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Air Support Operations Operator Jobs in Phoenix, AZ

U.S. Navy

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

Chandler, AZ · On-site

... air operations ashore and afloat * Operating radio communication systems and light signals ... in Air Support for the Navy. Serving part−time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be ...

U.S. Navy

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

Phoenix, AZ

... air operations ashore and afloat * Operating radio communication systems and light signals ... in Air Support for the Navy. Serving part−time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be ...

U.S. Navy

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

Chandler, AZ

... air operations ashore and afloat * Operating radio communication systems and light signals ... in Air Support for the Navy. Serving part−time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be ...

U.S. Navy

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

... air operations ashore and afloat * Operating radio communication systems and light signals ... in Air Support for the Navy. Serving part−time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be ...

U.S. Navy

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

... air operations ashore and afloat * Operating radio communication systems and light signals ... in Air Support for the Navy. Serving part−time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be ...

U.S. Navy

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

Scottsdale, AZ

... air operations ashore and afloat * Operating radio communication systems and light signals ... in Air Support for the Navy. Serving part−time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be ...

U.S. Navy

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

Mesa, AZ

... air operations ashore and afloat * Operating radio communication systems and light signals ... in Air Support for the Navy. Serving part−time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be ...

U.S. Navy

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

Glendale, AZ

... air operations ashore and afloat * Operating radio communication systems and light signals ... in Air Support for the Navy. Serving part−time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be ...

U.S. Navy

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

Glendale, AZ · On-site

... air operations ashore and afloat * Operating radio communication systems and light signals ... in Air Support for the Navy. Serving part−time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be ...

U.S. Navy

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

Mesa, AZ · On-site

... air operations ashore and afloat * Operating radio communication systems and light signals ... in Air Support for the Navy. Serving part−time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be ...

Walmart

Technician, Facility Services, HVAC

Peoria, AZ · On-site

Supports the implementation of training plans and operational procedures as directed. Communicates ... with facility operators and partners regarding service needs, task status, and recommended ...

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All JobsAir Support Operations Operator JobsAir Support Operations Operator Jobs in Phoenix, AZ

Air Support Operations Operator information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$13

$25

$35

How much do air support operations operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for air support operations operator in Phoenix, AZ is $25.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.05 and $31.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an air support operations operator?

Air Support Operations Operators are military personnel responsible for coordinating and directing air support missions to assist ground forces during combat or training operations. They serve as the critical link between ground troops and aircraft, managing communications, relaying target information, and ensuring that airstrikes or supply drops are executed accurately and safely. These operators are highly trained in both ground and aviation procedures, working under high-pressure environments to maximize mission success and minimize risks to friendly forces.

How does an air support operations operator typically collaborate with ground and air units during missions?

Air Support Operations Operators play a crucial role in facilitating communication and coordination between ground forces and air assets. They are responsible for relaying real-time information, ensuring that air support aligns with the objectives of ground operations, and minimizing the risk of friendly fire incidents. Collaboration often involves working closely with joint terminal attack controllers, pilots, and command staff, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to make decisions under pressure. This teamwork is essential for mission success and the safety of all personnel involved.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an air support operations operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Air Support Operations Operator, you need a solid understanding of air and ground operations, military communication protocols, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with completion of specialized military training. Proficiency with advanced communication equipment, radar systems, and digital mapping tools is essential. Strong attention to detail, decision-making under pressure, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities are vital to ensure accurate coordination between air and ground forces, supporting mission success and safety in dynamic operational environments.

What is the difference between Air Support Operations Operator vs Air Traffic Controller?

AspectAir Support Operations OperatorAir Traffic Controller
CertificationsMilitary air support certifications, specialized trainingFAA air traffic control license, certifications
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, combat zones, airfieldsCommercial and civilian airports, control towers
Employer & IndustryMilitary, defense sectorCommercial airlines, airports, FAA

Both roles involve managing aircraft operations, but Air Support Operations Operators focus on military air support missions, while Air Traffic Controllers coordinate civilian and commercial flights. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in aviation support roles.

What are popular job titles related to Air Support Operations Operator jobs in Phoenix, AZ?

For Air Support Operations Operator jobs in Phoenix, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Air Support Operations Operator jobs in Phoenix, AZ look for?

The top searched job categories for Air Support Operations Operator jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:

Air Support Operations Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Air Support Operations Operator job openings in Phoenix, AZ as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 14% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,739 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

Chandler, AZ • On-site

U.S. Navy
National Security • 10K+ employees
Learn more about U.S. Navyexternal

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago

United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 381 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

ABOUT

Act as our eyes and ears in the sky, mapping coasts and ports for Navy intelligence. Gain extensive training in radar, sonar, and air traffic communications. If you feel more at home above the sea than on it, a career in aviation might be for you. Below are some examples of the vast opportunities in this field.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

Commercial airlines aren’t the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic Controllers to keep flight decks and airstrips in check. As an AC, you work against moving runways, inclement weather and mechanical issues to get personnel safely to the ground. Navy aircraft are

moving all the time, so it’s your responsibility to organize air traffic and communicate critical information to pilots. With extensive training in radar and air traffic communications, this rate is one of the easiest to translate into a civilian career post−service. As an Air Traffic Controller, you can command the skies.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful operation of a flight deck on an aircraft carrier is one of the most complex, high−stakes exercises on the planet. It’s no small task to ensure that each aircraft that leaves the flight deck performs its mission successfully and returns home safely. Navy Air Traffic Controllers are essential in directing the everyday complexities above and below the flight deck.

Their responsibilities include:

  • Providing air traffic control services in air traffic control towers, radar air traffic control facilities, fleet area control and surveillance facilities and air operations ashore and afloat
  • Operating radio communication systems and light signals
  • Performing aircraft tactical duties as a flight engineer, loadmaster and/or reel operator
  • Executing handling duties related to the launch and recovery of Naval aircraft
  • Interpreting data shown on radar screens to plot aircraft positions
  • Operating tactical weapons, sensors, and communications equipment
  • Working with Pilots to operate and control aircraft systems

PAY AND BENEFITS

From the day you start, you’ll receive:

  • Competitive salary
  • Potential to earn a bonus upon enlistment
  • Free health insurance
  • Free housing
  • A retirement plan
  • Paid training

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

  • Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance
  • Post−9/11 GI Bill, up to 100% tuition
  • Professional credentials and certifications
  • College credit hours toward a bachelor’s or associate degree through the American Council on Education

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • U.S. citizen or equivalent
  • High school graduate or equivalent
  • 17 years of age or older

General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before, or whether you’ve never served before.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Make the world your home. You may be assigned to sea or shore squadrons on almost any continent. You will have the opportunity to work in a variety of environments—from airborne aircraft to hangars, hangar decks to flight decks and flight lines at air stations and on aircraft carriers.

PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES

The role above is an Active Duty opportunity in the Navy, however there are part-time roles available in Air Support for the Navy. Serving part−time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Sailors in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes.

What United States Navy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About US Navy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Social media

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