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Air Traffic Control Tower Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Air Traffic Control Tower information

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$33K

$101.4K

$172.5K

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

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for air traffic control tower in the United States is $101,385.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an air traffic control tower?

An Air Traffic Control Tower job involves monitoring and directing aircraft movement in and around an airport to ensure safe takeoffs, landings, and ground operations. Air traffic controllers communicate with pilots, provide weather updates, issue clearances, and manage airspace to prevent collisions. They use radar, computers, and visual observation to track aircraft positions. This role requires strong focus, quick decision-making skills, and adherence to strict safety regulations.

How to become an air traffic control tower?

To become an air traffic controller in an airport tower, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass FAA-administered tests, complete specialized training at an FAA academy, and obtain certification. Strong communication, decision-making skills, and the ability to work under pressure are essential for this role.

Do air traffic control tower work in a tower?

Yes, air traffic control tower personnel work in a tower environment, where they monitor and direct aircraft movements on runways and taxiways. They use radar, radios, and visual observations to ensure safe and efficient airport operations. This role requires specialized training, certification, and the ability to work in a high-pressure, team-oriented setting.

How to get a job in an air traffic control tower?

To become an air traffic controller in an air traffic control tower, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a series of FAA-administered tests, and complete specialized training at an FAA-approved facility. Applicants must also meet medical and background requirements and often need prior experience or education in aviation or related fields.

What is a typical work environment like for someone in an air traffic control tower position?

Air Traffic Control Tower professionals typically work in high-security, climate-controlled tower facilities located at airports. The role involves closely monitoring aircraft movements on runways, taxiways, and in immediate airspace, interacting constantly with other controllers and pilots via radio communication. Shifts can be demanding and may include nights, weekends, and holidays due to the 24/7 nature of air travel. Most controllers work as part of a coordinated team, where fast and accurate communication is essential to maintain safety. The environment is structured but fast-paced, requiring focus and adaptability throughout each shift.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the air traffic control tower position?

To thrive as an Air Traffic Control Tower professional, you need strong spatial awareness, attention to detail, quick decision-making abilities, and a high school diploma or equivalent—often supplemented by completion of an FAA-approved training program and certification. Proficiency with radar systems, radio communication equipment, and air traffic management software is crucial. Exceptional stress management, teamwork, and clear communication skills help candidates excel in this high-pressure environment. These capabilities are essential to ensure the safety and efficiency of aircraft operations and effective coordination among pilots, ground crews, and other controllers.

More about Air Traffic Control Tower jobs
What cities are hiring for Air Traffic Control Tower jobs? Cities with the most Air Traffic Control Tower job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Air Traffic Control Tower jobs? The most popular types of Air Traffic Control Tower jobs are:
What states have the most Air Traffic Control Tower jobs? States with the most job openings for Air Traffic Control Tower jobs include:
Infographic showing various Air Traffic Control Tower job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,385 per year, or $48.7 per hour.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST (TERMINAL) -T32 with Security Clearance

Department of the Air Force

Camp Douglas, WI • On-site

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Duties As a AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST (TERMINAL) -T32, GS-2152-11, you will provide tower, radar, and non-radar air traffic control (ATC) services to military and civilian aircraft operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR),Special Visual Flight Rules (SVFR), or Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Provides terminal ATC services to aircraft operating from primary and/or secondary airports within delegated airspace. Manages and directs controller actions and functions in Tower and Radar facilities as the primary watch supervisor and/or senior controller. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (1) Performs air traffic control duties in the control tower and radar facility. Directs movement of aircraft in flight and on the ground by utilizing pilot and controller reports, visual observation, and/or tower and radar facility radar displays, or a combination of methods and in close coordination with other controllers. Under restrictive time and space limitations, formulates and issues ATC clearances and instructions to provide for the required separation and or sequencing of all IFR, SVFR, and VFR traffic within delegated airspace. (2) Provides assistance to both experienced professional and inexperienced student pilots within the airspace and ensures expeditious traffic flows are maintained. Provides mandatory additional services and assistance to aircraft to include those experiencing in-flight emergencies, hijacking and unlawful seizure, pilot disorientation, and to those aircraft otherwise experiencing distress during flight. (3) Operates, trains, and provides preventative maintenance on a host of automated communications and display hardware and software systems that are integral and vital to the operation of the air traffic control facility. Types of systems include but are not limited to; Enhanced Terminal Voice Switch (ETVS), Digital Bright Radar Indicator Tower Equipment (DBRITE), Digital Voice Recording System (DVRS), Data Transmission Network (DTN), Digital Mapper, DoD Advanced Automation System (DAAS), Digital Airport Surveillance Radar (DASR) System, Standard Automated Replacement Radar System (STARS), Information Data Systems (IDS), Automated Terminal Information Service (ATIS),Control Tower Simulator System (CTSS), Air Traffic Control Training Device (ATCTD), Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS), and Automated Surface Observation Systems (ASOS). (4) Serves as a watch supervisor or senior controller in the ATC facility. Provides direction to all controllers in the safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air and ground aircraft and vehicle traffic. Issues and withdraws approval for facility ATC services based on traffic, workload, controller training, equipment capability, and training workload. (5) Conducts and directs aircraft mishap and hazardous air traffic systems reporting. Serves as the focal point on the airfield for ground or airborne aircraft mishaps, system reports on hazardous air traffic activities, and ATC and pilot incident inquiries. (6) Conducts and performs weather-related functions as part of the National Weather System. Performs normal and special surface weather observations in a timely manner. Provides accurate documentation and disseminates observations to adjacent ATC facilities, aircraft, and weather personnel, in accordance with National Weather Service (NWS), FAA, DoD, and local facility directives. (7) Provides comprehensive on-the-job training for Air Force and Air National Guard personnel in accordance with Air Force, Air National Guard, FAA, and local policies and directives. (8) Utilizes guidelines consisting of USAF, ANG, FAA regulations and policies, locally established policies, procedures, agreements and directives; training software, and manufacturer's manuals/instructions. Determines applicability, adapts guidelines as necessary, and researches additional options. (9) Performs other duties as assigned. Requirements Conditions of employment MILITARY REQUIREMENTS : Compatible military grade and assignment required prior to the effective date of placement. This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the employing state's National Guard. Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position. Military Grades: E-4 through E-7 Conditions of Employment: * National Guard Membership is required. * Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation. * May be required to successfully complete a probationary period. * Must be facility-rated in all assigned facilities and maintain proficiency. * Must meet and maintain on a continuing basis, the physical and mental qualification standards established by the USAF or ANG for Air Traffic Control duty. * Irregular and overtime (compensatory) hours may be required to support operational requirements or contingencies. * Incumbent must exercise a high level of judgment and discretion, demonstrate verbal and written skills, and the ability to meet and deal with high-ranking military and civilian personnel. * Must possess ability to make rapid and precise judgments in real-time work situations, be able to remain calm under conditions that are stressful, and to coordinate at times many different processes at once, while adjusting rapidly to changes in the traffic pattern and tempo of work activities. Qualifications GENERAL EXPERIENCE : Experience that prepares the applicant to perform the duties of this position. Air traffic control positions in terminals, above the trainee and developmental levels, are differentiated primarily by the influence of two factors: The competency levels required of the controllers and the complexity of the control environment. Experiences, education, or training that demonstrated the ability to follow directions and to read, understand, and retain a variety of instructions, regulations, and procedures and that otherwise demonstrates the ability to perform or learn to perform the duties of the position. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE : To qualify for the GS-2152-11 level, applicant must have at least 36 months of relevant experience. Must be a graduate of a formal DoD/DOT basic air traffic control course and be able to obtain and maintain a facility-rating in a single ATC facility (Radar Final Control (RFC)/Ground Controlled Approach (GCA)/Control Tower). Under general supervision, the GS-11 terminal controller performs regular duties in terminal operations, issuing control instructions to aircraft operating under visual or instrument flight rules or combinations of both. Have experience in a military or civilian as an Air Traffic Controller in a single ATC facility-rated control tower air traffic facility. Initiated and issued air traffic control clearances, instructions and advisories to ensure safe, orderly education, or training involving a thorough knowledge of product or range of products involved, the manufacturing method and expeditious flow of air traffic under instrument and visual flight rules. Experienced in conducting ATC facility training. Experienced in briefing shift personnel on runway utilization, airfield conditions and weather/ground activities. Prepared and updated flight following maps. Performed some shift supervision duties in a tactical or fixed tower, radar, or AIC. Maintained current DoD and DOT/FAA publications, ATC facility logs, forms, records and situation maps. Assisted in the preparation of TERPS. Education * High school or general equivalent degree is mandatory. * An undergraduate academic specialization in a technical discipline with courses in administration and management is desirable. * Must be a graduate of a formal DoD/Department of Transportation (DOT) Basic Air Traffic Control course. Additional information If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency ( ).