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Control Tower Operator Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

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Lead Cloud Platform Engineer

Canton, OH · On-site +1

$120K - $130K/yr

Own AWS Config and organizational guardrails (Service Control Policies, Control Tower where ... Experience operating multi-tenant SaaS products at scale * Familiarity with the Criminal Justice ...

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Control Tower Operator information

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$14

$18

$21

How much do control tower operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for control tower operator in Ohio is $18.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $20.10 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.

More about Control Tower Operator jobs
What are popular job titles related to Control Tower Operator jobs in Ohio? For Control Tower Operator jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Control Tower Operator jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Control Tower Operator jobs in Ohio are:
What are popular job titles related to Control Tower Operator jobs in OH? For Control Tower Operator jobs in OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Control Tower Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Control Tower Operator job openings in Ohio as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,027 per year, or $18.3 per hour.
Part Time Test Driver - 11:45 pm - 8:15 am

Part Time Test Driver - 11:45 pm - 8:15 am

TRC Inc

East Liberty, OH • On-site

$15.75/hr

Part-time

Posted 4 days ago

TRC Companies rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 352 rated engineering

Job description

Starting pay: $15.75/hr.
Shift premium: $2.00/hr.
Optional weekend premium(s): $1.00/hr. per weekend day
CDL and/or Motorcycle endorsement: $1.50/hr.
Attendance bonus: $300/week
Hours: 11:45 pm - 08:15 am
Purpose
Our part-time test driver team operates customer vehicles performing
test procedures to develop future vehicles for the road. Test Drivers are
a crucial part of TRC's mobility research and this role is a great way to
step foot into the exciting world of vehicle development!
Essential Functions*
  • Read vehicle test plans and follow written and/or verbal test procedures
  • Follow safe work practices and safely operate a motor vehicle
  • Write notes and official documentation related to the test
  • Develop thorough knowledge of facility operating guidelines
  • Communicate to control tower operations through a hand-held radio
  • Assist Customers in person onsite visits
  • Enforce customer confidentiality

*TRC Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer and is willing to make a change or adjustment to a job or work environment that allows a qualified individual with a disability to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of a particular job.
**Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Other Duties and Responsibilities (Non-Essential Functions)
  • Support TRC Inc.'s Quality and EH&S (Environmental, Health, and Safety) efforts
  • Operate passenger vehicles, busses, and trucks over rough roads
  • Record achievement of required test miles or cycles per shift
  • Assist customers in person on-site visits and over the phone

Qualifications
  • Valid state DMV-issued or valid foreign country-issued driver's license
  • Must be a minimum 18 years old
  • High School diploma or GED is required
  • Minimum of two years valid driving experience
  • Less than six points and/or three moving violations on driving record within last three years
  • Legible handwriting
  • Able to follow written and verbal directions given by the supervisor or customer
  • General knowledge of electrical, electronics, and/or mechanical components or equipment
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Working conditions
  • May be exposed to temperatures below 0 degrees and above 95 degrees
  • May be exposed to inclement weather
  • May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, such as gas and oil
  • Majority of time spent inside of a motor vehicle

Physical requirements
  • Ability to move objects weighing up to 25 pounds
  • Ability to drive for long periods of time on bumps and rough roads resulting in persistent vibration, jarring, and uneven impact to the back, neck, shoulders, arms, and hands for an extended period of time
  • Capable of positioning one's self into bending, stretching, climbing, or awkward positions
  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position for an extended period of time
  • Ability to communicate with customers and co-workers
  • Ability to enter work times into a computer
  • Able to speak and hear through a hand-held radio

Disclaimer
It is the policy of TRC Inc. to provide equal opportunity in all areas of employment practices, without regard to race, color, caste, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic conditions), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran or military status, medical leave or other types of protected leave (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other characteristic protected by state or federal anti-discrimination law covering employment.

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