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Atc Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Atc Instructor information

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$7

$19

$50

How much do atc instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for atc instructor in the United States is $19.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an ATC Instructor, you need an extensive background in air traffic control operations, a relevant certification or license, and experience in both ATC and instructional roles. Familiarity with radar simulation software, training management systems, and industry-standard communication tools is essential. Exceptional communication, patience, and the ability to provide constructive feedback are crucial soft skills that make an instructor effective. These competencies ensure that trainees receive accurate, safe, and effective instruction, which is vital for maintaining high standards in air traffic management.

What are some common challenges faced by ATC Instructors when training new air traffic controllers?

ATC Instructors often face the challenge of adapting their teaching methods to suit trainees with varying learning styles and backgrounds. Additionally, balancing the need to simulate high-pressure, real-world scenarios while ensuring a supportive learning environment can be demanding. Instructors must stay current with evolving regulations and technology, which requires continuous professional development. Collaboration with other instructors and operational supervisors is also important to ensure training consistency and address performance issues early.

What are ATC Instructors?

ATC Instructors are professionals who teach and train aspiring air traffic controllers in both classroom and simulation environments. They are responsible for developing students' understanding of air traffic control procedures, regulations, and communication protocols. ATC Instructors often have previous experience as air traffic controllers themselves and use that expertise to guide trainees through realistic scenarios and assessments. Their primary goal is to ensure future controllers are fully prepared to handle the complexities and safety demands of airspace management.

What is the difference between Atc Instructor vs Air Traffic Controller?

AspectAtc InstructorAir Traffic Controller
Required CertificationsFAA or equivalent instructor certifications, ATC training credentialsFAA or equivalent ATC license, certification
Work EnvironmentTraining centers, classrooms, simulation labsControl towers, approach control facilities, radar rooms
Employer & Industry UsageAirports, aviation training organizationsAirports, airline operations, military airfields

While both roles require FAA or equivalent certifications, Atc Instructors focus on training and educating future air traffic controllers in classroom and simulation settings. Air Traffic Controllers operate in control towers or radar facilities, managing live air traffic. The roles are interconnected, with instructors preparing controllers for their duties in real-world environments.

More about Atc Instructor jobs
What cities are hiring for Atc Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Atc Instructor job openings:
What states have the most Atc Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Atc Instructor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Atc Instructor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 14% Temporary. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,021 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Air Traffic Control INSTRUCTOR II Syracuse, NY

PenBay Technology Group LLC

Syracuse, NY โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Description:

PenBay Technology Group, LLC is an established technology company providing website/application development and other IT support services to the federal government. PenBay offers a positive work environment emphasizing teamwork, responsibility, open communication, and creative problem solving. We believe in work/life balance and treat employees with trust and respect.


Position Summary:

Certified Air Traffic Control (ATC) Instructor II is a hands-on position that will require the candidate to effectively and consistently deliver the highest quality classroom and lab based training to a wide variety of students including developmental air traffic controllers and certified professional controllers (CPC). The successful candidate will have demonstrated excellent teaching/platform skills and classroom management techniques, a student focused drive for continuous improvement and strong technical skills with current ATC automation, simulation systems and procedures. In addition, this more senior position will provide mentoring for students and other instructors as well as curriculum design and development expertise.


โ€œATTN FERS RETIREES: Earnings received as an ATC Instructor, ATC Training Instructional Supervisor, or Contractor Site Supervisor working on this program are EXEMPT from the Supplemental Annuity earnings limits for FERS retirees between the ages of 56 and 62.โ€


Competencies and Skills:

  • Candidate must be knowledgeable about current practices in Air Traffic Control and the current state of the NAS.
  • Instructor II trainees must be classroom certified by Facility Technical Liaison (FTL) within 60 calendar days after reporting for duty at the facility.
  • Laboratory certification: Certified Instructor II trainees must have the knowledge and skills for each laboratory (radar, non-radar, etc.) in which they will teach. All individuals hired for this position must complete a written knowledge test developed by the FAA for each position/sector to be taught. Each sector knowledge test will be graded by the Facility Technical Liaison for FAA designee, and the Certified Instructor II must be passed with a score of at least 70%.
  • Instructor II must be laboratory certified within the first 120 days calendar days of reporting for duty at the facility.
  • Ability to interface effectively with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) personnel at all levels to ensure the training delivered at the local level is responsive to local needs, is comprehensive and of consistent high quality.
  • Exceptional customer service orientation
  • Outstanding communication skills
  • Ability to work productively with a wide range of people and co-workers

This is a Full-Time position

EEO company!

Requirements:

Experience and Education:

  • Instructor II must have a minimum of five (5) years recent experience working as a Certified Professional Controller in an FAA air traffic control facility, within the ATC option for which application is made.
  • Experience must have been at a like-type and like or higher-level facility.
  • Instructor experience, both in the classroom and simulator laboratory (procedural and radar, is required.
  • Prior (or current) On-the-Job Training Instructor (OJTI) certification coupled with at least 3+ yearsโ€™ experience in that role is required.
  • Operational experience with ATC simulators including scenario design and pseudo/remote pilot operations for one or more of the following systems is a plus: SYDIM, AT Coach and TSS.
  • Curriculum design and development experience is desired.
  • ATC โ€œArea Knowledgeโ€ and experience at the specific local facility level is desired.