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Air Traffic Control Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Air Traffic Control Instructor at HCF

Honolulu, HI

$40K - $80K/yr

Operational Experience with ATC simulators including scenario design for simulation platforms (e.g ... overall Air Traffic Control mission is highly desired. * Experience demonstrating excellent ...

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Air Traffic Control Operations information

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

As of Jul 8, 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 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.

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

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.
More about Air Traffic Control Operations jobs
What states have the most Air Traffic Control Operations jobs? States with the most job openings for Air Traffic Control Operations jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Air Traffic Control Operations jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Air Traffic Control Operations jobs are:
Air Traffic Control Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Air Traffic Control Operations 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 $40,463 per year, or $19.5 per hour.
CLT Air Traffic Control Instructor

CLT Air Traffic Control Instructor

SAIC

Charlotte, NC

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 207 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2613161

Location: Charlotte, NC, US

Date Posted: 2026-06-01

Category: Training

Subcategory: Training Analyst

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: None

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

  • ATTN FERS RETIREES: Earnings received as an ATC Instructor, ATC Training Instructional Supervisor, or Contractor Site Supervisor working on this program are EXEMPT from the Supplemental Annuity earnings limits for FERS retirees between the ages of 56 and 62.

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 traffic controller training services for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The CTS Instructor is a hands-on position that requires the candidate to effectively and consistently deliver the highest quality classroom and/or simulation laboratory training to a wide variety of students including developmental air traffic controllers and Certified Professional Controllers (CPC).

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring that air traffic control specialists provide the flying public with a high level of safety and professionalism. A well-trained Air Traffic Control (ATC) workforce plays an essential role in fulfilling this responsibility. The FAA employs more than 14,000 air traffic controllers. They work in air traffic facilities of varying sizes, safely separating more than 50,000 aircraft in the National Airspace System (NAS) each day.

To provide such air traffic services, the FAA trains new air traffic control specialists and provides recurrent training to current air traffic control specialists. The FAA utilizes Contractor-provided instructional services at FAA ATC facilities throughout the U.S. and its Territories to ensure these training needs are met. The scope of the contractor-provided services includes all training and training program support to successfully train and prepare students to become fully certified air traffic controllers. SAIC must provide training and training related support services as required for all types and levels of ATC facilities.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

US Citizenship is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.

The CTS Instructor candidate must have a minimum of five (5) years of FAA CPC experience controlling live traffic, or recent experience as a contract Instructor at an FAA facility. Experience must have been at the same type and same [or greater] level of ATC facility as the Charlotte ATCT (CLT).

The successful candidate for this position must demonstrate strong technical skills with current ATC automation, simulation systems and procedures. This position will provide mentoring for students and Remote Pilot Operators (RPO) as well as participate in curriculum design and development. The selected candidate must demonstrate the knowledge and skills applicable for obtaining radar and/or non-radar simulation laboratory certifications at FAA air traffic control facilities within the U.S. National Airspace System.

Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required

  • FAA Certified Professional Controller (CPC) certification required with the ability to obtain and maintain Instructor-II Simulation Laboratory Certification

Desired Skills and Experience:

  • Direct experience as a Certified Professional Controller (CPC) at the Charlotte ATCT (CLT) is preferred but not required

  • Operational Experience with ATC simulators including scenario design for simulation platforms (e.g. TSS, AT Coach, SGET, etc.)

  • Demonstrated ability to interface effectively with FAA personnel at all levels to ensure the delivery of training services meet the needs of the local facility, as well as the FAA’s overall Air Traffic Control mission is highly desired

  • Experience demonstrating excellent teaching and/or platform skills, classroom management techniques, and a student-focused drive for continuous improvement

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