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Air Traffic Control Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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DEN Air Traffic Control Instructor-II

Denver, CO

$40K - $80K/yr

This position will provide mentoring for students and Remote Pilot Operators (RPO) as well as ... air traffic control facilities within the U.S. National Airspace System. Desired Skills and ...

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

As of Jun 10, 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 are Air Traffic Control Operators?

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.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

Air Traffic Control Operators can earn around $10,000 or more per month, especially with experience and overtime, without requiring a college degree but needing specialized training and certification. High salaries are often associated with working in busy airports or control centers and handling complex air traffic management tasks. However, the job demands rigorous training, certification, and the ability to work under high pressure.
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 states have the most Air Traffic Control Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Air Traffic Control Operator jobs include:
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. 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

Air Traffic Control Specialist

Robinson Aviation

Texarkana, AR • On-site

$44.35/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 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: $44.35 Per Hour

HW Rate: $4.98


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