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Control Tower Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Dynamic Science Inc

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

Houston, TX · On-site

Function as a sole tower operator with all Air Traffic Control performance requirements. Perform all basic weather watch functions during assigned shifts. · Operate Tower positions of Local Control ...

Dynamic Science Inc

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

Houston, TX · On-site

Function as a sole tower operator with all Air Traffic Control performance requirements. Perform all basic weather watch functions during assigned shifts. • Operate Tower positions of Local Control ...

Robinson Aviation

Air Traffic Control Specialist

Waco, TX · On-site

$44.35/hr

Individual must have held a Control Tower Operator Certificate (CTO) with a facility rating or have held an FAA Credential with a tower rating, for a minimum of six months in an Air Traffic Control ...

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How much do control tower operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for control tower operator in Texas is $17.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $19.71 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.

More about Control Tower Operator jobs
What are popular job titles related to Control Tower Operator jobs in Texas? For Control Tower Operator jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Control Tower Operator jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Control Tower Operator jobs in Texas are:
What are popular job titles related to Control Tower Operator jobs in TX? For Control Tower Operator jobs in TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Control Tower Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Control Tower Operator job openings in Texas 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 $37,266 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

Dynamic Science, Inc.

Houston, TX • On-site

Other

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Description

Responsibilities: Perform air traffic control duties as a full-performance controller. Function as a sole tower operator with all Air Traffic Control performance requirements. Perform all basic weather watch functions during assigned shifts. 

 Operate Tower positions of Local Control, Ground Control, Flight Data, and Clearance Delivery

 Fulfill assigned duties as Controller-in-Charge

 Train other controllers and trainees in all tower positions 

 Construct, record, and electronically transmit surface weather observations 

 Obtain and transmit all pilot reports

 Advise maintenance technicians of all equipment problems

Location/Duty Schedule:

This is a part-time position at Ellington Airport in Houston, Texas. The facility operates 24 hours/7 days per week. You will be required to work during all shifts, including weekends and holidays, as may be required.

Requirements

Experience:

 Hold a current Control Tower Operator (CTO) certificate (REQUIRED)

 Minimum of 3 years experience in ATC duties in a control tower (REQUIRED)

Qualifications

 Must have completed US military or FAA ATC technical training (REQUIRED)

 Must have or be able to hold a Class 2 FAA medical certificate (REQUIRED)

 Must have or be able to obtain a Department of Defense (DOD) security clearance (REQUIRED)

. Must be a US Citizen (REQUIRED)

 Must possess a background in weather observation and complete the federal weather certification program. Must be capable of performing the total weather watch function alone and independently. (REQUIRED)

 Must pass pre-employment drug testing and a basic background screening (REQUIRED)


Equal Employment Opportunity/disability/protected veteran status

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