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Airline Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Frontier Airlines is Denver-based and built on innovation, efficiency, and teams who take pride in doing the job right, especially when the operation is under pressure. As a Maintenance Controller ...

Frontier Airlines is Denver-based and built on innovation, efficiency, and teams who take pride in doing the job right, especially when the operation is under pressure. As a Maintenance Controller ...

National Airlines specializes in over-sized, time sensitive, and special handling requirements, utilizing 747-400 and A-330 aircraft to accomplish its missions.? Job Title: Maintenance Controller ...

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Airline Controller information

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$55K

$119.5K

$175.5K

How much do airline controller jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for airline controller in the United States is $119,497.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,000.00 and $138,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectAirline ControllerAir Traffic Controller
CredentialsFAA certification, airline-specific trainingFAA certification, radar and communication training
Work EnvironmentAirline operations centers, airport facilitiesControl towers, radar rooms, en-route centers
Employer & IndustryAirlines, airline operationsFederal Aviation Administration, airports, en-route centers
Common Search IntentManaging airline schedules, flight planningEnsuring safe aircraft separation, managing air traffic

Airline Controllers focus on airline operations, scheduling, and coordination within airline facilities, while Air Traffic Controllers manage aircraft movements in the airspace and at airports. Both roles require FAA certification but serve different aspects of aviation safety and operations.

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

To thrive as an Airline Controller, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and in-depth knowledge of air traffic regulations, typically supported by specialized training and certification from relevant aviation authorities. Familiarity with radar systems, flight tracking software, and communication tools is essential for managing aircraft movements safely and efficiently. Excellent decision-making, stress management, and clear communication skills help controllers remain effective under pressure and coordinate with pilots and ground staff. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and smooth operation of air traffic in a high-stakes environment.

What are Airline Controllers?

Airline Controllers, often referred to as air traffic controllers, are professionals responsible for coordinating the safe and orderly movement of aircraft both on the ground and in the airspace. They provide instructions to pilots for takeoff, landing, and flight paths, ensuring that aircraft maintain safe distances from each other. These controllers work in control towers, approach control facilities, or en route centers, using radar and communication systems to monitor and direct air traffic. Their role is crucial for maintaining the safety and efficiency of air travel.

How does an Airline Controller typically coordinate with pilots and ground crews during daily operations?

As an Airline Controller, effective communication and coordination with both pilots and ground crews are crucial to ensuring safe and efficient flight operations. Controllers relay real-time instructions to pilots regarding flight paths, takeoffs, landings, and any in-flight changes due to weather or traffic. They also work closely with ground crews to manage gate assignments, aircraft movements on the tarmac, and turnaround times. This collaborative environment requires Airline Controllers to stay alert, multitask, and make quick decisions to keep flights running smoothly and safely.
More about Airline Controller jobs
What states have the most Airline Controller jobs? States with the most job openings for Airline Controller jobs include:
Infographic showing various Airline Controller job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $119,497 per year, or $57.5 per hour.
Maintenance Controller

Maintenance Controller

Sun Country Airlines

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$43.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Sun Country Airlines rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 26 rated airlines


Job description

We're not your average airline. We're agile, resilient, and full of uncommon opportunity. Here, you can grow as part of an ambitious team that safely and collectively supports each other, our travelers, and our community. Together, we're making travel more attainable. With more than 40 years of Minnesota roots, we're a unique hybrid low-cost carrier offering diverse services including scheduled flights to destinations across the U.S., Canada, Central America, and the Caribbean, as well as charter and cargo operations around the world. At Sun Country, you'll be part of a growing airline and an enthusiastic team focused on connecting our community with their favorite people and places.
Sun Country Airlines provides the resources and support our employees need to succeed. Besides working at a great and growing company, as a Maintenance Controller you'll enjoy these benefits and more:
  • Comprehensive benefit package including dental and vision
  • PPO and high deductible health plans
  • Health savings account and Flexible Spending Account
  • Starting day one free standby and discounted travel privileges for employees, family, & friends
  • 401(k) match
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid holidays
  • Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program including counseling for employees and their family
  • Fitness incentive and Stop Smoking Support

This position is represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association. The compensation schedule is based on the collective bargaining agreement.
Maintenance Controller Overview:
The Maintenance Control position is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the airline from a Maintenance standpoint. The Maintenance Controller will be responsible for ensuring that Sun Country Airlines' aircraft are maintained in an airworthy condition, regardless of where they happen to be or who is making the necessary repairs.
Essential Roles and Responsibilities:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Responsible for maintaining the Sun Country Airlines' aircraft to the highest possible standards to assure a safe, economical, and on-time operation.
  • The Maintenance Controller must be aware of the mechanical status of all operating aircraft and the general status and expected availability of all Sun Country Airlines' aircraft undergoing maintenance. They will also keep SOC apprised of aircraft availability, particularly if an aircraft cannot meet its schedule.
  • The Maintenance Controller is responsible to provide a current and continuing follow-up system of deferred repairs to ensure positive corrective action is made on a timely basis.
  • To accomplish that task, the Maintenance Controller will coordinate the activities of Materials, contract
  • The Maintenance Controller may be asked to assist in the planning for the development and issuance of the daily RON work packages as directed by the Manager Maintenance Control/Maintenance Planning.
  • Conduct all tasks in a safe and efficient manner complying with all local, state, and federal safety and health regulatory requirements, programmatic standards, and with any internal policies and procedures identified by Sun Country Airlines.
  • Maintain direct oversight and control over on-call line maintenance providers in the resolution of aircraft maintenance issues, ensuring that the maintenance provider performs the maintenance as required.

Required Qualifications:
Three or more years' experience on the 737-800 or similar type aircraft
  • A&P Certificate with currency requirements met
  • Experience with troubleshooting equipment and operation issues
  • Ability to effectively communicate through verbal and written
  • Strong mechanical aptitude
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills
  • Ability to effectively interact with all levels of the Company
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Ability to work under minimal supervision
  • Ability to exercise independent judgment, discretion, and initiative
  • Self-motivated and independent problem-solving ability

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Previous Maintenance Control experience
  • 737 Gen Fam certificate

Compensation:
$43.75 USD per hour along with shift differentials. This is the base compensation hiring range for this role.
Classification:
Full-time, Non-Exempt
Working Location:
This position is open in Minneapolis, MN
Supervisory Responsibility:
None
Work Environment:
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands or finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Additional Notes:
Must be able to obtain MSP SIDA badge.
AAP/EEO Statement:
It is the policy of Sun Country Airlines to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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