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Air Traffic Controller Contract Jobs in Puerto Rico

CIS International LLC

PR

Utility Projects 1. HVAC systems and air handling units. 2. Chilled water, cooling towers, and ... controlled environment upgrades. 3. Roof, wall, floor, ceiling, door, and building envelope ...

CIS International LLC

PR

Utility Projects 1. HVAC systems and air handling units. 2. Chilled water, cooling towers, and ... controlled environment upgrades. 3. Roof, wall, floor, ceiling, door, and building envelope ...

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Air Traffic Controller Contract information

What are Air Traffic Controller Contracts?

Air Traffic Controller Contracts refer to employment agreements where air traffic controllers are hired on a contractual basis rather than as permanent government employees. These contracts may be issued by private companies or government agencies to manage air traffic at airports, control centers, or other facilities. Contract air traffic controllers perform the same essential duties as full-time controllers, including directing aircraft, ensuring safe distances between planes, and communicating with pilots. The main differences often relate to employment terms, benefits, and duration of work, which can vary depending on the contract and employer.

Are air traffic controllers contract employees?

Air traffic controllers can be employed as either federal employees or contractors, depending on the employer and specific job arrangement. Contract positions are common in certain sectors, such as private firms or temporary staffing, but many air traffic controllers work directly for government agencies and are full-time employees. Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is typically required regardless of employment type.

What Does a Contract Air Traffic Controller Do?

A contract air traffic controller performs the same responsibilities and duties as a regular full-time air traffic controller but on a temporary basis. As a contract air traffic controller, your duties include monitoring flight traffic, communicating with the pilot, ensuring that the airspace around the airport is properly monitored so that planes can safely take off and land, and maintaining a proper schedule of planes. You work on assignment or for an independent contracting company that sends you to control towers that have a shortage of full-time controllers.

How much do contract air traffic controllers make?

Contract air traffic controllers typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and shift differentials. They often work irregular hours and must hold certifications such as the FAA Air Traffic Control Tower Operator Certificate.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Air Traffic Controller on a contract basis, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Air Traffic Controller on a contract, you need a strong understanding of aviation regulations, airspace management, and hold relevant certifications such as an FAA Air Traffic Control Tower Operator Certificate. Familiarity with radar systems, communication equipment, and flight tracking software is crucial. Superior decision-making, stress management, and clear communication skills help individuals excel in high-pressure situations. These competencies are vital for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and coordination of air traffic operations.

What are the most common challenges faced by Air Traffic Controllers working on contract assignments?

Air Traffic Controllers on contract assignments often face the challenge of quickly adapting to new airport environments and local procedures, as each facility may have unique operations and team dynamics. Additionally, contract roles may require controllers to be flexible with their schedules, including nights, weekends, or rotating shifts. Building effective communication with permanent staff and integrating into established teams is essential for maintaining safety and efficiency. Contract controllers must also stay current with certification requirements and be prepared for periodic evaluations throughout their assignment.

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, usually requiring candidates to be under 31 at the time of hiring. This restriction is due to the demanding nature of the job, which requires passing medical and psychological evaluations, and the need for extensive training and experience before retirement age. However, individuals can often continue in related roles or advance within the field if they meet other qualifications.

Did air traffic controllers get paid $10,000?

Air traffic controllers typically earn salaries that vary based on experience, location, and shift differentials, but entry-level salaries are usually below $10,000 per month. Experienced controllers in high-demand areas can earn higher wages, sometimes approaching or exceeding that amount, especially with overtime and additional pay for night shifts. Overall, $10,000 per month is achievable for some senior controllers with extensive experience and overtime, but it is not the standard starting salary.

What is the difference between Air Traffic Controller Contract vs Air Traffic Control Specialist?

AspectAir Traffic Controller ContractAir Traffic Control Specialist
CredentialsFAA certification, specific to contract rolesFAA certification, often similar or identical
Work EnvironmentTemporary or project-based control towers, airportsPermanent positions at airports or control centers
Employer & Industry UsageContract agencies, government contractorsFederal Aviation Administration, airports
Search & Comparison IntentContract roles, temporary positionsPermanent employment, career progression

In summary, Air Traffic Controller Contract roles are temporary or project-based positions often filled through agencies, while Air Traffic Control Specialists are permanent employees working directly for airports or the FAA. Both require similar certifications but differ mainly in employment type and job stability.

More about Air Traffic Controller Contract jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Air Traffic Controller jobs in Puerto Rico? The most popular types of Air Traffic Controller jobs in Puerto Rico are:
What are popular job titles related to Air Traffic Controller Contract jobs in Puerto Rico? For Air Traffic Controller Contract jobs in Puerto Rico, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Air Traffic Controller Contract jobs in Puerto Rico look for? The top searched job categories for Air Traffic Controller Contract jobs in Puerto Rico are:
Air Traffic Controller Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Air Traffic Controller Contract job openings in Puerto Rico as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Air Traffic Control Specialist

Robinson Aviation

San Juan, PR • On-site

$42.92/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 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: $42.92 Per Hour

HW Rate: $4.98