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Dod Air Traffic Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

MDW Air Traffic Control Instructor

Chicago, IL

$40K - $80K/yr

We are looking for an experienced, Casual, Air Traffic Control Instructor-II to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Chicago Midway ATCT (MDW) , located at Chicago, IL ...

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How much do dod air traffic control jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for dod air traffic control in the United States is $101,385.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a DoD air traffic control?

A DoD Air Traffic Control (ATC) job involves managing military air traffic to ensure safe and efficient operations. Controllers coordinate takeoffs, landings, and in-flight movements of military aircraft using radar, radio communication, and navigation systems. They work in control towers, approach control facilities, or en-route centers, following strict protocols to maintain airspace security. This role requires specialized training, certification, and a high level of situational awareness.

What are the typical daily responsibilities for someone working in DoD air traffic control?

Daily responsibilities for DoD Air Traffic Control professionals include monitoring radar screens, issuing clearances and instructions to military pilots, coordinating airspace usage, and responding to any changes in weather or mission priorities. You will communicate continuously with other controllers, pilots, and command teams to ensure the safe and efficient flow of aircraft within assigned airspace. The role often involves working variable shifts, paying close attention to detail, and making real-time decisions in high-pressure situations. Controllers play a key part in military readiness, supporting both routine operations and critical mission flights.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in DoD air traffic control?

To thrive as a DoD Air Traffic Control professional, you need strong situational awareness, decision-making skills, and thorough knowledge of FAA regulations, often supported by specialized military training and certification. Familiarity with radar systems, radios, flight data processing equipment, and standardized procedural software is crucial. Excellent communication, stress management, and teamwork abilities help controllers coordinate effectively and maintain focus under pressure. These skills are critical for ensuring the safety and efficiency of military airspace operations in dynamic and high-stakes environments.

Does the government hire Dod Air Traffic Control?

Yes, the Department of Defense (DoD) employs air traffic controllers to manage military and national security airspace. These positions often require security clearances, specialized training, and certifications such as the FAA Air Traffic Control Tower Operator Certificate. Employment is typically through federal hiring processes and may involve working at military bases or defense facilities.

How to become a DOD air traffic controller?

To become a DOD air traffic controller, candidates must meet age and citizenship requirements, pass a medical exam and background check, and complete specialized training at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Academy or military training programs. Strong communication, decision-making skills, and the ability to work under pressure are essential, along with obtaining necessary security clearances.
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Dod Air Traffic Control jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dod Air Traffic Control job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $101,385 per year, or $48.7 per hour.

Air Traffic Control Specialist

Schofield Barracks, HI • On-site

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 49 rated military and defense

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)external

$93K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

About the Position: Serves as an Air Traffic Control Specialist in an Army Airfield Control Tower responsible for the efficient use of the Class D airspace and traffic patterns to minimize delays and maximize effective mission time for aviators under tower control.Qualifications:

This position is covered under Special Retirement Coverage (SRC) and may have both a maximum entry age and mandatory retirement date.
Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.

  • 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans
  • Current Department of Army Civilian Employees
  • Current Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army)
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
  • Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentality (NAFI)
  • Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
  • Reinstatement

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes advising pilots of traffic patterns, weather/airfield conditions, and giving clearance for landing/take off in a military or civilian air traffic control facility. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-10).
In addition to meeting the specialized experience requirement above, applicants must also be a graduate of a DoD component or FAA approved formal Air Traffic Controller school and possess Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) and Control Tower Operator (CTO) certification. NOTE: You must attach copies of your certifications to your application package. Failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating.
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.
You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency in the following areas:
  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Decision Making
  • Flexibility
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Learning
  • Reasoning
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teamwork

Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-10).
Maximum Entry Age: Employees hired for the first time ("originally hired") into GS-2152 positions must not exceed the established Maximum Entry Age (MEA) at the time of appointment. The MEA for an Air Traffic Controller (ATC) is 36. An employee originally hired into a covered ATC position must be hired by the last day of the month he/she reaches 36 unless a waiver from Department of Army is approved prior to appointment.
As this is a Special Retirement covered ATC position, your application package must include a government-issued document indicating your date of birth. Failure to submit this document will result in your application being marked as incomplete and you WILL NOT receive further consideration for this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS: During emergency situations the work may become extremely stressful. The incumbent must maintain necessary alertness, self-control, and emotional stability and be able to make rapid decisions and use precise judgment under emergency conditions. As required by staffing, workload, and mission requirements, incumbent may be required to work during other than normal duty hours which may include working nights, weekends, and holidays.

Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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