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Air Traffic Control Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Air Traffic Control information

See Iowa salary details

$31K

$95.2K

$162K

How much do air traffic control jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for air traffic control in Iowa is $95,227.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,600.00 and $126,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is air traffic control?

Air traffic control (ATC) is a service provided by ground-based controllers who direct aircraft on the ground and in the air to ensure safe and orderly flow of air traffic. Air traffic controllers monitor and communicate with pilots to provide instructions for takeoff, landing, and flight paths, helping to prevent collisions and manage aircraft efficiently. Their work is critical for maintaining safety in the skies, especially around busy airports and congested airspace. ATC also assists with rerouting aircraft in response to weather, emergencies, or changing flight conditions.

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

To thrive as an Air Traffic Controller, you need excellent spatial awareness, strong decision-making skills, and must meet rigorous educational and certification requirements, such as passing the FAA Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative or equivalent. Familiarity with radar systems, radio communication protocols, and flight-tracking software is essential for managing air traffic safely. Outstanding communication, stress management, and multitasking abilities distinguish top performers in this high-pressure role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient flow of air traffic and minimizing risks in complex airspace environments.

What are some common challenges faced by air traffic controllers during high-traffic periods?

Air Traffic Controllers often encounter significant challenges during peak traffic periods, such as maintaining situational awareness amid a high volume of simultaneous flights. They must quickly process and prioritize information, communicate clearly with multiple pilots, and coordinate with other controllers to ensure safety and efficiency. Stress management and decisive problem-solving are crucial, as split-second decisions can have a major impact. Teamwork and adherence to established protocols help manage these high-pressure situations effectively.

What is the difference between Air Traffic Control vs Air Traffic Management?

AspectAir Traffic ControlAir Traffic Management
CertificationsFAA or equivalent radar and communication certificationsSimilar certifications, with additional focus on planning and coordination
Work EnvironmentControl towers, radar facilities, en-route centersAirports, regional planning offices, strategic coordination centers
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, airports, government agenciesAirports, airlines, aviation authorities
Job FocusDirectly managing aircraft movements in real-timeOverseeing broader air traffic flow and strategic planning

While both roles are essential in aviation safety, Air Traffic Control focuses on real-time aircraft movement management, whereas Air Traffic Management involves strategic planning and coordination of air traffic flow across regions.

How do you become an air traffic controller?

To become an air traffic controller, candidates typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, pass medical and background checks, and complete specialized training through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or relevant authority. This training includes classroom instruction, simulations, and on-the-job training, and often requires passing the FAA's Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) test.

Is it hard to get an air traffic control job?

Becoming an air traffic controller is competitive and requires passing rigorous testing, medical exams, and background checks. Candidates typically need to complete specialized training and obtain certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or relevant authority, making the hiring process challenging but structured for qualified applicants.

What are the most commonly searched types of Air Traffic Control jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Air Traffic Control jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Air Traffic Control jobs in Iowa?

For Air Traffic Control jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Air Traffic Control jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Air Traffic Control jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Air Traffic Control jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Air Traffic Control job openings:

Infographic showing various Air Traffic Control job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,227 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist

Federal Aviation Administration

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$89K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Federal Aviation Administration rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 154 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 295 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
Serves as an Operations Supervisor in an ATC-5 level terminal facility, responsible for planning and directing operations within delegated areas of responsibility. Provides first line supervision to a team of Developmental and Certified Professional Controllers.
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Duties
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Supervises a staff of Air Traffic Control Specialists that is responsible for carrying out air traffic control assignments within a geographic area.
Plans and assigns work to be accomplished by subordinate employees. Sets work priorities and schedules. Approves leave; gives advice, counsel, and instruction to employees on both work and administrative matters. Evaluates performance of employees and recommends performance ratings. Hears and resolves complaints from employees and refers group grievances and more serious unresolved complaints to a higher level manager. Identifies and arranges for developmental and other training needs of employees. Finds ways to improve production or increase the quality of the work directed. Adjusts staffing levels and work procedures to accommodate resource decisions made at higher levels. Recommends goals and objectives for the area and tracks accomplishments.
Performance is evaluated upon the effectiveness with which assigned program objectives are achieved.
Requirements
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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).
  • Designated or Random Drug Testing required.
  • A one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period may be required.
  • Current medical is required.

Qualifications
Applicants must demonstrate they possess required specialized experience. Specialized experience for this position is defined as:
1. Must have held an FAA 2152 FV-J/FG-14 or above regional or headquarters position for at least 1 year (52 weeks);
OR
2. Must have been facility rated or area certified for at least 1 year (52 weeks) at an Air Traffic Services (ATS) facility.
NOTE: An employee who has been facility rated or area certified for at least 1 year (52 weeks) in an ATS facility that is upgraded is considered to meet the qualification requirements of the upgraded position;
OR
3. Must have held an MSS position for at least 1 year (52 weeks) in an ATS facility.
Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.
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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
This position is covered by the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. Any applicant tentatively selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment or pre-appointment drug screening. Persons occupying a "testing designated position (TDP)" will be subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing.
1. As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative, the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of the Managerial Selection Factors (MSF) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant for this announcement, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each MSF.
In lieu of providing a MSF narrative response in the text box listed below each MSF, in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each MSF. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your MSF 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.
2. In accordance with HRPM EMP 1.29/1.29a, this position may be a 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.
3. Interviews will be conducted IAW applicable Agency Policy.
This is not a bargaining unit position.
Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA
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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.

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