ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Anvil Builders Inc

Traffic Control Flagger

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $19/hr

Parental/ Family leave 1. Traffic Management: * Set up and maintain traffic control devices : * Direct and guide traffic : * Operate traffic lights or devices : 2. Safety Compliance: * Ensure ...

Anvil Builders Inc

Traffic Control Flagger

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $19/hr

Parental/ Family leave 1. Traffic Management: * Set up and maintain traffic control devices : * Direct and guide traffic : * Operate traffic lights or devices : 2. Safety Compliance: * Ensure ...

All JobsAir Traffic Controller JobsAir Traffic Controller Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Air Traffic Controller information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$14

$25

$44

How much do air traffic controller jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for air traffic controller in Santa Rosa, CA is $25.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.94 and $29.95 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

What are the most commonly searched types of Air Traffic Controller jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

The most popular types of Air Traffic Controller jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Air Traffic Controller jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

For Air Traffic Controller jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Air Traffic Controller jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Air Traffic Controller jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Air Traffic Controller jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Air Traffic Controller job openings:

Air Traffic Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Air Traffic Controller job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,366 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Operations Specialist

United States Coast Guard

Petaluma, CA • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

United States Coast Guard rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

Are You...
  • Calm under pressure?
  • Attentive to detail?
  • Interested in coordinating response actions?
  • Punctual?

Skills You'll Learn
Coordinating missions
Handling classified information
Operating navigation and communication systems
Training You'll Get
  • OSs receive a 13-week rating course in Petaluma, CA, with instruction in handling classified information, navigation, communications systems, and search and rescue planning.
  • Tactical action officer training, command duty officer training, and air direction controller training, along with training in electronic warfare and emergency management.
  • Both full-time and part-time Coast Guard-funded educational opportunities leading to an associate or bachelor's degree or higher may be available. Specifically, the Emergency Management program is available to the OS rating.

Related Civilian Jobs
  • Emergency Management Director
  • Air Traffic Controller
  • Emergency Services Planner
  • Dispatch Operator
  • Homeland Security Officer

What United States Coast Guard employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

United States Coast Guard logo

About United States Coast Guard

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is a branch of the United States Armed Forces situated in Washington, DC, US. As part of its key mission, it is responsible for ensuring maritime safety, security, and stewardship. Founded on August 4, 1790, it is one of the country's oldest organizations in continuous service. The USCG offers a service portfolio that includes maritime law enforcement, mariner assistance, maritime environmental protection, and defense readiness. The USCG's core values include Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty. The mission statement of the USCG is to protect the maritime interests of the United States and ensure the nation's maritime economy.

Industry

National security and international affairs

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

View All United States Coast Guard Jobs

Apply