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Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

HDR is looking for a Traffic EIT/Designer to join our North Carolina Transportation Business Group. In this role, we'll count on you to: Work as part of a traffic team under the direction of the ...

Senior Traffic Signal Technician

NC · On-site

$49K - $60K/yr

... C equipment, tools, and small engines. * Inspects conditions of equipment, vehicles, signs ... IMSA Traffic Signals Level I Certification. * NC Class A Commercial Driver's License within 6 ...

Traffic Tech

Durham, NC · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Flagger, Traffic Control Technician (TCT), Crew Lead & Supervisor - Immediate Openings Company: Branz Technologies, Inc. Location: Durham, NC Employment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time Join a Team That ...

Traffic Design Engineer Department: Transportation Employment Type: Full Time Location: Raleigh, NC Description DRMP is seeking a motivated Traffic Design Engineer to join our growing Transportation ...

Showing results 21-40

Air Traffic Controller information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$12

$22

$39

How much do air traffic controller jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for air traffic controller in Raleigh, NC is $22.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $26.63 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 Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Air Traffic Controller jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Air Traffic Controller jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Air Traffic Controller jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Air Traffic Controller jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Air Traffic Controller jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Air Traffic Controller jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Air Traffic Controller job openings:

Infographic showing various Air Traffic Controller job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,445 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Traffic EIT/Designer

HDR

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


HDR rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 450 rated engineering


Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story' 
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. 

We believe transportation is more than movement, it's the foundation of connected, thriving communities. As part of HDR's Transportation Business Group, you'll help shape the systems that move people and goods safely, efficiently, and sustainably. From designing resilient highways and iconic bridges to advancing transit, passenger and freight rail, aviation, federal transportation ports and marine infrastructure, your work will directly support economic vitality, public safety, sustainable and resilient communities and quality of life. We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental, strategic communications, economists, management consultants and specialists across disciplines to solve complex mobility challenges with innovation, technical excellence, and a deep understanding of community needs. Whether you're modernizing aging infrastructure or pioneering next-generation transportation solutions, your contributions will help define the future of mobility. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to lead progress, drive meaningful impact, and leave a legacy of smarter, more connected transportation networks. We are all employee-owners at HDR, which is the foundation of our collaborative culture that connects employees around the world.

HDR is looking for a Traffic EIT/Designer to join our North Carolina Transportation Business Group. 

In this role, we'll count on you to: 
    Work as part of a traffic team under the direction of the Project Engineer/Manager on a variety of traffic forecasting, analysis, engineering, and design needs for a variety of transportation projects. 
    Conduct operational traffic analysis using a variety of modeling tools, ranging from highway capacity software to complex micro simulation models; analyze everything from isolated intersections and roundabouts to urban arterials and freeway segments. 
    Perform other duties as needed. 

Preferred Qualifications 
    EIT or ability to obtain within 12 months. Candidates hired without their EIT will have the title of "Traffic Designer" and will be expected to obtain their EIT for career progression. 
    Computer skills using Microsoft Office, Synchro/Sim Traffic, HCS, TransModeler, etc. 
    Local candidates are preferred. 

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Strong verbal and written skills
  • Ability to multitask while working on many projects at once
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.


What HDR employees say

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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917