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Air Traffic Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$87K - $135K/yr

Summary You will serve as an Air Traffic Control Specialist in the Ranges, Targets Operations, Instrumentation & Labs Group, Sea Range Operations Division of NAVAIRWARCENWPNDIV POINT MUGU. Learn more ...

We are looking for an experienced, Casual, Air Traffic Control Instructor-II to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Chicago Midway ATCT (MDW) , located at Chicago, IL ...

We are looking for an experienced, Full time, Air Traffic Control Instructor to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Boeing ATCT (BFI) in Seattle, WA, supporting air traffic ...

We are looking for an experienced, Full time, Air Traffic Control Instructor to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Spokane ATCT (GEG) in Spokane, WA, supporting air traffic ...

We are looking for an experienced, Casual, Air Traffic Control Instructor to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Chicago ATCT (ORD) in Chicago, IL, supporting air traffic ...

We are looking for an experienced, Full time, Air Traffic Control Instructor to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Paine ATCT (PAE) in Everett, WA, supporting air traffic ...

We are looking for an experienced, Casual, Air Traffic Control Instructor to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Chicago ATCT (ORD) in Chicago, IL, supporting air traffic ...

We are looking for an experienced, Full-time, Air Traffic Control Instructor to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Charlotte ATCT (CLT) in Charlotte, NC, supporting air ...

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AIR Traffic Control information

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$33K

$101.4K

$172.5K

How much do air traffic control jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for air traffic control in the United States is $101,385.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is air traffic control?

Air traffic control (ATC) is a service provided by ground-based controllers who direct aircraft on the ground and in the air to ensure safe and orderly flow of air traffic. Air traffic controllers monitor and communicate with pilots to provide instructions for takeoff, landing, and flight paths, helping to prevent collisions and manage aircraft efficiently. Their work is critical for maintaining safety in the skies, especially around busy airports and congested airspace. ATC also assists with rerouting aircraft in response to weather, emergencies, or changing flight conditions.

Is it hard to get an air traffic controller job?

Becoming an air traffic controller is competitive and requires passing a series of tests, including aptitude assessments and medical exams. Candidates typically need a bachelor's degree, relevant experience, and must complete specialized training, making the process challenging but achievable for qualified applicants.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Air Traffic Controller, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Air Traffic Controller, you need excellent spatial awareness, strong decision-making skills, and must meet rigorous educational and certification requirements, such as passing the FAA Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative or equivalent. Familiarity with radar systems, radio communication protocols, and flight-tracking software is essential for managing air traffic safely. Outstanding communication, stress management, and multitasking abilities distinguish top performers in this high-pressure role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient flow of air traffic and minimizing risks in complex airspace environments.

What qualifications do you need to be an air traffic controller?

To become an air traffic controller, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree or at least three years of related work experience, pass a series of FAA or relevant authority exams, and complete specialized training at an approved facility. Good communication skills, the ability to work under pressure, and a clean medical and background check are also required.

Is 33 too old to become an air traffic controller?

Age is not a strict barrier to becoming an air traffic controller, as many agencies prioritize skills, training, and ability to handle high-pressure situations over age. Candidates typically need to pass medical and background checks, complete specialized training, and demonstrate strong decision-making skills, regardless of age. Being 33 is generally considered acceptable for entry into the profession if all requirements are met.

How much money do air traffic controllers make?

Air traffic controllers typically earn a median annual salary of around $130,000, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and certification level. They often work in high-stress environments and must complete specialized training and certification programs.

What is the difference between Air Traffic Control vs Air Traffic Management?

AspectAir Traffic ControlAir Traffic Management
CertificationsFAA or equivalent radar and communication certificationsSimilar certifications, with additional focus on planning and coordination
Work EnvironmentControl towers, radar facilities, en-route centersAirports, regional planning offices, strategic coordination centers
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, airports, government agenciesAirports, airlines, aviation authorities
Job FocusDirectly managing aircraft movements in real-timeOverseeing broader air traffic flow and strategic planning

While both roles are essential in aviation safety, Air Traffic Control focuses on real-time aircraft movement management, whereas Air Traffic Management involves strategic planning and coordination of air traffic flow across regions.

What are some common challenges faced by Air Traffic Controllers during high-traffic periods?

Air Traffic Controllers often encounter significant challenges during peak traffic periods, such as maintaining situational awareness amid a high volume of simultaneous flights. They must quickly process and prioritize information, communicate clearly with multiple pilots, and coordinate with other controllers to ensure safety and efficiency. Stress management and decisive problem-solving are crucial, as split-second decisions can have a major impact. Teamwork and adherence to established protocols help manage these high-pressure situations effectively.
More about AIR Traffic Control jobs
What cities are hiring for Air Traffic Control jobs? Cities with the most Air Traffic Control job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Air Traffic Control jobs? The most popular types of Air Traffic Control jobs are:
What states have the most Air Traffic Control jobs? States with the most job openings for Air Traffic Control jobs include:
Infographic showing various Air Traffic Control job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,385 per year, or $48.7 per hour.
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST

Naval Air Systems Command

On-site, Remote

$87K - $135K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Summary
You will serve as an Air Traffic Control Specialist in the Ranges, Targets Operations, Instrumentation & Labs Group, Sea Range Operations Division of NAVAIRWARCENWPNDIV POINT MUGU.
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Duties
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  • You will provide direct radar air traffic control services, including radar vectors, altitude assignments, airspeed adjustments, and aircraft separation for manned and unmanned aircraft.
  • You will operate communication gear and air traffic control display consoles to maintain positive control, provide emergency assistance, and prevent mid-air collisions.
  • You will coordinate the real-time use of airspace and surface-space to ensure ranges are clear of non-participating traffic for the safe execution of test, evaluation, and training operations.
  • You will coordinate initial separation, sequencing, and intra-facility handoffs seamlessly with adjacent air traffic control facilities.
  • You will serve as an instructor providing on-the-job and classroom training, mentoring, and performance critiques for developmental air traffic control personnel.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a US Citizen.
  • Must be determined suitable for federal employment.
  • Must participate in the direct deposit pay program.
  • New employees to the Department of the Navy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov
  • Generally, current federal employees applying for STRL jobs must serve at least one year at the next lower pay band. This requirement is called time-in-band. Time-in-band requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
  • Candidates for ATC positions must not have reached their 36th birthday by date of appointment. Information on exceptions and waivers can be found: http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/140025_vol331.pdf.
  • You will be required to successfully complete a pre-appointment physical examination.
  • Air traffic control specialists must possess the facility ratings required at the facility where the position is located. You will be required to maintain a valid Air Traffic Control Specialist and/or Control Tower Operator Certificate.
  • Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • You will be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
  • Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test (including marijuana) is required. A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if you fail to report to the drug test appointment or fail the test. You will be subject to random testing.
  • This position may require travel from normal duty station to CONUS and OCONUS and may include remote or isolated sites. You must be able to travel on military and commercial aircraft for extended periods of time.
  • You will be required to obtain and maintain a current Military Radar Unit (MRU) Controller certification.
  • You will be required to obtain and maintain a current Test Controller (TC) certification.
  • You will be required to obtain and maintain a current Control Tower Operator (CTO) certification.

Qualifications
Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) or pay band (DS-03) in the federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience includes the following: 1) Providing direct radar air traffic control services, including radar vectors, altitude assignments, and aircraft separation; 2) Utilizing air traffic control display consoles and communication systems to maintain positive aircraft control; 3) Making real-time safety-of-flight decisions to prevent air collisions and manage heavy air traffic peaks; 4) Coordinating airspace use, handoffs, and sequencing with adjacent air traffic control facilities; and 5) Ensuring designated test or training ranges are clear of non-participants to safely conduct flight operations.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management web site:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/2100/air-traffic-control-series-2152.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
Additional information
This position is covered by the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program.
Additional vacancies may be filled by this announcement.
A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments.
During the application process you will have a the ability to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions in the local commuting area. Depending on the hiring organization and the position being filled, job requirements (e.g., security clearance, travel, drug testing, financial disclosure filing, bargaining unit status, etc.) may vary. Other hiring managers filling similar positions may offer relocation expense reimbursement and/or may offer recruitment incentives for new employees, depending on funding availability and in accordance with policy. If you opt-in and are referred on a certificate, your resume will be available to other hiring managers for 180-days from the date the job announcement closes. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
Federal annuitant information: The selection of an annuitant is subject to the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy policy on the employment of annuitants. Policy information may be found at: http://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Documents/CivilianJobs/FedCivAnnuitants.pdf
PPP applicants will be placed at the FPL, if determined Well Qualified (WQ). To receive priority consideration, the FPL must be the same grade level or equivalent of the retained grade or the grade held immediately prior to separation.
In addition to meeting all minimum qualification and eligibility requirements, ICTAP applicants must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. A well-qualified ICTAP applicant is one who possesses the competencies and experience to perform the duties of the position successfully with orientation to learn/understand the activities, procedures, policies and processes. Demonstrated work experience in the occupation is typically qualifying for placement. This criterion cannot be met by education and training. ICTAP candidates must provide copies of all of the following documentation at the time of application: 1) agency notice; 2) most recent performance appraisal and 3) most recent SF-50 or notification of personnel action that includes position, grade level, and duty location. Applicants who do not provide this documentation will not receive consideration as an ICTAP candidate.
For more information about ICTAP eligibility please review the following link: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition/
Military Spouse Preference applicants will be placed at the highest grade for which they have applied and are determined Best Qualified (BQ). A BQ military spouse possesses knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies comparable to others who meet the competitive referral criteria for the specific position.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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About Naval Air Systems Command

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Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) is a major command within the U.S. Department of the Navy, based in Maryland, US. As a vital component of the Navy's overarching structure, NAVAIR operates within the defense industry, providing comprehensive support to naval aviation aircraft, weapons and systems. NAVAIR is historically rooted in the consolidation of the Naval Air Ordnance Test Station (NAOTS) and the Naval Air Test Center (NATC), molding its legacy in the American naval aviation's innovation and advancement. The command's core values align with the larger Navy's, emphasizing Honor, Courage, and Commitment - principles guiding their interactions and decisions.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Patuxent River, MD, US