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Airport Operations Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Maintains liaison with FAA and DTW Airport Operations personnel to coordinate unusual or emergency ... Experience as a terminal air traffic controller either in the FAA, private or military is preferred ...

... 164 airport locations, 18 countries, and on 5 continents. Are you ready to take off on your next ... local operation and the customer. In this role, the controller must maintain consistent and ...

Maintains liaison with the FAA, CVG Airport Operations personnel to coordinate unusual or emergency ... Experience as a terminal air traffic controller either in the FAA, private or military is preferred ...

Maintains liaison with the FAA, CVG Airport Operations personnel to coordinate unusual or emergency ... Experience as a terminal air traffic controller either in the FAA, private or military is preferred ...

Maintains liaison with the FAA, CVG Airport Operations personnel to coordinate unusual or emergency ... Experience as a terminal air traffic controller either in the FAA, private or military is preferred ...

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Airport Operations Controller information

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$35.5K

$107K

$161K

How much do airport operations controller jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for airport operations controller in the United States is $107,027.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,500.00 and $126,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job in an airport?

In airport operations, senior management roles such as Airport Director or Chief Operating Officer tend to be the highest paid positions, often earning six-figure salaries. These roles require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of airport regulations and operations.

How much does an airport controller earn?

An airport operations controller typically earns a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can increase with seniority and specialized skills such as radar or air traffic control training.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Airport Operations Controller?

Airport Operations Controllers are responsible for monitoring and coordinating airport activities to ensure efficient and safe operations on a daily basis. This includes managing aircraft and vehicle movements, responding to and reporting incidents, coordinating with airlines, ground staff, and air traffic control, and implementing emergency procedures when needed. You will also conduct regular inspections of runways and taxiways, oversee compliance with safety regulations, and maintain thorough records of events and operations. The work environment is fast-paced and demands constant attention to detail, teamwork, and quick decision-making. It's a highly collaborative role requiring coordination across multiple airport departments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Airport Operations Controller position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Airport Operations Controller, you need a solid understanding of airport operations, safety regulations, and incident management, often supported by a relevant degree or aviation industry experience. Familiarity with airport management systems, scheduling tools, and communication protocols such as NOTAMs and radio-based communication is essential. Strong decision-making, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication are vital soft skills for coordinating activities and responding to dynamic situations. These skills ensure the smooth, safe, and efficient operation of airport functions, even during times of high pressure or unexpected disruptions.

What is the highest paid position at an airport?

The highest paid positions at airports are typically executive roles such as Airport Director or Chief Operating Officer, who oversee overall airport operations and strategic planning. These roles often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and sometimes advanced certifications, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the airport size and location.

What is an airport operations controller?

An airport operations controller is responsible for coordinating and monitoring daily airport activities to ensure safety, security, and efficiency. They communicate with airline staff, ground crews, and air traffic control, often using radio and computer systems, and typically require certification and knowledge of aviation regulations.

What is an Airport Operations Controller job?

An Airport Operations Controller is responsible for monitoring and coordinating various airport activities to ensure safe and efficient operations. They oversee airfield and terminal conditions, communicate with airlines and air traffic control, and respond to emergencies or disruptions. Their role involves ensuring compliance with airport regulations, coordinating ground services, and assisting in scheduling and resource management. This position requires strong problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and knowledge of aviation regulations.

What cities are hiring for Airport Operations Controller jobs? Cities with the most Airport Operations Controller job openings:
What states have the most Airport Operations Controller jobs? States with the most job openings for Airport Operations Controller jobs include:
AIRPORT OPERATIONS CONTROLLER I/II (DELEGATED) - KONA

AIRPORT OPERATIONS CONTROLLER I/II (DELEGATED) - KONA

State of Hawai'i

Honolulu, HI

$4.1K - $5.5K/mo

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Recruitment Information Recruitment Number: DOT-AIR-2026-27 Salary: Airport Operations Controller I: $4,139 to $4,899 per month (SR-12, Steps C to I) - Salary includes shortage category differential. Airport Operations Controller II: $4,499 to $5,311 per month (SR-14, Steps C to I) - Salary includes shortage category differential. Note: Hiring rates will be based on availability of funds, the applicant's qualifications and other relevant factors.

Shift Work: All applicants must be available to work rotating shifts, including evenings, weekends and holidays. This job posting is for the State of Hawaii, Department of Transportation (DOT). If you have any questions regarding this civil service recruitment, contact the DOT Personnel Office at (808) 587-2145, Monday - Friday, 7:45 am - 4:30 pm (HST).

The Department of Human Resources Development- State Recruiting Office will refer all inquiries regarding this recruitment to the DOT Personnel Office. Duties Summary The Airport Operations Controller I receives on-the-job training in airport ground operations control work; participates in orientation and formal training sessions; studies operating policies and procedures; carries out specified instructions; and works with higher level personnel. This is the entry level trainee class in the series.

The Airport Operations Controller II controls aircraft parking and movement, enforces regulations and operates radio communications to maintain safety and operational efficiency in airport ground operations areas; and maintains logs and records, prepares reports and tabulates aircraft revenue landings. Work is subject to periodic review for adherence to instructions and the correctness of decisions in situations requiring tact and forcefulness. To view the Class Specification in its entirety, please CLICK HERE.

Minimum Qualification Requirements To qualify, applicants must meet ALL of the following requirements: General Experience: Two (2) years of work experience which demonstrates the following abilities: (1) meet and deal effectively with people; (2) understand and apply various rules and regulations; (3) prepare reports; and (4) act effectively in emergencies. Specialized Experience: Work experience in airport ground operations control work which included the (1) assignment and control of aircraft parking positions; (2) direction and control of the movement of aircraft and vehicles on the ramp; (3) inspection of runways and (4) inspection of airfields and aircraft parking ramps and (5) enforcement of aircraft and vehicular operational rules and regulations. Airport Operations Controller I: Does not require any Specialized Experience.

Airport Operations Controller II: Requires one (1) year of Specialized Experience Driver's License: Applicants must possess a valid driver's license at the time of appointment. Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Clearance - Federal Criminal History Records Check: In accordance with Federal regulations, persons who are being considered for employment in positions which require unescorted access to secured areas at the airport must undergo a pre-employment fingerprint-based criminal history record check. In order to be granted the SIDA clearance, prospective employees must not have been convicted, or found "not guilty by reason of insanity," of a disqualifying criminal offense within ten years from the date of the application.

Upon recommendation for hire, prospective employees will be required to successfully undergo the fingerprint-based criminal history record check and be found free of disqualifying convictions during the preceding ten years. The information provided above represents a summary of the complete Minimum Qualification Requirements. To view the Minimum Requirements in their entirety, please CLICK HERE.

LEGAL AUTHORIZATION TO WORK: The State of Hawaii requires all persons seeking employment with the government of the State shall be citizens, nationals, or permanent resident aliens of the United States, or eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment in the United States. Other Information Other Information The State of Hawai'i complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please call the DOT Personnel Office at (808) 587-2145 for assistance.

ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION TO APPLICANTS The Department of Transportation will use electronic mail (email) to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of their applications. Please ensure that the email address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails or fail to check your email-box in a timely manner.

In addition, please be aware that you may no longer receive notification about applications submitted if you choose to disable the Job Application Emails feature in your Account Settings. TESTING INFORMATION The examination for this recruitment will be conducted on an unassembled basis where the examination score is based on an evaluation and rating of your education and experience. It is therefore important that your employment application provide a clear and detailed description of the duties and responsibilities of each position you held.

In-person interviews and/or further testing in Hawaii may be required at the discretion of the hiring agency. If in-person interviews and/or further testing is a requirement, applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements and are referred to the vacancy must be available to participate in person and at their own expense in this required phase of the selection process. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.

In addition to employment availability and score, the referral of qualified applicants may be based upon other factors including date of receipt of application. PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS (PSLF) PROGRAM The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer.

For more information, please click: Public Service Loan Forgiveness | Federal Student Aid CLICK HERE for further information about Equal Employment Opportunity, the Merit Civil Service System, Citizenship and other requirements, Reasonable Accommodation, Veterans Preference, Examination Requirements, and the DOT Personnel Office's Levels of Review.