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Air Traffic Control Instructor Jobs in Houston, TX

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

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

Perform air traffic control duties as a full-performance controller. Function as a sole tower operator with all Air Traffic Control performance requirements. Perform all basic weather watch functions ...

Perform air traffic control duties as a full-performance controller. Function as a sole tower operator with all Air Traffic Control performance requirements. Perform all basic weather watch functions ...

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 ...

Network Installer - Central

Houston, TX

$22.50 - $29/hr

S. Airspace with Peraton Join Peraton in advancing the safety, efficiency, and modernization of the National Airspace System (NAS) through the FAA's Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS ...

Network Installer - Central

Houston, TX

$22.50 - $29/hr

S. Airspace with Peraton Join Peraton in advancing the safety, efficiency, and modernization of the National Airspace System (NAS) through the FAA's Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS ...

Network Installer - Central

Houston, TX

$22.50 - $29/hr

S. Airspace with Peraton Join Peraton in advancing the safety, efficiency, and modernization of the National Airspace System (NAS) through the FAA's Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS ...

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Air Traffic Control Instructor information

See Houston, TX salary details

$31.5K

$96.8K

$164.7K

How much do air traffic control instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for air traffic control instructor in Houston, TX is $96,820.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,700.00 and $128,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an air traffic control instructor?

An Air Traffic Control Instructor trains aspiring air traffic controllers in the skills and knowledge required to manage aircraft movement safely and efficiently. They develop lesson plans, conduct simulations, and provide both theoretical and practical instruction on communication, navigation, and emergency procedures. Instructors often have prior experience as air traffic controllers and use real-world scenarios to prepare students for high-stress environments. Their role is critical in ensuring future controllers are equipped to handle air traffic safely and effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an air traffic control instructor?

To thrive as an Air Traffic Control Instructor, you need proven air traffic control experience, in-depth knowledge of aviation regulations, and typically certifications such as FAA certification or equivalent credentials. Familiarity with radar simulators, air traffic control training systems, and instructional technologies is essential. Outstanding communication, patience, and mentorship abilities help instructors effectively guide trainees and foster a collaborative learning environment. These skills ensure prospective controllers are well-prepared to manage real-world airspace safely and efficiently.

What are the common challenges faced by air traffic control instructors?

Air Traffic Control Instructors commonly face the challenge of adapting their teaching approach to suit learners with varying levels of experience and learning styles. They must also stay current with evolving regulations, technology updates, and best practices in airspace management, which requires continuous professional development. Additionally, instructors are responsible for maintaining a realistic and high-pressure training environment that accurately simulates real-world scenarios, helping trainees develop critical decision-making skills. Balancing these responsibilities while ensuring all trainees achieve competency can be demanding, but it is highly rewarding for those passionate about safety and education.

What are the most commonly searched types of Air Traffic Control Instructor jobs in Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Air Traffic Control Instructor jobs in Houston, TX are:

What are popular job titles related to Air Traffic Control Instructor jobs in Houston, TX?

For Air Traffic Control Instructor jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Air Traffic Control Instructor jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Air Traffic Control Instructor jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Air Traffic Control Instructor jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Air Traffic Control Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Air Traffic Control Instructor job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,820 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

Air Traffic Control Specialist

Robinson Aviation

Sugar Land, TX • On-site

$48.18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description


Summary
Responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic control duties in a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Air Traffic Control Tower.

Dimensions of Position
Works under the general supervision of the Tower Manager who relies on the incumbent to perform established duties independently. On new or revised procedures, the manager gives detailed instructions and observes, and checks work during or immediately after completion according to complexity of the task or until satisfied the incumbent can perform it independently.

Accountability

1. Makes decisions involving:

  • The order of departures that will assure all aircraft equitable treatment and will assure that departing IFR flights operate at the fix, altitude, and the time designated by the center or approach control clearances.
  • The times and direction of takeoff and any turns necessary for departure.
  • Whether inbound aircraft are to land immediately or circle and whether distances are lengthened to control the arrival of an aircraft at a given point.
  • The active runway and possible simultaneous use of other runways.
  • The time and methods by which arrivals and departures can be interspersed with the least delay to traffic.
  • When landing and departing aircraft are cleared to use the runways to assure standard separation between aircraft on the runways.
  • The sequence of arriving traffic, before it enters the traffic pattern, to assure a safe, orderly flow of aircraft on final approach to the landing runway.
  • That IFR separation standards are applied, as delegated by approach control of the center, in limited areas around the airport to provide initial separation between

IFR arrivals and IFR departures and between successive IFR departures.

  • The sequence of VFR and IFR traffic, using radar equipment as an aid and, when delegated, separating IFR traffic.
  • When VFR flights through the airport traffic area can be authorized.

2. Determines the usability of communications frequencies available to him/her as other navigational aids used to control air traffic. Monitors navigational aids and monitors control panels, including BRITE display to determine acceptability of its alignment and display presentation. Instructs pilots to change radio frequencies/radar beacon codes.

3. When appropriate, coordinates with the other controllers on movements of both arrival and departure aircraft.

4. When traffic conditions warrant, controllers in non-approach terminals are responsible for:

  • Preplanning traffic sequencing and separation over an area which may reach out to a radius of 5 miles or more.
  • Preplanning and setting up check points required to ensure the maintenance of necessary traffic separation.
  • Maintaining a continuous mental picture and evaluation of a constantly changing traffic complex frequency dispersed over an equivalent geographic area.
  • Maintaining continuous radio watch with aircraft which have previously contacted the facility.
  • Accepting responsibility to handle IFR traffic at his/her airport.

5. Studies weather bureau reports and forecasts, obtains LAWRS/SAWRS weather certification, observes weather from the tower and records pilot reports to determine the effect of present and anticipated weather on traffic; furnishes aircraft with information such as field conditions, altimeter settings, weather conditions, operating status of navigational aids, and observed malfunctioning of aircraft, forwards to the weather bureau and the appropriate center, pilot weather reports and reports based upon personal observation of weather conditions; operates light guns, runway lights, field lighting, jet barriers etc.

6. Orients pilots of aircraft lost or in difficulty; determines whether a given situation may operations offices, airport management offices, and fire and ambulance services.

7. Performs lower grade level duties as necessary to meet operational requirements and for proficiency maintenance.

8. Provides OJT training to others.

Requirements

Individual must have a CTO Certificate and a current Class II Medical Certificate. Position is subject to drug and/or alcohol testing per the DOT/FAA requirements (pre-employment, random, reasonable cause/suspicion, post-accident). Individual must have held a Control Tower Operator Certificate (CTO) with a facility rating or have held an FAA Credential with a tower rating, for a minimum of six months in an Air Traffic Control Tower.

Pay: $48.18 Per Hour

HW Rate: $4.98