ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Air Traffic Control Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAir Traffic Control Operator Jobs

Air Traffic Control Operator information

See salary details

$12

$19

$27

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

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for air traffic control operator 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an air traffic control operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Air Traffic Control Operator, you need strong spatial awareness, quick decision-making abilities, and a relevant qualification such as an FAA Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program or military equivalent, along with passing the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA). Familiarity with radar systems, radio communication equipment, and specialized air traffic management software is crucial. Excellent communication, stress management, and teamwork are vital soft skills for coordinating safely and efficiently under pressure. These competencies ensure the safe, orderly, and efficient flow of air traffic, minimizing risks and maintaining public safety.

What are the most common challenges faced by air traffic control operators, and how are they addressed on the job?

Air Traffic Control Operators often face high-pressure situations where quick decision-making and precise communication are critical. Managing multiple aircraft simultaneously, coping with rapidly changing weather, and handling unexpected emergencies are common challenges. To address these, operators receive extensive training, use advanced radar and communication systems, and work closely with team members to maintain safety and efficiency. Regular briefings, teamwork, and strict adherence to protocols help mitigate stress and ensure coordinated operations.

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

AspectAir Traffic Control OperatorAir Traffic Controller
CredentialsFAA certification, radar and communication trainingFAA certification, radar and communication training
Work EnvironmentControl towers, radar facilities, en-route centersControl towers, radar facilities, en-route centers
Employer & IndustryAirports, FAA, militaryAirports, FAA, military
Job FocusOperate radar and communication equipment, assist in traffic managementMonitor and direct aircraft movements, ensure safety

Both roles require similar certifications and work environments, focusing on managing aircraft movements. The main difference is that Air Traffic Control Operators often assist with radar and communication equipment operation, while Air Traffic Controllers directly manage aircraft traffic to ensure safety and efficiency.

What is an air traffic control operator?

Air Traffic Control Operators are professionals responsible for coordinating the safe and efficient movement of aircraft both in the air and on the ground. They use radar, radios, and computers to communicate with pilots, provide instructions, and monitor flight paths to prevent collisions. Their work is crucial for maintaining order and safety in busy airspaces and airports. Air Traffic Control Operators must be able to make quick decisions, work well under pressure, and communicate clearly. They typically work in control towers, approach control facilities, or en route centers.

How hard is it to get hired as an air traffic control operator?

Becoming an air traffic control operator is competitive and requires passing rigorous assessments, including written exams, medical evaluations, and background checks. Candidates typically need to complete specialized training and obtain certification from the Federal Aviation Administration or relevant authority, making the hiring process challenging and selective.

How do you become an air traffic control operator?

To become an air traffic control operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, complete specialized training through an FAA-approved program, and pass medical and background checks. They must also pass written, oral, and radar exams, and often complete a period of on-the-job training at an air traffic control facility.
What cities are hiring for Air Traffic Control Operator jobs? Cities with the most Air Traffic Control Operator job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Air Traffic Control Operator jobs? The top employers for Air Traffic Control Operator jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Air Traffic Control Operator jobs? For Air Traffic Control Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Air Traffic Control Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Air Traffic Control Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,463 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Air Traffic Control Specialist

Federal Aviation Administration

Washington, DC • On-site

$95K - $148K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Federal Aviation Administration rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 290 rated public sector bodies

Job description

Summary
Air Traffic Services provides safe, secure, and efficient management for the National Airspace System (NAS) and international airspace assigned to U.S. control. AJT controls more than 5 million square miles of airspace in the U.S. and more than 24 million square miles over oceans. A
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
The Air Traffic Control Specialist performs complex, specialized air traffic control assignments. Collaborates with support organizations to ensure AJT operational awareness. He/she will interface with officials from all levels including Service Area and Service Center personnel, teams of people from internal and external organizations to accomplish assigned tasks and objectives. As an authority on air traffic automation systems, he/she possesses knowledge of NAS requirements to provide input, as needed, to support organizations. He/she will be involved in the development of procedures and requirements, integration of technology, and air traffic control separation and operational standards for the control of air traffic throughout the NAS to ensure the safe, orderly and expeditious movement along air routes and at airports.
Monitors the standardization of air traffic control procedures and standards throughout the NAS. Conducts assessment and reviews of EnRoute and/or terminal automation systems to provide a complete synopsis to superiors, peers, field facilities and customers. Applies operational test experience and expert technical knowledge, to participate in the development of new systems. Ensure timely and quality support services of products provided to AJT and redirects correspondence and tasks to appropriate support organizations, when needed.
Applies experience and comprehensive knowledge of air traffic control procedures and operations as well as FAA programs, regulations, and missions. Must also apply comprehensive knowledge of staff programs (e.g., procedures, traffic management, quality assurance, training, automation) to carry out regional or national programs. Interprets and implements air traffic control operating procedures, separation standards, equipment technologies, and systems, such as ERAM automation system. Acts as principal technical specialist verifying/developing automation requirements. Participates in the development of national standards, instructions, policies, and procedures to effectively implement automation requirements in the terminal environment.
Provides technical analysis of proposed operational changes, problems and issues that impact the operational environment. The employee is responsible for managing complex programs and activities, and ensures consistency and operational standardization across the operations. Uses expertise in air traffic management to provide advice to the Director and other senior staff members regarding the assessment/analysis of proposed policies and programs related to the development, acquisition, and deployment of Enroute and Terminal automation. Applies acquisition management system protocols for integration of new automation systems into the NAS.
Applies experience and comprehensive knowledge of air traffic control procedures and operations as well as FAA programs, regulations, and missions, in order to provide policy guidance consistent with established operational goals and objectives. Possesses an understanding of FAA acquisition management policy to assists with systems analysis and strategic planning to operational concepts, reduce risk, and/or define requirements before a decision is made to proceed in the acquisition management process. Broad policies and objectives provide general guidance for completing work objectives but allow considerable discretion to develop new or innovative approaches. Draws on experience and knowledge to solve unusual problems.
Contacts are internal and external, to include with NAS customers, other ATO organizations, and external lines of business on a day-today basis. Represents air traffic operational interests effectively with other organizations.
Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents).

Qualifications
To view the complete qualification standard, applicants should reference- U.S. Office of Personnel Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Air Traffic Control Series, 2152:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/2100/air-traffic-control-series-2152/
To qualify for this position at the J-band you must demonstrate in your application that you have experience as an air traffic controller 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. Creditable experience must have equipped applicants with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the full range of duties of the position for which application is being made.
To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-I / FG/GS-13. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
Specialized experience is: Experience interpreting air traffic control operating procedures, separation standards, equipment technologies, and systems, such as STARS or ERAM automation systems.
Applicants should include examples of specialized experience in their work history.
Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.
Interview Policy: If the selecting official decides to interview any employee on the selection list for a vacancy, then all who remain under consideration for the position at that point in the process must be interviewed. If the selection list is shortened to a best qualified list through a comparative process, then the best qualified list shall be considered to be the selection list.
Pay Retention: In accordance with HRPM. EMP 1.29/1.29A, this position may be Career Enhancement Assignment/Career Progression. The selectee( s) may be eligible for pay retention. Career Diversity is not enhanced when an employee is assigned to a staff or supervisory position in which they previously held on a permanent basis. CEP/CP selectees will be required to certify eligibility.
Selections to be made in AJT-1310, AJT-1320, AJT-1410, and AJT-1420.
Preview job questionnaire
Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.
Additional information
We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions.
Position may be subject to a background investigation.
A one-year probationary period may be required.
The person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies. www.faa.gov/jobs/workinghere/financial-disclosure-requirements
In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA, in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a Human Resource Specialist as appropriate.
Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective factor(s), if applicable, may be further evaluated on the KSAs listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: score order, category grouping, or alphabetical order and referred to the selecting official for consideration.
Position is not eligible for "good time" for ATC retirement purposes.
Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

What Federal Aviation Administration employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply