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Control Tower Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LGSTX Services

Control Tower Operator

Wilmington, OH

The Control Tower Operator is responsible to manage the safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic at the Wilmington Airport. The Tower Operator will be responsible for the separation of air ...

Amentum

Control Tower Operator

Waimea, HI · 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 ...

Pae

Control Tower Operator

Waimea, HI

$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 ...

Bdp International

Head of Control Tower

Houston, TX

$24.75 - $30.25/hr

Oversee all Control Tower functions including daily operations, exception management, LSP engagement, and supplier coordination as defined in the operating model. Ensure continuous improvement ...

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How much do control tower operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 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 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 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 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.

How do you become 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 procedures. Many positions require certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or relevant authority, which involves passing written and practical exams, and gaining experience through on-the-job training or internships. Strong communication, decision-making skills, and the ability to work under pressure are essential for this role.

Did air traffic controllers get paid $10,000?

Control Tower Operators, who manage aircraft movements at airports, typically earn salaries well above $10,000 per month, with average annual wages ranging from $50,000 to over $130,000 depending on experience and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, but experienced controllers with certifications can earn significantly higher salaries.

How much do tower controllers make?

Control tower operators, also known as air traffic controllers, typically earn a median annual salary of around $130,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and certifications, with additional pay for shift work and overtime.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

Control Tower Operators typically do not earn $10,000 a month without specialized training and experience. High-paying roles that can reach this level often involve skilled trades, sales, or entrepreneurship, but most require relevant skills, certifications, or experience rather than just a degree. Jobs with such high earnings usually demand significant responsibility and expertise.

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.

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Control Tower Operator jobs near you
Control Tower Operator

Control Tower Operator

LGSTX Services

Wilmington, OH

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

LGSTX Services rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 53 rated aviation services

Job description

The Control Tower Operator is responsible to manage the safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic at the Wilmington Airport. The Tower Operator will be responsible for the separation of air traffic in accordance with FAA regulations and guidance while working the local and ground control positions.

Job Functions:

  • Manage safe and orderly flow of air traffic at the Wilmington Air Park. This will require working local, ground or both positions simultaneously.
  • Coordinate emergency response to aircraft incidents and accidents.
  • Issue NOTAMs for equipment and facility outages.
  • Assures safe transition of aircraft from local air traffic control to assigned parking. During departures they assign the most efficient starting sequence to minimize taxi times and departure holds. During icing conditions, they ensure holdover times are not exceeded.
  • Maintains a record of all abnormal situations for distribution to management personnel. Codes problems accordingly.
  • Monitors airport operations to ensure all components are operating properly and issues advisories to air traffic as required.

Required Job Skills:

  • Must be at least 23 years of age and hold an FAA Control Tower Operators License.
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience as a Control Tower Operator at a control tower which includes VFR Tower Operations with heavy jet operations.
  • Familiarity with business jet and military operations along with exposure to UAV operations.
  • Must have Controller in Charge experience.
  • FAA Control Tower Operator License with the ability to qualify at KILN within 6 months.
  • Ability to obtain Weather Observers License within first year of employment.

Preferred Job Skills:

  • NWS Weather Observers License

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