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Control Tower Operator Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

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Control Tower Operator information

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$14

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How much do control tower operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 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.

How much does an ATC operator get paid?

Control Tower Operators, also known as Air Traffic Control (ATC) operators, typically earn a median annual salary of around $130,000, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced controllers in high-traffic areas can earn over $180,000 annually.

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, followed by specialized training or certification in air traffic control or related fields. Many employers require prior experience or certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or equivalent authority, and operators must pass medical and background checks, along with ongoing training to maintain certification.

Did air traffic controllers get paid $10,000?

Control tower operators, a type of air traffic controller, typically earn salaries that vary based on experience, location, and certification level. In the United States, the average annual salary for air traffic controllers is around $130,000, well above $10,000, with entry-level positions starting lower but increasing with experience and overtime opportunities.

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, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and certifications. They are responsible for managing aircraft movements in airports and require specialized training and certification to ensure safety and efficiency.

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
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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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,027 per year, or $18.3 per hour.
Crane Operator - Columbus, OH

Crane Operator - Columbus, OH

Messer Construction

Columbus, OH • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Messer Construction rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description

Messer Construction Co. is an award-winning construction manager and general contractor that provides leadership for complex commercial building projects. We are currently accepting applications for seasoned Operators wanting to advance their construction careers. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of commercial construction and remodeling practices as well as a comprehensive understanding of procedures, techniques, tools, equipment, materials, specifications, quality and cost control measures and safety requirements associated with commercial building.  

What You Will Do:  

  • Operate hydraulic, lattice boom or tower cranes  
  • Operate other types of equipment (backhoes, excavators, skid steers, RTFs, etc.)   
  • Manual moving of formwork, lumber, resteel and material / accessories  
  • Placing concrete from a truck, pump, bucket, buggy, conveyor, etc.  
  • Use of demolition tools: jack hammer, air tools, sledgehammer, etc.  
  • Know how to inspect the crane for unsafe conditions, complete required records, and communicate the unsafe conditions to the proper authority  
  • Ability to adapt to Laborer or Carpenter activities when necessary  
  • Other tasks as directed by supervisor  

What You Will Bring:  

  • NCCCO or similar certification for minimum of 3 years with specialties in LAT, TLL, TWR  
  • High school diploma or equivalent  
  • Minimum of five years’ experience in all phases of commercial construction  
  • Candidates must have transportation  
  • Good communication skills  
  • Be willing to work within a 50 mile radius  
  • Be able to work in a variety of seasonal and weather conditions  
  • Willing to travel to other Messer Regions  

Your decisions influence your career at every step: Make yours count with Messer Construction Co. In business since 1932 and employee-owned since 1990, Messer builds projects and careers that leave a lasting impact on our communities. We bring opportunities for collaboration and growth; you bring the determination. Let’s build something great together.  

We provide an excellent and comprehensive compensation package with unlimited opportunity for personal and professional growth.   
All Messer employees are required to comply with our Substance Abuse Prevention Policy as a condition of employment. Messer may condition offers employment upon taking and passing of a post-offer/pre-employment drug screen as well as random substance abuse testing.   
Messer is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity.  

Messer is committed to a diverse workforce.  

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