control Instructor

Seattle, WA

$40K - $80K/yr

This position will provide mentoring for students and Remote Pilot Operators (RPO) as well as ... FAA air traffic control facilities within the U.S. National Airspace System. Education: * High ...

SAIC

MDW Air Traffic Control Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

This position may provide mentoring for students and Remote Pilot Operators (RPO), and may ... A well-trained Air Traffic Control (ATC) workforce plays an essential role in fulfilling this ...

SAIC

GEG Air Traffic Control Instructor

Spokane, WA · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

This position will provide mentoring for students and Remote Pilot Operators (RPO) as well as ... FAA air traffic control facilities within the U.S. National Airspace System. Education: * High ...

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How much do 15q air traffic control operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for 15q air traffic control operator in the United States is $19.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do 15Q Air Traffic Control Operators make?

15Q Air Traffic Control Operators, also known as Air Traffic Controllers, typically earn a median annual salary of around $130,000, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and certification level. They are responsible for managing aircraft movements and require specialized training and certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

What is a 15Q Air Traffic Control Operator?

A 15Q Air Traffic Control Operator is a military professional responsible for coordinating and monitoring aircraft movements to ensure safe and efficient flight operations. They manage air traffic at military airfields and control centers, using radar and communication systems to provide pilots with essential flight instructions. Their duties include tracking aircraft, issuing takeoff and landing clearances, and responding to emergency situations. This role requires strong attention to detail, quick decision-making, and technical proficiency. Training includes completing the Air Traffic Control Operator Course at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

Can a 40 year old become an air traffic control operator?

Yes, a 40-year-old can become an air traffic control operator, as there is no maximum age limit for entry into the profession. Candidates typically need to meet physical and medical requirements, pass background checks, and complete specialized training, regardless of age. Age may be considered during the hiring process, but many individuals successfully enter the field later in life based on their skills and qualifications.

What are the daily responsibilities and work environment like for a 15Q Air Traffic Control Operator?

As a 15Q Air Traffic Control Operator, your daily responsibilities include monitoring, directing, and coordinating the movement of military aircraft using radar, radios, and visual signals. You will typically work in a control tower, tactical operations center, or mobile unit, often as part of a close-knit team of specialized personnel. The job requires constant communication with pilots and other controllers to ensure flight safety, coordinate takeoffs and landings, and respond quickly to changes in mission or weather conditions. The environment can be fast-paced and high-pressure, especially during training missions or deployments, but it offers strong camaraderie and a critical role in supporting military operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the 15Q Air Traffic Control Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 15Q Air Traffic Control Operator, you need strong spatial awareness, quick decision-making abilities, attention to detail, and a high school diploma with completion of specialized military training. Familiarity with radar systems, radio communications equipment, and military protocols is essential, along with passing the FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist certification for some positions. Exceptional communication skills, stress management, and teamwork set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for maintaining flight safety, coordinating military airspace, and ensuring efficient mission execution.

More about 15Q Air Traffic Control Operator jobs
What job categories do people searching 15Q Air Traffic Control Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for 15Q Air Traffic Control Operator jobs are:
15Q Air Traffic Control Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various 15Q Air Traffic Control Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,463 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Air Traffic Controllers (15Q)

U.S. Army

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago

United States Army rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 489 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

Enlist as a Soldier into the United States Army and become a certified Air Traffic Control (ATC) Operator (15Q), you'll track aircraft such as jets and helicopters to ensure mission success while maintaining critical safe flight operations. You’ll coordinate aircraft movement for takeoff and landing as well as track aircraft in flight in both tactical and non-tactical environments. You’ll have to follow specific procedures, rules, and regulations. You’ll control airborne and ground traffic for safety, process flight plan data, and you will help set up tactical air traffic control facilities on the front lines, ensuring the safety of every pilot and passenger. This is not a civilian contractor position. 
 
No experience necessary.  Position is entry level. 
 
REQUIREMENTS: 
  • A U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a valid Green Card;
  • 17 to 34 Years Old;
  • High School Diploma or GED;
  • Meet Tattoo Guidelines;
  • No Major Law Violations;
  • No Medical Concerns.
 
TESTING & CERTIFICATIONS: 
  • 7 Nationally Recognized Certifications Available;
  • 10 weeks of Basic Training;
  • 17 weeks of Advanced Individual Training;
  • 101 ASVAB Score: Skilled Technical (ST).
 
SKILLS YOU'LL LEARN: 
  • Communication Protocols;
  • Radar Operations;
  • Aircraft Procedures.
 
BENEFITS: 
Financial Benefits: 
  • Salary and Bonuses: Competitive base pay with potential for bonuses, including enlistment bonuses and re-enlistment bonuses. 
  • Retirement Plan: Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) similar to a 401(k), and a pension plan for those who serve 20 years or more. 
  • Special Pays: Extra pay for hazardous duty, special skills, and deployment. 
 
Healthcare: 
  • Medical Coverage: Comprehensive medical care for soldiers and their families through TRICARE. 
  • Dental and Vision: Access to dental and vision care services. 
 
Education: 
  • Tuition Assistance: Financial support for college courses while on active duty. 
  • GI Bill: Benefits for education and training programs, including the Post- 9/11 GI Bill. 
  • Student Loan Repayment: Assistance in repaying student loans. 

Housing and Living: 
  • Housing Allowance: Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to cover the cost of housing. 
  • On-Base Housing: Access to housing on military installations. 
  • Commissary and Exchange: Discounts on groceries and goods at military stores. 
  
Career and Training: 
  • Professional Development: Opportunities for leadership training and career advancement. 
  • Skill Training: Technical and tactical training in various fields. 
  
Family Support: 
  • Family Programs: Support services for families, including counseling and childcare. 
  • Relocation Assistance: Help with moving costs and finding housing. 
  
Retirement and Veterans Benefits: 
  • Pension: Lifetime monthly pension after 20 years of service. 
  • VA Benefits: Access to Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, including healthcare and home loans. 
 
Recreation and Leisure: 
  • Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR): Access to recreational facilities, sports programs, and leisure activities. 

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Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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