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Contract Air Traffic Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Air Traffic Control Instructor at HCF

Honolulu, HI

$40K - $80K/yr

... contract Instructor at an FAA facility. Experience must have been at the same type and same [or ... air traffic control facilities within the U.S. National Airspace System. Desired Skills and ...

SAIC

DEN Air Traffic Control Instructor-II

Denver, CO

$40K - $80K/yr

... contract Instructor at an FAA facility. Experience must have been at the same type and same [or ... air traffic control facilities within the U.S. National Airspace System. Desired Skills and ...

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$33K

$101.4K

$172.5K

How much do contract air traffic control jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract air traffic control in the United States is $101,385.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does working as a Contract Air Traffic Controller differ from working in a government-operated control tower?

Contract Air Traffic Controllers typically work at smaller airports managed by private companies under FAA contracts, rather than directly for the FAA. This means you may experience a more close-knit team environment and sometimes more flexible scheduling. However, you’ll still adhere to the same strict safety protocols and standards as government-employed controllers. Advancement opportunities can include moving into supervisory roles, training, or transferring to larger, busier contract towers. Collaboration with pilots, airport staff, and other controllers remains a core part of your daily responsibilities.

What is the difference between Contract Air Traffic Control vs Airport Traffic Control Specialist?

AspectContract Air Traffic ControlAirport Traffic Control Specialist
CredentialsFAA certifications, radar and tower certificationsFAA certifications, radar and tower certifications
Work EnvironmentContract basis at various airports, often temporaryFull-time employment at specific airports
Employer & Industry UsageContract agencies, airports, governmentAirport authorities, government agencies
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for contract vs permanent rolesCompared for career stability and benefits

Contract Air Traffic Control and Airport Traffic Control Specialist roles share similar certifications and work environments, but differ mainly in employment type. Contract roles are temporary and offered through agencies, while specialists are full-time airport employees. Both roles require FAA certifications and work in airport control towers or radar facilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Air Traffic Controller, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Air Traffic Controller, you need comprehensive knowledge of aviation regulations, strong situational awareness, and typically an FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist Certificate or equivalent experience. Familiarity with radar systems, communication equipment, and specialized air traffic management software is crucial. Exceptional decision-making, stress management, and clear verbal communication distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are vital for ensuring the safe, efficient, and orderly flow of air traffic under demanding and high-pressure conditions.

What are Contract Air Traffic Controllers?

Contract Air Traffic Controllers are professionals who manage the safe and orderly flow of air traffic at airports or in designated airspace, but they are employed by private companies under contract rather than directly by the government. These controllers typically work at smaller airports under the Federal Aviation Administration’s Contract Tower Program. Their duties are similar to those of federal air traffic controllers, including directing aircraft during takeoff and landing, providing weather updates, and ensuring safe distances between planes. Despite being employed by private contractors, they must meet the same FAA certification and training standards. This arrangement helps provide essential air traffic services at airports that might not otherwise have them.
More about Contract Air Traffic Control jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Air Traffic Control jobs? Cities with the most Contract Air Traffic Control job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Air Traffic Control jobs? The most popular types of Air Traffic Control jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Air Traffic Control jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Air Traffic Control jobs include:
Contract Air Traffic Control jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Air Traffic Control job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,385 per year, or $48.7 per hour.
GEG Air Traffic Control Instructor

GEG Air Traffic Control Instructor

Science Applications International Corporation

Spokane, WA

Other

Posted 20 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 210 rated it services

Job description

  • ATTN 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.

We are looking for an experienced, Full time, Air Traffic Control Instructor to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Spokane ATCT (GEG) in Spokane, WA, supporting air traffic controller training services for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The CTS Instructor is a hands-on position that requires the candidate to effectively and consistently deliver the highest quality classroom and/or simulation laboratory training to a wide variety of students including developmental air traffic controllers and Certified Professional Controllers (CPC).

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring that air traffic control specialists provide the flying public with a high level of safety and professionalism. A well-trained Air Traffic Control (ATC) workforce plays an essential role in fulfilling this responsibility. The FAA employs more than 14,000 air traffic controllers. They work in air traffic facilities of varying sizes, safely separating more than 50,000 aircraft in the National Airspace System (NAS) each day.

To provide such air traffic services, the FAA trains new air traffic control specialists and provides recurrent training to current air traffic control specialists. The FAA utilizes Contractor-provided instructional services at FAA ATC facilities throughout the U.S. and its Territories to ensure these training needs are met. The scope of the contractor-provided services includes all training and training program support to successfully train and prepare students to become fully certified air traffic controllers. SAIC must provide training and training related support services as required for all types and levels of ATC facilities.

SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

Required Qualifications:

US Citizenship is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.

The CTS Instructor candidate must have a minimum of five (5) years of FAA CPC experience controlling live traffic, or recent experience as a contract Instructor at an FAA facility. Experience must have been at the same type and same [or greater] level of ATC facility as the Spokane ATCT (GEG).

The successful candidate for this position must demonstrate strong technical skills with current ATC automation, simulation systems and procedures. This position will provide mentoring for students and Remote Pilot Operators (RPO) as well as participate in curriculum design and development. The selected candidate must demonstrate the knowledge and skills applicable for obtaining radar and/or non-radar simulation laboratory certifications at FAA air traffic control facilities within the U.S. National Airspace System.

Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required

  • FAA Certified Professional Controller (CPC) certification required with the ability to obtain and maintain Instructor-II Simulation Laboratory Certification

Desired Skills and Experience:

  • Direct experience as a Certified Professional Controller (CPC) at the Spokane ATCT (GEG) is preferred but not required

  • Operational Experience with ATC simulators including scenario design for simulation platforms (e.g. TSS, AT Coach, SGET, etc.)

  • Demonstrated ability to interface effectively with FAA personnel at all levels to ensure the delivery of training services meet the needs of the local facility, as well as the FAA's overall Air Traffic Control mission is highly desired

  • Experience demonstrating excellent teaching and/or platform skills, classroom management techniques, and a student-focused drive for continuous improvement

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