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Control Tower Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

UPerio USA, LLC

Tower Crane Operator

Midland, TX · On-site

... 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 ...

UPerio USA, LLC

Tower Crane Operator

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

... 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 ...

UPerio USA, LLC

Tower Crane Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

... 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 ...

Dynamic Science Inc

Air Traffic Controller

El Paso, TX · On-site

Current and valid AC Form 8060-1, Control Tower Operators Certificate (CTO). * Current DA Form 2992, Medical Certificate for Army Class IV ATC Flight Physical (must meet AR 40-501, Paragraph 4-33 ...

PCM & Affiliated Companies

Excavator Operator

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$20.25 - $26.75/hr

Exclude "Crane and Tower Operator" and equipment operators who work in extraction or other non ... Attributes: · Control Precision - The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a ...

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Control Tower Operator information

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$13

$17

$21

How much do control tower operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 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.

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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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
Air Traffic Controller (ATC) Specialist

Air Traffic Controller (ATC) Specialist

Techwise

Fort Bliss, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Air Traffic Control Specialist

Level: Experienced

Job Location: Fort Bliss - El Paso, TX

Position Type: Non-Exempt

Job Shift: Varies

Status: Full Time


Job Summary:

Serves as an Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) at a Biggs Army Airfield, Fort Bliss, Texas. Responsible for the safe, orderly and expeditious flow of aircraft within an approximate five Nautical Mile radius of Fort Bliss' Class D Surface Area. Provides control instructions, air traffic separation, arrival and departure services to Fort Bliss and flight assistance to military and civilian aircraft operating under visual and instrument flight rules.

Responsibilities:

Responsible for sequencing, spacing, and issuing clearances and control instructions to aircraft operating in the Class D airspace. Utilizes Standard Terminal Automated Replacement System (STARS), Visual Flight Rules (VFR), Special VFR (SVFR), Copter VFR (CVFR), and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) to effect separation between arriving/departing air traffic. Considers:

  • Aircraft position, type, performance, and category
  • Condition and dimension capabilities of runways
  • Arrival and departure areas
  • Traffic patterns
  • Flight restrictions
  • Weather
  • Wake turbulence
  • Other air or ground traffic prior to issuing VFR/SVFR/CVFR/IFR clearances to aircraft

Assigns runways and other departure and arrival areas based on wind direction and speed, separation requirements, and aircraft needs. Determines methods and times by which arrivals and departures can be interspersed to maintain separation with the least delay to air and ground traffic. Observes measured geographic points to ascertain prevailing visibility and determines field condition points to ascertain prevailing visibility in less than four miles. Initiates crash/rescue services and safely controls vehicular runway and taxiway crossings. Inputs and receives aircraft movement messages and reviews Automatic Terminal Information Service.

Requirements:

  • Possess an active Secret clearance or higher
  • Possess a Control Tower Operator Certificate prior to appointment
  • Possess ATCS certification prior to appointment
  • Must be able to maintain a class IV flight physical

The successful candidate must be able to interpret civilian and military regulations and guidance. The candidate must be able to use good judgement in the performance of air traffic control operations and follow written/verbal instructions.

The candidate must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.

NOTE: The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees with this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

TechWise is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.


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