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Control Tower Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Control Tower Operator

Waimea, HI ยท On-site

$50.69/hr

Control Tower Operator Amentum is seeking a Control Tower Operator for a position on Kauai, HI. Supporting the Air Operations Department, as well as being cross-trained and cross-utilized, the ...

Control Tower Operator

Waimea, HI ยท On-site

$50.69/hr

Amentum is seeking a Control Tower Operator for a position on Kauai, HI . Supporting the Air Operations Department, as well as being cross-trained and cross-utilized, the candidate will independently ...

Control Tower Operator Amentum is seeking a Control Tower Operator for a position on Kauai, HI. Supporting the Air Operations Department, as well as being cross-trained and cross-utilized, the ...

Control Tower Operator

Waimea, HI ยท On-site

$50.69/hr

Amentum is seeking a Control Tower Operator for a position on Kauai, HI . Supporting the Air Operations Department, as well as being cross-trained and cross-utilized, the candidate will independently ...

Control Tower Operator

Waimea, HI ยท On-site

$50.69/hr

Amentum is seeking a Control Tower Operator for a position on Kauai, HI . Supporting the Air Operations Department, as well as being cross-trained and cross-utilized, the candidate will independently ...

Air Traffic Control Tower Operator Responsibilities: Perform air traffic control duties as a full-performance controller. Function as a sole tower operator with all air traffic control performance ...

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Control Tower Operator information

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How much do control tower operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 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 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 are Control Tower Operators?

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 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.

Who are the top companies hiring for Control Tower Operator jobs? The top employers for Control Tower Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Control Tower Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Control Tower Operator jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Control Tower Operator jobs? For Control Tower Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Control Tower Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Full Time, 88% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,999 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Control Tower Operator

Amentum

Waimea, HI โ€ข On-site

$50.69/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Control Tower Operator

Amentum is seeking a Control Tower Operator for a position on Kauai, HI. Supporting the Air Operations Department, as well as being cross-trained and cross-utilized, the candidate will independently control and manage air and ground traffic in controlled space to promote the safe, orderly, and expeditious movement of aircraft.

Responsibilities

  • Provides flight planning, clearance assistance, local weather conditions and enroute traffic information to local and transient aircraft.
  • Provides ATC briefings to aircrews and facility visitors, including deploying units, as required.
  • Attends airfield meetings and briefings as required.
  • Maintains all publications necessary to ascertain that military and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published criteria are met.
  • Controls air and ground activity within the airfield area during operationally active periods.
  • Familiar with Special Use Airspace.
  • Prepares and submits periodic reports IAW with contract requirements.
  • Supports all operational requirements as scheduled in the Range Scheduling System
  • Operates and monitors control tower systems and equipment during Range Operations to assure that Range Control Officer is made aware of air traffic within and about operational areas.
  • Assists in preparing and developing new procedures and procedural changes.
  • Knowledge and experience in operating the Enhanced Terminal voice Switch (ETVS) and the Visual Information Display System (VIDS).
  • Participates in the required Annual CNIC N32 Shore Installation Airfield Operations Evaluation Report, Annual Naval Safety Center Airfield Survey Reports, & Annual CNAF ATC NATOPS Evaluation Reports.
  • Assists with the correction of discrepancy findings in the Formal Navy Inspections and forward updates on corrections for Plan of Actions Milestones (POAM) monthly submittals.
  • Reports any discrepancies/outages of the airfield facilities/equipment to Air Operations Department (Airfield Manager, Ground Electronics Maintenance Officer, Air Operations Officer, and Range Operations Supervisor) within 15 minutes of report.
  • Assists with the training of newly hired Air Traffic Controllers
  • Performs other duties as assigned by Supervisor

Working Environment

  • Working in a restricted operating compartment
  • Physical elements lifting/pushing/pulling 1-10 lbs.
  • Work positions requirements: sitting and repeated or frequent stair climbing.
  • Customer contact, extended workday, and confined work area.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience

  • Five years of progressively responsible experience is required in a related field, with a minimum of two years of experience being in the specific field of assignment.

Education/Certifications

  • A high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Must have formal military or civilian training as an Air Traffic Controller.
  • Must hold a valid FAA Control Tower Operator's License and a current FAA Class II Medical Certificate, renewed yearly (certified in accordance with FAR part 65).

Security Clearance

Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret US Government Clearance. Note: US Citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance. Applicants selected either must currently possess a Secret clearance or will be subject to a US Government Security Investigation and must meet eligibility requirements to obtain clearance prior to commencement of employment and maintain a security clearance for access to classified information or Closed/Restricted Areas throughout duration of employment.

Compensation Details:

$50.69

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
  • Educational reimbursement
  • Parental leave
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Tax-saving options
  • Disability and life insurance
  • Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.