ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Airport Tower Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Robinson Aviation

Ramp Controller

Seatac, WA · On-site

... of the airport, utilizing surveillance radar-like targets and camera imagery. Dimensions of Position Incumbent works under the general supervision of the Ramp Tower Manager who relies on the ...

Robinson Aviation

Ramp Controller

Seatac, WA · On-site

... of the airport, utilizing surveillance radar-like targets and camera imagery. Dimensions of Position Incumbent works under the general supervision of the Ramp Tower Manager who relies on the ...

IGC Inc.

Terminal/Ramp Monitors

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Coordinate directly with Tower staff to keep the full Common Use operation aligned airport-wide. Assess Common Use operational performance and spot issues before they become delays. Generate daily ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsTechnology JobsTelecommunications JobsTelecommunications Technician JobsAirport Tower Jobs

Airport Tower information

See salary details

$11

$25

$35

How much do airport tower jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 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:

What job categories do people searching Airport Tower jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Airport Tower jobs are:

Airport Tower jobs near you
Infographic showing various Airport Tower job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% 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.

Air Traffic Controller - Springdale Tower - Springdale, AR

CI Squared Aviation, Inc.

Springdale, AR • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY:
Responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic control duties in a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Airport Traffic Control Tower.
DIMENSIONS OF POSITION:
Works under the general supervision of the tower manager who relies on the incumbent to perform established duties independently. On new or revised procedures, the manager gives detailed instructions and observes and checks work, during or immediately after completion, according to the complexity of the task until satisfied the incumbent can perform it independently.
REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must have a minimum of (2) years of experience as an Air Traffic Controller.
  • Individuals must have a current or previous Control Tower Operator Certificate (CTO) Certificate and a current Class II Medical Certificate.
  • Individuals must have held a Control Tower Operator Certificate (CTO) with a facility rating for a minimum of two years in an Air Traffic Control Tower.
  • The position is subject to drug and/or alcohol testing per the DOT/FAA requirements (pre-employment, random, reasonable cause/suspicion, post-accident).

ACCOUNTABILITY:
Making decisions involving:
  1. The order of departures will ensure all aircraft equitable treatment and will ensure that departing Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flights operate at the fixed altitude, andthe time designated by the center or approach control clearances.
  2. The times and direction of takeoff and any turn necessary after departure.
  3. Whether inbound aircraft is to land immediately or circle and whether distances are lengthened to control the arrival of an aircraft at a given point.
  4. The active runway and possible simultaneous use of other runways.
  5. The time and methods by which arrivals and departures can be interspersed with the least delay to traffic.
  6. When landing and departing, aircraft are cleared to use the runways to ensure standard separation between aircraft on the runways.
  7. The sequence of arriving traffic, before it enters the traffic pattern, to ensure a safe, orderly flow of aircraft on the final approach to the landing runway.
  8. Endure that Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) separation standards are applied, as delegated by approach control or the center, in limited areas around the airport to provide initial separation between IFR arrivals and IFR departures and between successive IFR departures.
  9. The sequence of Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) traffic, and when delegated, using radar equipment to provide initial separation for arrival verse arrival and arrival verse departure IFR traffic.
  10. When Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flights through the Class D airspace can be authorized.

Determines the usability of communications frequencies and other navigational aids used to control air traffic. Monitors navigational aids and control panels, including tower radar display to determine the acceptability of its alignment and display presentation. Instructs pilots to change radio frequencies/transponder codes.
  1. When appropriate, coordinate with other controllers on the movement of both arrival and departure aircraft.
  2. When traffic conditions warrant, controllers in non-approach terminals are responsible for:
    1. Preplanning traffic sequencing and separation over an area, which may reach out to a radius of 5 miles or more.
    2. Preplanning and setting up checkpoints required to ensure the maintenance of necessary traffic separation.
    3. Maintaining a continuous mental picture and evaluation of constantly changing traffic, frequency dispersed throughout his/her area of jurisdictional responsibility.
    4. Maintaining continuous radio watch with aircraft that have previously contacted the facility.

MANAGING Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) TRAFFIC FOR AIRPORT:
  1. Studies weather reports and forecasts, obtain LAWRS/SAWRS weather certification, observes weather from the tower, and records pilot reports to determine the effect of present and anticipated weather on traffic; furnishes aircraft with information such as field conditions, altimeter settings, weather conditions, operating status of navigational aids, and observed malfunctioning of aircraft; forwards to the weather bureau, AFSS, and the appropriate center/approach control, pilot weather reports and reports based upon personal observation of weather conditions; operate light guns, runway lights, field lighting, jet barriers, etc.
  2. Orients pilots of aircraft lost or in difficulty; determines whether a given situation may develop into an emergency; and notifies airlines operations offices, airport management offices, and airport rescue and firefighting services.
  3. Performs lower grade level duties as necessary to meet operational requirements and proficiency maintenance.
  4. Provides On-the-job (OJT) training to others.

Apply