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Control Tower Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DSV A/S

Manager, Import Control Tower

Kent, WA · On-site

Lead and motivate a team of import specialists and control tower operators to achieve operational goals and objectives. * Provide guidance, coaching, and support to team members to enhance ...

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Control Tower Operator information

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$14

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$22

How much do control tower operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for control tower operator in the United States is $19.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a control tower operator?

Control Tower Operators are professionals responsible for overseeing and managing the movement of aircraft on the ground and in the airspace immediately surrounding an airport. They use radar, radios, and other communication tools to give pilots takeoff and landing instructions, provide weather updates, and coordinate safe aircraft traffic flow. Their role is crucial for ensuring airport operations run safely and efficiently, preventing collisions and minimizing delays. Control Tower Operators must remain alert at all times and be able to make quick decisions in fast-paced environments.

What does a control tower operator do?

As a control tower operator or air traffic controller, you coordinate a variety of land and air vehicles in the air, on taxiways, and on runways. In this career, you spend the majority of your work day in the control tower, where you oversee the airplanes and other traffic you control. You are responsible for verifying flight plans, as well as giving takeoff and landing clearance orders to pilots. Control tower operators are regulated and managed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as you are responsible for the safety of commercial and private aircraft within the United States and international airspace under U.S. control.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a control tower operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Control Tower Operator, you need strong situational awareness, quick decision-making, and a thorough understanding of air traffic regulations, often requiring completion of specialized FAA training and certification. Familiarity with radar systems, radio communication equipment, and air traffic management software is critical. Excellent communication, stress management, and teamwork skills help operators coordinate safely and efficiently in high-pressure environments. These abilities are crucial to ensure the safe and orderly movement of aircraft, minimizing risks and delays in air traffic operations.

What are the most common challenges faced by a control tower operator, and how can they be managed effectively?

Control Tower Operators often deal with high-pressure situations, such as coordinating multiple incoming and outgoing flights, managing unexpected weather changes, and ensuring clear communication between pilots and ground staff. Staying calm under pressure and being able to prioritize tasks quickly are essential skills. Effective use of technology, following established protocols, and maintaining strong teamwork with other air traffic controllers and airport personnel can help manage these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Control Tower Operator vs Air Traffic Controller?

AspectControl Tower OperatorAir Traffic Controller
Required CertificationsFAA Control Tower Certification, FCC Radio LicenseFAA Air Traffic Control Certification
Work EnvironmentAirport control towers, ground operationsAirspace, airport towers, en-route sectors
Employer & Industry UsageAirports, airline ground servicesFAA, military, commercial airlines

Control Tower Operators primarily manage ground and airport surface movements, ensuring safety on runways and taxiways. Air Traffic Controllers oversee aircraft in the airspace, managing takeoffs, landings, and en-route traffic. While both roles require FAA certification and work in airport environments, Control Tower Operators focus on ground operations, whereas Air Traffic Controllers handle airborne traffic control.

How to get a job as a control tower operator?

To become a control tower operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training in air traffic control or airport operations. Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or relevant authority is often required, and applicants must pass medical and background checks, demonstrate strong communication skills, and sometimes gain experience through entry-level positions or training programs.
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Control Tower Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Control Tower Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,999 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Teacher, Ind Ed (Control Tower Operator Teacher)

Bartow, FL • On-site

Polk County Public Schools
10K+ employees
Learn more about Polk County Public Schoolsexternal

$48K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Plans and implements a program of instruction for adult students at the Bartow Municipal Airport.

  • Develops and manages classroom environment, including classroom management and supervision of students.

  • Evaluates student progress using multiple assessment methods and adjusts instruction accordingly.

Polk County Public Schools rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Must apply directly on our Polk County Public Schools site:
https://jobs.polkschoolsfl.com/job/Teacher%2C-Ind-Ed-%28Control-Tower-Operator-Teacher%29/3973-en_US?utm_source=careersite&utm_campaign=Control Tower Operator Teacher Betterteam - 3973 - Job Posting

Note:
This position is for a Control Tower Operator. The work location is at the Bartow Municipal Airport working for Traviss Technical College. The program length is 1840 hours teaching adult students.

Position Title:
Teacher, Ind Ed

Custom Job Purpose:
This position exists to ensure that all students learn the basic and essential skills at each grade level.

Essential Functions of This Job:
A. Instructional Process:
Plans and implements a program of instruction that adheres to the district's philosophy, goals and objectives as outlined in the adopted courses of study. Makes purposeful and appropriate lesson plans which provide for effective teaching strategies and maximizes time on task. Plans and implements a program of study designed to meet individual needs of students. Creates a classroom environment conducive to learning by employing a variety of appropriate teaching strategies. Encourages student enthusiasm for the learning process and the development of good study habits. Provides progress and interim reports as required. Prepares substitute folder containing appropriate information as requested by the building principal. Plans and prescribes purposeful assignments for paraprofessionals, tutors, and volunteers as needed. Recognizes learning problems and make referrals as appropriate. Demonstrates a strong grasp of subject matter. Uses effective oral and written expression.

B. Curriculum Development:
Keeps current in subject matter knowledge and learning theory and is willing to share this knowledge for the continual improvement of the school's curriculum. Assists in the on-going curriculum revision process, including the revision of written courses of study. Assists in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials. Become acquainted with supplemental services beneficial to students as an extension of regular classroom activities.

C. Classroom Management:
Develops, in accordance with district and building guidelines, reasonable rules of classroom behavior and appropriate discipline techniques which are consistently applied. Takes necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities. Share responsibility during the school day for supervision of students in all areas of the school. Provides for the supervision of assigned students when circumstances require a brief absence from the assignment.

Essential Functions of This Job (Cont.):
D. Public Relations:
Upholds and enforces board policy, administrative procedures, and school rules and regulations; and is supportive of them to the public. Maintains appropriate work habits, including regular and punctual attendance and appropriate use of conference and planning time. Strives to communicate the positive aspects of our school program to the public in word and deed. Works cooperatively with parents to strengthen the educational program for their children. Establishes and maintains cooperative relations with other staff.

E. Professional Growth:
Continues professional growth through attendance at workshops, seminars, conferences, and/or advanced coursework at institutions of higher learning. Maintains membership in appropriate professional organizations. Cooperates with the administration in planning appropriate inservice training programs on a building or district level. Attends staff, department, and committee meetings as required.

F. Student Evaluation:
Evaluates accomplishments of students on a regular basis using multiple assessment methods such as teacher-made test, sample of students work, mastery skills check lists, criterion-referenced tests and norm-referenced tests. Make appropriate adjustments in the instructional program based on assessed results. Performs duties necessary to maintain the accountability required for the instructional program and as required by the building principal. Respects the confidentiality of records and information regarding students, parents, and teachers in accordance with accepted professional ethics, and state and federal laws.

Non-Essential Functions of This Job:
Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
Must possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Must be Certified, Qualified and Highly Qualified as defined by the Course Code(s) assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Ability to work cooperatively with parents, school districts and agencies in providing services to students. Ability to develop concepts and ideas and relate both in oral and written form. Knowledge of child development. Ability to administer testing instruments as required. Must possess strong interpersonal skills and have the ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with students, teams and groups. Must be able to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the position. Bilingual/biliterate preferred.

Work Context:
Requires sitting, standing, walking and moving about to coordinate work. Requires the use of alternative communication systems, such as electronic mail, telephones and computers. Requires coordination of work tasks to establish priorities, set goals and meet deadlines. Requires face-to-face discussions and contact with individuals and/or teams. Requires work with students, internal and external contacts, and with the public.

Physical Environment:
Requires working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions. May require working outdoors as well, with exposure to outdoor elements including weather changes, foliage, insects, etc. Requires sitting, standing and the ability to lift, carry, move and/or position objects frequently weighing up to 20 pounds and infrequently weighing more than 20 pounds.

Collective Bargaining Agreement:
2 - Teachers Union - B1 - Classroom Teacher

Salary Grade:
N/A

Pay Grade:
Teacher Salary Schedule

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Local Code:
9510

EEO5:

Approval Date:
6/22/1993

Date Last Revised:

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