ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Control Tower Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PSA BDP

Head of Control Tower

Houston, TX · On-site

... in the operating model. • Ensure continuous improvement activities are embedded in daily ... Represent Control Tower operations in SteerCo reviews, QBR/MBR presentations, and program ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsControl Tower Operator Jobs

Control Tower Operator information

See salary details

$14

$19

$22

How much do control tower operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for control tower operator in the United States is $19.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.15 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
Who are the top companies hiring for Control Tower Operator jobs? The top employers for Control Tower Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Control Tower Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Control Tower Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Control Tower Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Control Tower Operator jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Control Tower Operator jobs? For Control Tower Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Control Tower Operator jobs near you

Head of Control Tower

PSA BDP

Houston, TX • On-site

Other

Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

PSA BDP rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Title
Head of Control Tower
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Location
Houston, TX 77032 US (Primary)
Career Level
Professional
Category
Operations
Job Type
Permanent
Job Description
BridgeNet Solutions, a member of the PSA Group, has provided sourcing, analytics, and technology solutions to help customers achieve their strategic objectives since 2001. BridgeNet's customer base spans Fortune 500 and Global 2000, and with annual logistics spend under management of over $5.4 billion, is well positioned to support its customers' complex global supply chains.
The Head of Control Tower is the senior operational leader responsible for overseeing all Control Tower resources, ensuring global consistency in service delivery, and driving operational excellence across the BridgeNet 4PL program. This role aligns global Control Tower operations with program strategy, owns operations-based client relationships, and is accountable for all day-to-day operational performance metrics and customer-driven KPIs. The Head of Control Tower resolves complex exceptions, drives structured problem solving, and provides direct leadership to Service Delivery Managers, Logistics Coordinators, and the LSP Manager. This role requires senior operational leadership, deep logistics domain expertise, and strong client relationship management capability.
Key Responsibilities:
• Oversee and manage all Control Tower resources globally, ensuring adequate staffing, performance standards, and cross-regional consistency in service delivery.
• Align global Control Tower operations with program strategy, ensuring day-to-day execution consistently supports overall program goals and client commitments.
• Establish, track, and report on operational performance metrics and customer-driven KPIs, driving accountability across the full Control Tower team.
• Own key operations-based relationships with Client operational stakeholders, serving as the primary escalation point for operational performance issues.
• Resolve complex exceptions, supply chain disruptions, and multi-party coordination challenges that exceed the authority of Service Delivery Managers.
• Drive structured problem-solving and root cause analysis for recurring operational failures, implementing sustainable corrective actions.
• Provide direct leadership and professional development guidance to Service Delivery Managers, Logistics Coordinators, and the LSP Manager.
• Oversee all Control Tower functions including daily operations, exception management, LSP engagement, and supplier coordination as defined in the operating model.
• Ensure continuous improvement activities are embedded in daily operations, leveraging TMS and visibility platform data to identify efficiency opportunities.
• Represent Control Tower operations in SteerCo reviews, QBR/MBR presentations, and program governance forums.
Exemption Type
Exempt (Salaried)
Job Requirements
EDUCATION
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations Management, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
10+ years in logistics or supply chain operations management with 5+ years in a senior Control Tower, service delivery, or operations leadership role.
REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
• Deep expertise in global transportation management, carrier operations, exception management, and multi-modal supply chain execution.
• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing logistics operations teams across multiple geographies and time zones.
• Strong TMS proficiency with demonstrated ability to leverage platform data for operational governance and performance reporting.
• Excellent client relationship management skills with experience owning operational SLA accountability for Fortune 500 accounts.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve complex, multi-party supply chain exceptions through structured problem-solving and decisive leadership.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience supporting oil and gas, energy, or remote/offshore logistics operations.
• Familiarity with BridgeNet Xonar Control Tower, Smart Navigator, or comparable supply chain platforms.
• APICS CSCP or equivalent supply chain operations certification.
TRAVEL REQUIRED: Yes - up to 15%
PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES
This position is considered sedentary. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, use hands and arms, and communicate verbally and in writing. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
Please note: There is no relocation or immigration assistance associated with this opening.
Compensation based on experience. We offer a very competitive salary, full benefits, matching 401(k), tuition reimbursement, and casual dress environment.
Please visit our website: www.bdpinternational.com
*** This is a great opportunity to advance your career! Come join our growing BDP team!***
BDP International - The Employer of Choice
Follow BDP International Career Pages!
Facebook l Twitter l LinkedIn
#LI-CB1

About PSA BDP

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Transportation and warehousing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US

Year founded

1966

View All PSA BDP Jobs

Apply