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Air Traffic Control Supervisor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Earnings received as an ATC Instructor, ATC Training Instructional Supervisor, or Contractor Site ... We are looking for an experienced, Part-time, Air Traffic Control Instructor to join the SAIC ...

Traffic Control Supervisor

Portland, OR ยท On-site

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Traffic Control Supervisor Status: Permanent/Seasonal role Reports To: Traffic Control Manager About AGS Based in Portland, Oregon, Advanced Government Services has delivered traffic control and road ...

Earnings received as an ATC Instructor, ATC Training Instructional Supervisor, or Contractor Site ... We are looking for an experienced, Casual , Air Traffic Control Instructor-II to join the SAIC ...

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Air Traffic Control Supervisor information

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$25.5K

$78.4K

$147K

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

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for air traffic control supervisor in the United States is $78,420.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $96,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an air traffic control supervisor do?

An Air Traffic Control Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the operations of air traffic controllers to ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft within assigned airspace and on the ground at airports. They manage staffing schedules, provide training and guidance, monitor controller performance, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Supervisors also coordinate with other aviation professionals during emergencies or unusual situations. Their role is crucial in maintaining safety standards and operational efficiency in air traffic control environments.

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

AspectAir Traffic Control SupervisorAir Traffic Controller
Required CertificationsFAA Air Traffic Control Tower Certification, supervisory trainingFAA Air Traffic Control Tower Certification
Work EnvironmentSupervises air traffic control operations at airports or centersManages aircraft movements directly in control towers or en route centers
Employer & Industry UsageAirports, FAA, militaryAirports, FAA, military

The main difference is that Air Traffic Control Supervisors oversee and coordinate the work of Air Traffic Controllers, ensuring safety and efficiency, while Air Traffic Controllers handle the direct management of aircraft movements. Supervisors typically have additional leadership responsibilities but require similar certifications and work in the same environments.

What are some common challenges faced by air traffic control supervisors, and how do they support their teams during high-pressure situations?

Air Traffic Control Supervisors often encounter challenges such as managing high traffic volumes, coordinating between multiple control sectors, and ensuring team members remain focused during emergencies or peak periods. They support their teams by providing clear communication, real-time guidance, and making critical decisions to maintain safety and efficiency. Supervisors also facilitate debriefings after stressful events to address concerns and promote continuous improvement, fostering a supportive and resilient work environment.

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

To excel as an Air Traffic Control Supervisor, you need a solid background in air traffic control operations, a relevant certification such as an FAA Air Traffic Control Tower Operator Certificate, and significant experience in the field. Familiarity with radar systems, communication equipment, and air traffic management software is crucial. Leadership, decision-making, and excellent communication skills are vital for managing teams and ensuring the safe flow of air traffic. These skills and qualities are essential to maintain safety, efficiency, and effective coordination within high-pressure environments.
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What cities are hiring for Air Traffic Control Supervisor jobs?

Cities with the most Air Traffic Control Supervisor job openings:

Infographic showing various Air Traffic Control Supervisor 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 $78,420 per year, or $37.7 per hour.

SUPERVISORY AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST

Air Mobility Command

IL โ€ข On-site, Remote

$145K - $188K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Summary
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
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Duties
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SUMMARY:
The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as the Deputy Chief, Airfield Operations and Weather Division in the Directorate of Operations at a major command (MAJCOM), sharing with the Division Chief the full scope of responsibility for directing the activities of the Division and, in the chief's absence, possesses the same authority and prerogatives.
DUTIES:
  1. Works with the Division Chief in planning, organizing, and overseeing the activities of the Division.
  2. Participates with the Division Chief in the exercise of supervisory personnel management responsibilities.
  3. Serves as the command focal point for airfield operations management and weather subject matter.
  4. Analyzes national communications/information technology affecting airfield operations management, ATC, AM, RAWS, TERPS. Airfield suitability, military special activity airspace, sUAS, and weather procedures and recommend systems that will interface with existing domestic and international systems/networks.
  5. Provides direction and execution in the functional areas of airfield operations management, ATC, AM, RAWS, TERPS, airfield suitability, sUAS and weather support to the Air Force Inspection System (AFIS) by exercising responsibility for the evaluation of airfield operations management, ATC, AM, RAWS, TERPS, military special activity airspace, airfield suitability, sUAS and weather systems at bases visited; performing pre-analysis surveys; and directing team members, to include FAA designated representatives.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
  • If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
  • This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof provided on your resume
  • Leave accrual may be authorized upon request
  • Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
  • Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).
  • May occasionally be required to work other than normal duty hours and/or Shift work may be required which may include overtime and/or irregular.
  • Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft/vehicle to conferences, meetings, or functions away from the duty office/location. Travel may include overnight stays.
  • This position is covered as an Air Traffic Controller under 5 USC 2109.
  • This position is Centrally Managed in the Operations career field.
  • Must hold or have held an FAA Air Traffic Control certificate
  • This is a Supervisory Position. A 1-year supervisory probationary period is required if applicant selected has not previously met this requirement.

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, 2152.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT (CONT):
  • This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program. Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national Security and public safety.

QUALIFICATIONS:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-11, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience include- 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 issuing control instructions and advice to pilots in the vicinity of airports to assure proper separation of aircraft and to expedite their safe and efficient movement. This specialization also requires: ability to act decisively under stressful situations and to maintain alertness over sustained periods of pressure; skill to coordinate plans and actions with pilots and other controllers; and judgment to select and take the safest and most effective course of action from among several available choices.
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-13 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-14 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:
  • Mastery knowledge of the policies, principles, concepts, guidance, procedures, techniques, and methodologies pertaining to airfield operations management, ATC, AM, TERPS, RAWS and weather.
  • Knowledge of the mission, roles, functions, organizational structures, and operation of DOD and Air Force organizations to provide command level staff guidance for airfield operations management, ATC, AM, TERPS, RAWS, sUAS systems and weather.
  • Ability to plan, organize, and direct the functions and supervise, mentor, motivate, and appraise the staff of an organization through subordinate supervisors.
  • Ability to analyze, plan, and adjust work operations of subordinate organizational segments to meet program requirements and objectives within available resources.
  • Ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy.
  • Incumbent must hold or have held an FAA Air Traffic Control certificate.

MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE: The maximum age for original entry into an identified ATC position is 36 years. An individual shall NOT be appointed or assigned to an ATC position if that appointment cannot be completed prior to the last day of the month in which the individual reaches his/her 36th birthday. Applicants over the age limit must meet re-entry or age waiver requirements in accordance with DoDI 1400.25-V331 dated 26 Jan 15, Department of Defense Civilian Personnel Manual, Subchapter 331, Civilian Air Traffic Controllers. Any individual who has reached the mandatory separation age (56) is NOT eligible for employment/reemployment as an ATC (5 U.S.C. 3323(a) (reference (b)).
NOTE: ATCs have a mandatory separation age of 56. This position is covered as an Air Traffic Controller under 5 USC 2109. This position is subject to the special retirement provisions for Air Traffic Controllers under CSRS and FERS (5 USC 3382, Involuntary Separation for Retirement; 5 USC 8335(a) and 8425(a), Mandatory Separation; 5 USC 8336(e), Immediate Retirement; 5 USC 8339(3) and 8415(d), Computation of annuity, and 8412(e).
RE-ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: ATC Specialist in receipt of a refund, of retirement contributions for the years of service covered under special retirement, will not receive service credit towards the 20 years required to retire under special retirement coverage, unless the redeposit is paid in full prior to date of retirement.
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.
Medical Requirements: In general, air traffic control specialist applicants and employees must have the capacity to perform the essential functions of these positions without risk to themselves or others. The provision of sufficient information about physical capacity for employment requires that before appointment, applicants undergo appropriate pre-employment physical/medical evaluations.
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.
Additional information
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.
Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.
120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.
Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement.
Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.
If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties, click here.
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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
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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.
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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.