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

As of Jun 13, 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 job?

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 get a job in an airport control tower?

To become an air traffic control tower operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training and certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or relevant authority. Applicants must pass written exams, medical evaluations, and background checks, and often require prior experience in aviation or related fields. Strong communication, decision-making skills, and the ability to work under pressure are essential for this role.

How much do FAA tower controllers make?

FAA air traffic control tower controllers earn an average annual salary of around $130,000 to $180,000, depending on experience, location, and shift differentials. They typically undergo rigorous training and certification, working in high-pressure environments to manage aircraft movements safely and efficiently.

Why can't you be an air traffic controller after 31?

Air traffic controllers typically cannot start training after age 31 because the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has age limits for initial employment, which is usually 30 or 31, to ensure they can complete the required training and have sufficient career longevity. The job requires high levels of mental acuity, quick decision-making, and physical fitness, which are assessed during the hiring process. Once hired, controllers can work until the mandatory retirement age of 56 or 65, depending on regulations.

Did air traffic controllers get paid $10,000?

Air traffic controllers typically earn well above $10,000 per month, with starting salaries often around $40,000 to $50,000 annually and increasing with experience and certifications. Their pay depends on factors such as location, experience, and shift differentials, and they usually work in a highly regulated environment requiring specialized training and certification.

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, and why are they important?

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:
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Air Traffic Control Tower jobs near you
Infographic showing various Air Traffic Control Tower job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,385 per year, or $48.7 per hour.
Air Traffic Control Specialist

Air Traffic Control Specialist

Robinson Aviation

Moss Point, MS • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 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.



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