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Air Traffic Controller Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...

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Air Traffic Controller Instructor information

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How much do air traffic controller instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for air traffic controller instructor in the United States is $23.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Air Traffic Controller Instructor, you need extensive air traffic control experience, a deep understanding of aviation regulations, and typically an instructor certification. Familiarity with radar simulators, training management systems, and related instructional technologies is essential. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to provide clear feedback are critical soft skills for effectively teaching complex procedures. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, accurate instruction that prepares future controllers for the demands of real-world airspace management.

What are some common challenges faced by Air Traffic Controller Instructors, and how can they be addressed?

Air Traffic Controller Instructors often face challenges such as adapting training methods to accommodate varying learning styles among trainees and keeping up with rapidly evolving technology and regulations. Additionally, managing the high-pressure environment while ensuring trainees are prepared for real-world scenarios can be demanding. These challenges can be addressed through continuous professional development, collaboration with other instructors, and utilizing advanced simulation tools to create realistic and adaptive training experiences. Open communication and feedback loops also help instructors refine their teaching approaches to better support student success.

What are Air Traffic Controller Instructors?

Air Traffic Controller Instructors are professionals who teach and train aspiring or current air traffic controllers in the skills, procedures, and regulations necessary to safely and efficiently manage air traffic. They develop lesson plans, conduct classroom and simulator training, and assess trainees' performance. Instructors often have prior experience as air traffic controllers themselves and use their expertise to ensure trainees are well prepared for real-world scenarios.

What is the difference between Air Traffic Controller Instructor vs Air Traffic Controller?

AspectAir Traffic Controller InstructorAir Traffic Controller
Required CertificationsFAA Air Traffic Control Tower or Center Certification, Instructor CertificationFAA Air Traffic Control Tower or Center Certification
Work EnvironmentClassroom, simulation labs, occasional on-the-job trainingControl towers, en-route centers, airports
Employer & Industry UsageFAA, military, private training organizationsFAA, military, airports

In summary, an Air Traffic Controller Instructor primarily trains and certifies new controllers through classroom and simulation instruction, while an Air Traffic Controller manages aircraft movements in control towers or en-route centers. Both roles require FAA certifications, but instructors focus on education and training, whereas controllers handle live air traffic operations.

More about Air Traffic Controller Instructor jobs
What cities are hiring for Air Traffic Controller Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Air Traffic Controller Instructor job openings:
What states have the most Air Traffic Controller Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Air Traffic Controller Instructor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Air Traffic Controller Instructor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,810 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Air Traffic Controller Instructor II - P31/PNS

SMART1 MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS

Pensacola, FL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Smart1 Management Solutions is a premier women-owned small business (8a) that provides technical and management expertise to support mission critical objectives. We partner with federal, state, and local agencies to solve their challenges and deliver solutions that generate the most value.

Do you have a passion for the Air Traffic community and developing others? Are you retired ATC from the FAA ? Then, this role is FOR YOU!

We are looking for 2 (TWO) experienced Air Traffic Controllers to serve as an Instructor II on our Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team, partnering with SAIC at Pensacola TRACON P31/PNS to support air traffic controller training services for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The CTS Instructor is a hands-on position that requires the candidate to deliver the highest quality classroom effectively and consistently and simulation laboratory training to a wide variety of students, including developmental air traffic controllers and Certified Professional Controllers (CPC).

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring that air traffic control specialists provide the flying public with a high level of safety and professionalism. A well-trained Air Traffic Control (ATC) workforce is essential in fulfilling this responsibility. The FAA employs more than 14,000 air traffic controllers. They work in air traffic facilities of varying sizes, safely separating more than 50,000 aircraft in the National Airspace System (NAS) daily.

The FAA trains new air traffic control specialists to provide such air traffic services and provides recurrent training to current air traffic control specialists. The FAA utilizes Contractor-provided instructional services at FAA ATC facilities throughout the U.S. and its Territories to ensure these training needs are met. The contractor-provided services include all training and training program support to successfully train and prepare students to become fully certified air traffic controllers. SAIC must provide training and training-related support services as required for all types and levels of ATC facilities.

Required Qualifications:

US Citizenship is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.

The CTS Instructor candidate must have a minimum of five (5) years of FAA CPC experience controlling live traffic or recent experience as a contract Instructor at an FAA facility. Experience must have been at the same type and same [or greater] level of ATC facility as the (Pensacola P31/PNS).

The candidate must demonstrate strong technical skills with current ATC automation, simulation systems, and procedures. This position will mentor ATC students and Remote Pilot Operators (RPO) and participate in curriculum design and development. The selected candidate must demonstrate the knowledge and skills applicable for obtaining radar and non-radar simulation laboratory certifications at FAA air traffic control facilities within the U.S. National Airspace System.

Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required
  • FAA Certified Professional Controller (CPC) certification is required with the ability to obtain and maintain Instructor-II Simulation Laboratory Certification.

Desired Skills and Experience:

  • Direct experience as a Certified Professional Controller (CPC) at the (P31/PNS) is preferred but not required.
  • Operational Experience with ATC simulators, including scenario design for simulation platforms (e.g., TSS, AT Coach, SGET, etc.).
  • Demonstrated ability to interface effectively with FAA personnel at all levels to ensure the delivery of training services meet the needs of the local facility and the FAAโ€™s overall Air Traffic Control mission is highly desired.
  • Experience demonstrating excellent teaching and platform skills, classroom management techniques, and a student-focused drive for continuous improvement.

Job Types: Contract, Full-time

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development assistance
  • Vision insurance


Ability to commute/relocate: Pensacola, FL 32504: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)


Experience:

  • Air Traffic Control: 7 years (Required)
  • Federal Aviation Administration: 5 years (Preferred)


Security clearance: Confidential (Preferred)




Full Time 40hrs/week