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How much do aerospace control operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerospace control operator in the United States is $24.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Aerospace Control Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aerospace Control Operator, you need strong analytical skills, situational awareness, and typically a high school diploma with completion of specialized military training. Familiarity with radar systems, flight tracking software, and secure communication platforms is essential for the role. Excellent decision-making, composure under pressure, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills in this position. These skills ensure mission success, airspace safety, and efficient coordination during high-stakes operations.

How does an Aerospace Control Operator typically collaborate with other teams during a mission?

Aerospace Control Operators regularly coordinate with pilots, air traffic controllers, and mission planners to ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft and aerospace vehicles. Collaboration often involves real-time communication to relay critical information about flight paths, weather conditions, and mission objectives. Operators also work closely with technical support and maintenance teams to resolve equipment issues quickly. This teamwork is essential for maintaining situational awareness and achieving mission success in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

What are Aerospace Control Operators?

Aerospace Control Operators are military personnel responsible for monitoring, controlling, and coordinating airspace activities. They use radar, computers, and communication systems to track aircraft, provide flight information, and assist with airborne missions. Their duties are critical for ensuring the safety and efficiency of military air operations, including air defense and air traffic control. Aerospace Control Operators work closely with pilots, commanders, and other defense staff to maintain secure and orderly skies.

What is the difference between Aerospace Control Operator vs Air Traffic Controller?

AspectAerospace Control OperatorAir Traffic Controller
Required CertificationsFAA certifications, radar operation licensesFAA certifications, radar and communication licenses
Work EnvironmentAir traffic control centers, radar facilities, military basesAirport towers, control centers, military airfields
Employer & IndustryMilitary, aerospace agencies, governmentCommercial airports, government agencies
Job FocusMonitoring and controlling aerospace traffic, ensuring safety of aircraft in controlled airspaceManaging aircraft movements on the ground and in the airspace around airports

Both roles involve monitoring aircraft movements and ensuring safety, but Aerospace Control Operators typically work in military or aerospace settings focusing on space and high-altitude traffic, while Air Traffic Controllers primarily manage aircraft within airport airspace and on runways. Certifications and work environments overlap, but their operational focus differs based on industry and setting.

More about Aerospace Control Operator jobs
What states have the most Aerospace Control Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Aerospace Control Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Aerospace Control Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aerospace Control Operator jobs are:
Aerospace Control Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerospace Control Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,245 per year, or $24.6 per hour.
GNC Engineer (Guidance, Navigation, and Control Systems)

GNC Engineer (Guidance, Navigation, and Control Systems)

STR

Melbourne, FL

$112K - $154K/yr

Other

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

STR is looking for a GNC Algorithms expert to be part of a multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers dedicated to developing cutting-edge technologies with significant and immediate impact on our national security. We believe that each employee has a unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives that are essential to providing our customers with innovative solutions to difficult national security challenges. Our culture takes pride in developing impactful technologies through collaborative teamwork while maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship and quality.

We are looking for a GNC Engineer with versatile skills in aerospace guidance, navigation and control systems technology. Areas of particular interest includes advanced filtering and estimation techniques, flight control system design, and/or aerospace systems modeling. A successful candidate will join a team of algorithm and software developers in a fast-paced and results-driven prototyping environment.

We encourage applicants who are proficient at programming in at least one high-level programming language (e.g. C/C++, Python and/or MATLAB) for building models and algorithmic technologies in support of system analysis and development. In our view, the development of these models and technologies is benefited by sound understanding and hands-on experience with implementing guidance and control systems hardware.

What you will do:

  • Developing advanced control system algorithms for aerospace applications
  • Developing algorithms for sensor and system research and threat analysis
  • Developing and analyzing aerospace GNC systems, including both hardware and software
  • Implementing models and algorithms in in Python, C/C++, and/or MATLAB
  • Working in small teams of highly skilled developers in the above areas
  • Participating in laboratory and field tests to collect and analyze experimental data to support the verification, validation, and improvement of technical solutions
  • Communicating technical ideas and implementations through reports and presentations

Who you are:

  • This position requires an Active Top Secret security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by U.S. Government.
  • M.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related field, or B.S. + 3 years equivalent experience
  • Proficiency in C/C++, Python and/or MATLAB
  • Experience in implementing aerospace control algorithms, filters and models
  • Experience developing and giving technical presentations

Nice to Have:

  • Familiarity with software build and scripting tools, CI/CD development practices
  • Understanding of orbital and flight dynamics and modeling of such systems
  • Experience with Kalman filtering and related techniques
  • Experience using collaborative source code management tools (Git, Subversion)
  • Experience building, operating and analyzing GNSS systems
  • Experience in implementing guidance, navigation and control systems hardware and sensors

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $112,000 - $154,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

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