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Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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$13

$24

$42

How much do air traffic controller jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for air traffic controller in Oregon is $24.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $28.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an air traffic controller?

Air Traffic Controllers are professionals responsible for coordinating the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in the skies and on the ground. They monitor and direct aircraft using radar, radios, and computers, ensuring that planes maintain safe distances from each other and follow designated flight paths. Their work is critical to preventing collisions, minimizing delays, and responding to emergencies. Air Traffic Controllers work in control towers, approach control facilities, or en-route centers, often under high-pressure conditions. They require specialized training and must be able to make quick decisions to ensure the safety of all flights.

What does an air traffic controller do?

An air traffic controller regulates airborne operations to help keep airspace and airports safe. As an air traffic controller, your job duties are to monitor and direct aircraft from an air traffic control tower; inform pilots about weather conditions, visibility, and flight paths; and regulate aircraft landings and take-offs. You maintain safe skies for pilots, flight crews, and passengers. Your job as an aircraft controller requires excellent concentration skills, attention to detail, and precision as your directions determine the safe passage of many flights.

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

To thrive as an Air Traffic Controller, you need excellent situational awareness, strong decision-making abilities, and typically an associate’s or bachelor’s degree along with FAA certification. Familiarity with radar systems, radio communication equipment, and specialized air traffic control software is essential. Outstanding communication, stress management, and teamwork skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel in a high-pressure and fast-paced environment.

What challenges do air traffic controllers face, and how are they supported?

Air traffic controllers often work in high-pressure environments where quick decision-making and unwavering attention to detail are essential. Common challenges include managing multiple aircraft simultaneously, adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, and maintaining effective communication with pilots and colleagues. To help manage stress, controllers receive ongoing training, access to mental health resources, and scheduled breaks to ensure alertness. Team collaboration and support from supervisors are also integral in maintaining a safe and efficient work environment.

What is the difference between Air Traffic Controller vs Flight Dispatcher?

AspectAir Traffic ControllerFlight Dispatcher
Required CredentialsFAA certification, radar trainingFAA certification, flight planning training
Work EnvironmentControl towers, radar roomsOffices, airline operations centers
Employer & IndustryAirports, FAA, airlinesAirlines, charter companies

While both roles are essential in aviation, Air Traffic Controllers manage aircraft movements in real-time at airports, ensuring safety and efficiency. Flight Dispatchers plan flights, monitor weather, and coordinate with pilots before and during flights. They work closely but focus on different phases of flight operations, with controllers handling immediate airspace management and dispatchers overseeing flight planning and safety compliance.

Is 33 too old to become an air traffic controller?

Age is not a strict barrier to becoming an air traffic controller, as many agencies prioritize skills, training, and certification over age. Candidates typically need to pass medical and background checks, complete specialized training, and demonstrate strong decision-making abilities, regardless of age. Being 33 is generally considered acceptable for entry into the profession.

Is it hard to get hired as an air traffic controller?

Getting hired as an air traffic controller is competitive and requires passing rigorous assessments, including written exams, medical evaluations, and background checks. Candidates typically need relevant education, such as an associate or bachelor's degree, and must complete specialized training and obtain certification from the Federal Aviation Administration or equivalent authority. The selection process is demanding due to the high responsibility and safety-critical nature of the role.

What qualifications do I need to be an air traffic controller?

To become an air traffic controller, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree or higher, pass a series of FAA or relevant authority exams, and complete specialized training at an approved facility. Strong communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work under pressure are essential, along with meeting medical and background requirements.
More about Air Traffic Controller jobs

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Air Traffic Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Air Traffic Controller job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,606 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Air Traffic Manager - Bend, OR (BDN) New Tower Commissioning

Serco USA

Redmond, OR • On-site

$42.80/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Position Description & Qualifications
Position Description & Qualifications
Are you an Air Traffic Controller seeking a management position and the opportunity to be part of something new? Serco has an exciting leadership opportunity in Bend, OR, supporting the launch and operation of a new Federal Contract Tower (FCT).
This position offers a unique chance to help establish, lead, and shape operations at a newly commissioned tower facility, working closely with FAA stakeholders, airport management, and Serco leadership during the startup and initial operational phases.
Serco is one of the largest non-government Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSP) in the world. We deliver air traffic control (ATC) services for small and medium regional airports as well as the largest commercial air hub on the globe. Serco is also the only commercial ANSP to provide all the three ATC disciplines: Terminal Tower, Terminal Approach Control, and Enroute Center. No wonder we are one of the largest non-government employers of Air Traffic Controllers in the world!
Air Traffic Managers must be familiar with standard Air Traffic Control (ATC) concepts, practices, and procedures. Managers rely on experience, judgment, and leadership to plan, organize, and accomplish operational goals. A high degree of initiative, flexibility, and sound decision-making is expected.
At Bend, this role includes the added responsibility of helping bring a new tower facility online, supporting staffing, training, procedural compliance, and the establishment of a strong safety and performance culture from day one.
What we offer:
  • The rate of pay for this position is $42.80 per hour.

As an Air Traffic Manager, you can expect to:
  • Report to the Area Manager
  • Supervise air traffic control tower personnel
  • Support facility readiness and transition activities for a new FCT
  • Manage controller training requirements and certification progress
  • Manage quality and safety programs
  • Complete and submit recurring reports
  • Complete/support compliance verification audits
  • Review facility directives and procedures for compliance and adherence
  • Collaborate with the public, airport personnel and FAA management
  • Foster a strong safety culture and professional team environment

Air Traffic Managers must also function as Air Traffic Control Specialists (ATCS) by controlling air traffic on and within the vicinity of the airport according to established procedures and policies to prevent collisions and minimize delays arising from traffic congestion. ATCS's are responsible for the safe, orderly and expeditious movement of air traffic through the nation's airspace.
As a member of the Air Traffic Control team, you can expect to:
  • Answer radio calls from arriving/departing aircraft
  • Issue landing/takeoff instructions
  • Issue information such as runway usage, wind velocity/direction, visibility, taxiing instructions, and pertinent data on other aircraft operating in vicinity
  • Issue air traffic clearances
  • Perform critical weather observations as a Limited Aviation Weather Reporting Station (LAWRS) observer, and to disseminate timely weather information to pilots, other air traffic control facilities and other users of the National Airspace System.
  • Transfer and receive control of aircraft
  • Operate equipment such as: radios, telephones, interphones, computer systems, radar, recording systems, weather equipment, light guns, airport/runway lighting systems, backup equipment, etc.
  • Alert Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighters and other first responders to aircraft experiencing emergency situations
  • Coordinate with and issue instructions to airport vehicles/personnel
  • Maintain and disseminate records of daily operations
  • Perform on-the-job training instructor duties as required

Requirements to join the team:
  • US Citizenship
  • An FAA Second Class Medical Certificate
  • Minimum 5 years' experience as an air traffic controller with a minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience preferred.
  • A Control Tower Operator (CTO) rating or a Credential with a Tower Rating and 6 months of practical experience in accordance with 14 CFR Part 65.39
    • Note: For Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) who have held a Credential with a Tower Rating, the FAA recognizes they have met the knowledge requirements listed in 14 CFR §65.35 and the experience requirements listed in 14 CFR §65.39
  • Eligibility to work for Serco under Federal Immigration Laws
  • Verification of education and employment references from previous employers including the release of drug and alcohol records
  • Passing a pre-employment drug screen
  • Receiving an FAA Security clearance (interim and final suitability)
  • Proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States
  • Excellent organizational skills

At Serco, professional development is a top priority. We are committed to supporting our leaders and controllers as they grow and succeed. If you are an experienced Air Traffic Controller with a prior tower certification or credential and are ready to make an impact and be part of something new, we invite you to apply today.
Company Overview
Serco Inc. (Serco) is the Americas division of Serco Group, plc. In North America, Serco's 9,000+ employees strive to make an impact every day across 100+ sites in the areas of Defense, Citizen Services, and Transportation. We help our clients deliver vital services more efficiently while increasing the satisfaction of their end customers. Serco serves every branch of the U.S. military, numerous U.S. Federal civilian agencies, the Intelligence Community, the Canadian government, state, provincial and local governments, and commercial clients. While your place may look a little different depending on your role, we know you will find yours here. Wherever you work and whatever you do, we invite you to discover your place in our world. Serco is a place you can count on and where you can make an impact because every contribution matters.
To review Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/what-we-offer. If you require an accommodation with the application process please email: careers@serco-na.com or call the HR Service Desk at 800-628-6458, option 1. Please note, due to EEOC/OFCCP compliance, Serco is unable to accept resumes by email.
Candidates may be asked to present proof of identity during the selection process. If requested, this will require presentation of a government-issued I.D. (with photo) with name and address that match the information entered on the application. Serco will not take possession of or retain/store the information provided as proof of identity. For more information on how Serco uses your information, please see our Applicant Privacy Policy and Notice.
Serco does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies without being a contracted approved vendor. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Serco and will not be obligated to pay a placement or contract fee. If you are interested in becoming an approved vendor at Serco, please email Agencies@serco-na.com.
Serco is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
Pay Transparency
Our Total Rewards package includes competitive pay, performance-based incentives, and benefits that promote well-being and work-life balance-so you can thrive both professionally and personally. Eligible employees also gain access to a wide range of benefits from comprehensive health coverage and health savings accounts to retirement plans, life and disability insurance, and time-off programs that support work-life balance. Program availability may vary based on factors such as contract type, location, hire date, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.
Salary range: The hourly amount for this position can be found at the top of this posting. This role is covered by the Service Contract Act.For positions on this contract, we will pay the prevailing wage rate for the location in which the employee is working, as determined by the Department of Labor and the Wage Determination (WD). The wage rate will vary depending on the locality. Additionally, you will receive Health and Welfare Benefits based on the WD for the contract.Benefits - Comprehensible benefits for full-time employees (part-time members receive a limited package tailored to their role):
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Robust vacation and sick leave benefits, and flexible work arrangements where permitted by role or contract
  • 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Life insurance and disability coverage
  • Optional coverages that can be purchased, including pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
  • Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
  • Employee Assistance Plan that includes counseling conditions
  • Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific contract as well as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement or Service Contract Labor Standards.

To review all Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/about-us.
Serco complies with all applicable state and local leave laws, including providing time off under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act for eligible Colorado residents, in alignment with our policies and benefit plans. The application window for this position is for no more than 60 days. We encourage candidates to apply promptly after the posting date, as the position may close earlier if filled or if the application volume exceeds expectations. Please submit applications exclusively through Serco's external (or internal) career site. If an applicant has any concerns with job posting compliance, please send an email to: careers@serco-na.com.

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