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Control Tower Operator Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

1st shift Tower Operator

Saddle Brook, NJ · On-site

$18 - $21.50/hr

We are seeking a Machine Operator on the third shift to use our Tower/Respooling/Extruder machine ... Control and adjust machine settings (i.e., speed, temperature, etc) * Loads extruder hopper with ...

... all control functions respond properly. * Use the crane's load rating charts and diagrams to ... Operating the crane * Operate tower cranes using levers, wheels or foot pedals to lift and move ...

Integrate IAM standards into AWS Control Tower and accountvending workflows. * Partner with ... Experience operating IAM in regulated or highly controlled environments. * Familiarity with ...

Cloud IAM Architect, VP

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$67.75 - $86.25/hr

Integrate IAM standards into AWS Control Tower and account-vending workflows. * Partner with ... Experience operating IAM in regulated or highly controlled environments. * Familiarity with ...

... Control Tower, or Air Traffic Control functions, including executive governance, service ... Experience operating within regulatory, risk, and control frameworks, including technology risk ...

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Control Tower Operator information

See New York salary details

$16

$21

$24

How much do control tower operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for control tower operator in New York is $21.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.94 and $23.12 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.

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 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.

What job categories do people searching Control Tower Operator jobs in New York look for? The top searched job categories for Control Tower Operator jobs in New York are:
What are popular job titles related to Control Tower Operator jobs in NY? For Control Tower Operator jobs in NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Control Tower Operator job openings in New York as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,761 per year, or $21 per hour.

Assistant Professor, Aviation (Non-Tenure Track)

Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology

East Elmhurst, NY

$73K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Position Purpose

Vaughn College seeks applicants for a full-time non tenure track faculty position in the Department of Aviation. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in the aviation department in the teaching and assessment of the curriculum. The selected individual shall have the primary responsibility of teaching 12 credit hours minimum in aviation related courses including FAR Part 141 flight ground courses. This student centric position shall be responsible to deliver service excellence support to meet the needs of the college and industry community.

Job Responsibilities

  • Provides instructions to students for the B.S. and A.A.S degree in Aircraft Operations-Pilots License with a concentration in Flight Education. Teaches a course load minimum of 12 credit hours per (Fall and Spring) semester.
  • Assists in maintaining all FAA related records for the Part 141 flight training courses.
  • Maintain a thorough understanding of technology, learning management systems, and computer applications is essential.
  • Performs other duties and responsibilities as required or deemed appropriate to the accomplishments of the responsibilities and functions of the Aviation department.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Must have the following current licenses:
    • FAA Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License, Flight Instructor Airplane, Instrument Airplane & multiengine rating.
    • Ground Instructor Advanced & Instrument; ATP license Multiengine
  • Proficiency in MS Office Suite, as well as knowledge and understanding of the organizational structure, workflow, and operating procedures.
  • Ability to handle information of sensitive and confidential nature in the utmost professional manner. Demonstrate a high level of professionalism, initiative, resourcefulness, and personal accountability.
  • Maintain the privacy and confidentiality of information, protect the assets of the institution, act ethically and with integrity, and adhere to Vaughn’s Code of Conduct and policies and procedures.
  • Effective analytical and decision-making skills. Excellent communication (oral and written), organizational, and time management skills. Effective interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse constituents.
  • Attention to detail and adaptability to a changing environment is extremely important as well as dependability.
  • Manage, prioritize, and accomplish multiple tasks/projects simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment.

Professional Skills

  • Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
  • Innovative: Introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
  • Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
  • Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Education and Experience Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree (masters preferred) with 5 year’s related experience and appropriate FAA Required current licenses as stated.
  • Current civilian or military Pilot Education experience
  • Must have the following current licenses:
    • FAA Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License, Flight Instructor Airplane, Instrument Airplane & multiengine rating.
    • Ground Instructor Advanced & Instrument; ATP license Multiengine
  • Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours, ability to maintain a flexible work schedule that may include working nights and weekends.
  • A thorough understanding of technology, learning management systems, and computer applications is essential

Work environment and physical functions

This position is located in a classroom/office environment at Vaughn College our Part 141 Flight School. Generally an employee needs to be able to sit, stand, and navigate within the office area. The office equipment either individually used or shared with a department is the responsibility of all employees. Moderate physical activity. Requires handling objects of average weight up to (20) twenty pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.

Compensation

The compensation for this position is $73,500 per year.