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Air Traffic Control Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Air Force

$112K/yr

Extensive operational and management experience in instrument flight operations as a pilot or an air traffic controller. Experience with Air traffic control and/or flight inspection. FEDERAL TIME-IN ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

$112K/yr

Extensive operational and management experience in instrument flight operations as a pilot or an air traffic controller. Experience with Air traffic control and/or flight inspection. FEDERAL TIME-IN ...

Peraton

Air Traffic Control - SME

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

Provide operational input to the planning, design, and implementation of NAS modernization ... Experience in Air Traffic Control, Traffic Management, or NAS operational environments.

Peraton

Air Traffic Control - SME

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

Provide operational input to the planning, design, and implementation of NAS modernization ... Experience in Air Traffic Control, Traffic Management, or NAS operational environments.

Peraton

Air Traffic Control - SME

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$135K - $216K/yr

Provide operational input to the planning, design, and implementation of NAS modernization ... Experience in Air Traffic Control, Traffic Management, or NAS operational environments.

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Air Traffic Control Operations information

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$12

$19

$27

How much do air traffic control operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for air traffic control operations 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.

What are Air Traffic Control Operations?

Air Traffic Control Operations involve managing the safe and orderly flow of aircraft both in the air and on the ground at airports. Air traffic controllers communicate with pilots, provide instructions for takeoff and landing, monitor aircraft positions using radar, and coordinate movements to prevent collisions. Their work is crucial to ensuring safety, minimizing delays, and handling emergency situations. Controllers work in control towers, approach control facilities, or en route centers, depending on the phase of flight they manage.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Air Traffic Control Operations?

To thrive in Air Traffic Control Operations, you need strong situational awareness, decision-making abilities, and typically an FAA Air Traffic Control certification or equivalent qualification. Familiarity with radar systems, communication equipment, and flight tracking software is essential. Exceptional communication, stress management, and teamwork skills help professionals excel in high-pressure environments. These competencies are crucial to ensure the safe, efficient, and orderly flow of air traffic.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Air Traffic Control Operations, and how can they be managed?

One of the primary challenges in Air Traffic Control Operations is managing high levels of stress, especially during peak traffic periods or adverse weather conditions. Controllers must maintain focus and make quick, accurate decisions to ensure the safety and efficiency of aircraft movements. Effective communication and teamwork with pilots and other controllers are essential to handle these pressures. Many organizations provide ongoing training and support systems to help staff cope with job-related stress and maintain optimal performance.

What is the difference between Air Traffic Control Operations vs Air Traffic Control Specialist?

AspectAir Traffic Control OperationsAir Traffic Control Specialist
CertificationsFAA Air Traffic Control Tower or Center CertificationFAA Air Traffic Control Tower or Center Certification
Work EnvironmentControl towers, en-route centers, airportsControl towers, en-route centers, airports
Employer & IndustryFAA, airports, militaryFAA, airports, military
Job FocusManaging aircraft movements, ensuring safetyMonitoring and directing aircraft traffic, safety procedures

Both roles involve managing aircraft movements and require FAA certifications. Air Traffic Control Operations generally refers to the broader activities involved in controlling air traffic, while Air Traffic Control Specialist is a specific job title for professionals performing these duties. They work in similar environments and industries, with overlapping responsibilities focused on safety and traffic management.

How do I become an air traffic control operations?

To become an air traffic control operations specialist, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a series of FAA written and medical exams, and complete specialized training at an FAA academy. Strong communication, decision-making skills, and the ability to work under pressure are essential, along with meeting age and background requirements.

Is it hard to get an air traffic control operations job?

Getting an air traffic control operations job is competitive and requires passing rigorous assessments, including written exams, medical evaluations, and background checks. Candidates typically need specialized training and certification, and the hiring process can be lengthy due to the high standards and limited openings.
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What job categories do people searching Air Traffic Control Operations jobs look for?

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Air Traffic Control Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Air Traffic Control Operations job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,463 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST

US Department of the Air Force

On-site

$112K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform air traffic control operations at a military or civilian air traffic facility.

  • Use computer systems and specialized software to maintain aeronautical data and support flight navigation products.

  • Coordinate and communicate with various agencies and personnel to develop and ensure safe air traffic procedures.

Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the SPECIALIZED experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Air Traffic Control Series GS-2152.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least 1-year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service which includes experience in a military or civilian air traffic facility that demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the level of work of the specialization for which application is made. This experience must have provided a comprehensive knowledge of appropriate air traffic control laws, rules, and regulations. Examples of specialized experience include expertise in all matters concerning military and civil aeronautical facility and aerodrome data; mastery of all phases of flight including planning, enroute, and terminal. Expertise interpreting and evaluating information from widely varying sources; editing and interpolating data to meet facility and airframe design specifications; compiling and publishing all products required for operational flight navigation; Expertise using computer systems and specialized software to maintain an aeronautical database and extract complex information to support a wide variety of products; Expertise working cooperatively with counterparts in other armed services, FAA, National Ocean Service (NOS), the United States intelligence community, and many foreign aeronautical offices to provide timely, accurate information and products; Extensive operational and management experience in instrument flight operations as a pilot or an air traffic controller. Experience with Air traffic control and/or flight inspection.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time--in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-11 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
  1. Knowledge of concepts and principles contained in Air Force instructions, FAA handbooks, regulations and orders, and other publications pertaining to flight information publication requirements; and of approach procedure flyability, ATC policies and procedures, flight inspection requirements, geography, electronic data processing and navigational aids characteristics in order to certify instrument flight procedures.
  2. Knowledge of civil engineering rules and regulations relating to airport actual and imaginary surfaces, airfield waivers and airfield construction; and with the use and function of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Aeronautical Information Publication Library.
  3. Knowledge of the rules, regulations, and procedures governing the conduct of air traffic control operations and the separation of aircraft in terminal radar approach control and control tower operations; and of the functional and operational limitations of all ATC equipment including radar systems, navigational aids (NAVAIDS), weather indicators, remote status indicators, radios, landlines, recording equipment, ATC simulation systems, and any other equipment pertaining to ATC services; and of significant weather conditions that affect the safety of air traffic operations.
  4. Skill in application and comparison of US TERPS and ICAO instrument procedure design criteria.
  5. Ability to use computer systems and printing devices to include GPD, desktop computers, large scale printers and similar data processing devices; and to extract required data from all associated source reference materials.
  6. Ability to communicate effectively and disseminate information clearly and concisely through written reports, memos, and procedures as well as presentations/briefings; and to make rapid and precise judgments in a real-time work situation. The incumbent interacts with Headquarters PACAF management, co-workers, aircrew members, air traffic personnel, and numerous Host nation authorities, etc. in the development of instrument approach procedures.
REQUIREMENTS: Air traffic control specialists in all specializations must possess or obtain, within uniformly applicable time limits, the facility ratings required for full performance at the facility where the position is located. Applicants must possess or obtain a valid Air Traffic Control Specialist Certificate and/or Control Tower Operator Certificate, if appropriate. These certificates require demonstrating knowledge of basic meteorology, basic air navigation, standard air traffic control and communications procedures, the types and uses of air navigation aids, and regulations governing air traffic.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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