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Airport Tower Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position is responsible for serving as unit's primary representative working in the Airport Tower for our major customer's operations where the decisions such as gate changes, aircraft swaps, and ...

Position is responsible for serving as unit's primary representative working in the Airport Tower for our major customer's operations where the decisions such as gate changes, aircraft swaps, and ...

The Control Tower Operator is responsible to manage the safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic at the Wilmington Airport. The Tower Operator will be responsible for the separation of air ...

Airport Duty Manager

Seattle, WA · On-site

$110K - $139K/yr

Airport Opening Date: 08/10/2026 Closing Date: 8/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific FLSA: Exempt Bargaining ... Control Tower. Takes initiative to address and follow-through on corrective actions to ensure ...

Tower - Technician

Aurora, CO · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

From Red Rocks to Coors Field, Empower Field to Vail, Breckenridge to Denver International Airport ... Perform work on tower top, looking after all aspects of work while at the tower top, ensuring that ...

Enforce strict compliance with airport safety, FAA, TSA, DOT, FDA, USDA, and HACCP regulations. * Collaborate with airline tower control, flight operations, and internal production teams to maintain ...

$95K - $105K/yr

Operations Manager (Tower/Dock ) Job Location: San Francisco-USA-94128 Work Location Type: On-Site ... airline or airport operations? Do you thrive in fast-paced environments where real-time ...

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Airport Tower information

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$11

$25

$35

How much do airport tower jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for airport tower in the United States is $25.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an airport tower controller?

Airport tower controllers, also known as air traffic controllers, are professionals who manage the safe and orderly flow of aircraft on the ground and in the airspace immediately surrounding an airport. They communicate with pilots to provide instructions for takeoff, landing, and taxiing, and coordinate with other controllers to maintain efficient airport operations. Their primary goal is to ensure safety and prevent collisions by managing aircraft movements within the airport's controlled airspace.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an air traffic controller in an airport tower?

To thrive as an Air Traffic Controller in an airport tower, you need strong situational awareness, quick decision-making abilities, and typically an FAA Air Traffic Control Tower Operator Certificate or equivalent. Familiarity with radar systems, communication equipment, and flight tracking software is crucial for managing aircraft safely. Exceptional communication, stress management, and teamwork skills help controllers coordinate efficiently and maintain safety under pressure. These competencies are critical to ensure the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic in complex and high-stakes environments.

What are some common challenges faced by air traffic controllers working in an airport tower, and how can they be managed?

Air traffic controllers in airport towers often face challenges such as managing high traffic volume during peak hours, maintaining clear communication with pilots, and making quick decisions under pressure. These challenges are managed by rigorous training, adherence to established procedures, and strong teamwork with other controllers and ground personnel. Regular briefings and continuous skill development also help controllers stay prepared for unusual or emergency situations, ensuring both safety and efficiency in airport operations.

What is the difference between Airport Tower vs Airport Ground Staff?

AspectAirport TowerAirport Ground Staff
Primary RoleAir traffic control and managing aircraft movementsPassenger assistance, baggage handling, and airport operations
Required CertificationsAir traffic control license, FAA certificationCustomer service training, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentControl tower, high-stakes, focused on aircraft safetyAirport terminals, outdoor, customer-facing
Employer & Industry UsageAirports, airlines, aviation authoritiesAirports, airlines, ground service providers

While both roles are essential to airport operations, Airport Tower staff focus on air traffic control and aircraft movement safety, requiring specialized certifications. Airport Ground Staff handle passenger services and ground operations, emphasizing customer service and safety procedures. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in aviation.

How to work in an airport tower?

To work in an airport tower, individuals typically need to obtain an Air Traffic Control (ATC) certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or relevant authority, which involves passing written and practical exams. Candidates must also have a bachelor's degree, relevant work experience, and strong communication and decision-making skills; working hours often include shift work to ensure 24/7 coverage.

What cities are hiring for Airport Tower jobs?

Cities with the most Airport Tower job openings:

What states have the most Airport Tower jobs?

States with the most job openings for Airport Tower jobs include:

Infographic showing various Airport Tower job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,357 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Airport Ramp Tower Supervisor

Boston, MA

$57K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

We're looking for motivated, engaged people to help make everyone's journeys better.

Position is responsible for serving as unit's primary representative working in the Airport Tower for our major customer's operations where the decisions such as gate changes, aircraft swaps, and delays are made.

Annual Salary Range:

  • $55-57,000/year

Benefits:

  • Paid time off
  • 401k, with company match
  • Company sponsored lifeinsurance
  • Medical, dental, vision plans
  • Voluntary short-term/long-term disability insurance
  • Voluntary life, accident, and hospital plans
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Commuter benefits
  • Employee Discounts
  • Free hot healthy meals for unit operations roles

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Analyzes data from custom computer screens and proactively communicates airline changes and updates to the unit dispatch and catering teams.
  • Monitors airline arrival and departure times and ensures catering teams complete flights as assigned.
  • Monitors driver's kitchen department time, alerts unit management when on time departure is in jeopardy and when drivers are late off aircraft, delaying return to unit.
  • Monitors international strips via Prism camera; provides accurate and timely information regarding the operation to the SOC.
  • Makes some operational decisions and communicates directly to transportation teams on the field.
  • Partners with Department Manager to be the voice for the company in delay discussions, and conducts the research needed when contesting a delay.
  • Tracks all flight, gate, meal order and other changes in flights.
  • Serves as back up supervisor when that individual is on the ramp by relaying changes in flights to drivers on the ramp, directing work flow and resolving customer problems.
  • Checks that drivers have completed their run sheets accurately and that all times, aircraft changes, service levels and quantities meet customer specifications.
  • Answers and logs customer calls, concerns and complaints and makes recommendations to resolve on-going issues.

Qualifications

Education:

  • H.S. diploma required
  • Associate's degree preferred

Work Experience:

  • Minimum 3 years of experience working in a customer service capacity required
  • 1 year experience directing the work of others
  • Experience working in the airline industry is preferred

Technical Skills: (Certification, Licenses and Registration)

  • Basic computer skills
  • Able to drive on the ramp
  • Able to multi-task in a dynamic customer environment
  • Detail oriented
  • Strong customer service skills
  • Able to keep calm in high pressure environment
  • Able to work with a minimum of supervision/off-site environment
  • Able to make independent decisions
  • Able to compile data from multiple sources with a high degree of accuracy
  • Able to communicate status changes to all parties in a timely manner
  • Driven to document and improve processes
  • Able to develop rapport with major client

Language / Communication Skills:

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Job Dimensions

Geographic Responsibility: Unit

Type of Employment: Full time

Travel %: N/A

Exemption Classification: Exempt

Internal Relationships: Drivers, dispatchers and the catering teams

External Relationships: Airline Customers

Work Environment / Requirements of the Job: Work in the airport Tower. This position will rotate periodically between day shift, night shift and vacation relief.

Organization Structure

Direct Line Manager (Title): Director or Manager, Ops Transport

Estimated Total Size of Team: 1

gategroup Competencies Required to be Successful in the Job:

  • Thinking - Information Search and analysis & problem resolution skills
  • Engaging - Understanding others, Team Leadership and Developing People
  • Inspiring - Influencing and building relationships, Motivating and Inspiring, Communicating effectively
  • Achieving - Delivering business results under pressure, Championing Performance Improvement and Customer Focus

Demonstrated Values to be Successful in the Position

Employees at gategroup are expected to live our Values of Excellence, Passion, Responsibility and Respect. To demonstrate these Values, we expect to observe the following from everyone:

Excellence

We put the customer at the forefront of everything we do, taking time to understand their needs, wishes and desires.

We constantly learn by giving and receiving feedback, improving from our mistakes and bettering ourselves.

Passion

Hospitality, in its purest form, comes down to a single, core principle: care. We do everything with thoughtfulness, attention, and care.

We have a growth mindset, a resilience that makes us determined to bounce back from failures and setbacks.

Responsibility

We care about what we do, and we understand the impact we have on others and the planet.

We always look out for each other -creating a safe workplace environment is everyone's responsibility.

Respect

Every job matters. We each do our part to ensure our colleagues and our customers succeed in their goals.

We respect each other's voices and foster a workplace that supports inclusion and belonging. We are all one gategroup.

Application Closure Statement

To be considered for this position, please submit your application by 07/31/2026

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

gategroup is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status or other category under applicable law.

For further information regarding Equal Employment Opportunity, copy and paste the following URL into your web browser: http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

We anticipate that this job will close on:

08/31/2026For California Residents, please click here to view our California privacy notice.

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