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Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Laser Operator

Little Chute, WI · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

Lake Air Products is a fast-growing company that is proud to live by our Core Values: Customer ... Create a master program for a computer-controlled laser machine. * Develop a program to meet on ...

Assembler - 1st Shift

Oshkosh, WI · On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

... air systems, hydraulic steering, electric lines, valves, tanks, brackets, linkages, tinware, etc ... access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms ...

Assembler - 1st Shift

Oshkosh, WI · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

... air systems, hydraulic steering, electric lines, valves, tanks, brackets, linkages, tinware, etc ... access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms ...

Assembler - 1st Shift

Oshkosh, WI

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

... air systems, hydraulic steering, electric lines, valves, tanks, brackets, linkages, tinware, etc ... access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms ...

Air Traffic Controller information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$12

$22

$39

How much do air traffic controller jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for air traffic controller in Appleton, WI is $22.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.88 and $26.73 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Air Traffic Controller jobs in Appleton, WI?

The most popular types of Air Traffic Controller jobs in Appleton, WI are:

What are popular job titles related to Air Traffic Controller jobs in Appleton, WI?

For Air Traffic Controller jobs in Appleton, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Appleton, WI are hiring for Air Traffic Controller jobs?

Cities near Appleton, WI with the most Air Traffic Controller job openings:

Infographic showing various Air Traffic Controller job openings in Appleton, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,625 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Laser Operator

Lake Air Products

Little Chute, WI • On-site

$23 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Create and develop programs for computer-controlled laser machines to meet production schedules and optimize material usage.

  • Operate and monitor laser machines, adjusting controls as needed to detect and correct malfunctions or out-of-tolerance conditions.

  • Perform routine maintenance on laser equipment and assist with manual finishing operations such as deburring, grinding, assembly, and welding on uncomplicated products.


Job description

Lake Air Products is a fast-growing company that is proud to live by our Core Values: Customer Focus, Passion for Performance, and the Right People - Best Teams.

We are seeking an experienced 1st shift  Laser Operator to join our Little Chute, Wi team in the metal fabrication industry. 

Lake Air Products Offers 

•    A Competitive Wage 

•    Full Benefits Package (Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Vol Life)

•    Paid Time Off/ Holiday Pay 

•    Gym Reimbursement 

•    Safety Boot and Safety Glasses Reimbursement

•    Tuition Reimbursement

Responsibilities

•    Perform a variety of other production tasks and assist as required. May perform simple repetitive manual and automated finishing operations. May perform hand deburring, grinding, assembly, and welding operations on uncomplicated products.

•    Adjust work routines to meet scheduling demands.

•    Comply with the requirements of the ISO Quality Management System and departmental procedures, and work-instructions.

•    Create a master program for a computer-controlled laser machine.

•    Develop a program to meet on-time delivery schedules and the best usage of material.

•    Starts and observes machine operation to detect malfunctions or out-of-tolerance machining and adjusts machine controls or control media as required. Perform routine machine maintenance.

•    Confers with engineers, production personnel, programmers

Qualifications

•    High School Diploma or equivalent

•    2-5 years Laser experience

•    2-5 years in metal manufacturing

•    Excellent people skills, with an ability to partner with a dynamic leadership team

•    Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a commitment to the mission

•    Flexible and able to multi-task; can work with an ambiguous, fast-moving environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions; demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and guiding investment in people and systems

•    Bend and lift, loading and unloading work pieces into the machine, and move from one workstation to another, alternately sitting and standing

 

Please note that if this position is located in our Wisconsin facility, it may be subject to export control regulation. Unless an exemption applies, candidate(s) must be a U.S. Person* within the meaning of the law OR obtain an export control license. Candidates who do not meet the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) requirements or choose not to pursue such positions are not disqualified from applying for other opportunities with Lake Air Products. Nothing in this posting should be interpreted as limiting applications based on nationality or citizenship status.
  
  *A U.S. Person under export control laws includes a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, or protected individual who has been lawfully admitted for temporary residence in the U.S. as a refugee or asylee under U.S. law.

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