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Faa Air Traffic Control Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Monitor and direct the movement of aircraft on the ground and in the air Control all ground traffic at airport runways and taxiways Issue landing and takeoff instructions to pilots Transfer control ...

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Faa Air Traffic Control information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$34.4K

$105.8K

$180K

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

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for faa air traffic control in Riverside, CA is $105,771.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,200.00 and $140,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an FAA air traffic control?

An FAA Air Traffic Control job involves managing the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in the national airspace system. Air traffic controllers coordinate takeoffs, landings, and in-flight navigation to prevent collisions and minimize delays. They use radar, radio communication, and advanced technology to guide pilots and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Controllers work in control towers, approach and departure facilities, or en-route centers, depending on their specific role. The job requires strong decision-making skills, intense focus, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations.

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

To thrive as an FAA Air Traffic Control specialist, you need excellent situational awareness, multitasking abilities, quick decision-making skills, and typically an associate's or bachelor's degree along with passing the FAA's rigorous training program. Familiarity with radar systems, communication equipment, and FAA-specific traffic management software is essential. Strong communication, stress management, and teamwork skills distinguish outstanding controllers in this high-pressure field. These competencies are critical for ensuring the safe and efficient movement of aircraft and for maintaining order in busy and fast-changing airspace environments.

What is the typical work environment like for FAA air traffic control?

FAA Air Traffic Control specialists generally work in airport control towers, en route centers, or terminal radar approach control facilities, each presenting its own unique pace and set of responsibilities. The environment is highly structured and technology-driven, often requiring shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Controllers regularly collaborate with pilots, other controllers, and airport personnel to coordinate the safe and timely flow of air traffic. While the role is demanding and fast-paced, it offers a strong sense of teamwork and critical responsibility in ensuring aviation safety.

Can a 40 year old become a Faa Air Traffic Control?

Yes, a 40-year-old can become an FAA Air Traffic Controller as there is no maximum age limit for applicants. Candidates must meet education and medical requirements, pass a series of tests, and complete training, but age does not disqualify qualified individuals from entering the profession.

How do you become a FAA air traffic control?

To become a FAA air traffic controller, candidates must meet age and education requirements, pass a medical exam, and complete the FAA Academy training program. Applicants typically need a bachelor's degree or three years of related work experience, and must pass a series of tests including a biographical assessment, a written exam, and a medical evaluation. Successful candidates then undergo rigorous training before starting in the field.

Is it difficult to get hired as a FAA air traffic control?

Becoming an FAA air traffic controller is competitive and requires passing a series of rigorous assessments, including a written exam, medical and background checks, and a structured training program. Candidates often need strong communication skills, the ability to handle high-pressure situations, and relevant education or experience to succeed in the hiring process.

What job categories do people searching Faa Air Traffic Control jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Faa Air Traffic Control jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Faa Air Traffic Control jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Faa Air Traffic Control job openings:

Infographic showing various Faa Air Traffic Control job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,771 per year, or $50.9 per hour.

Air Traffic Control Specialist

San Bernardino, CA • On-site

$39.92/hr

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Air Traffic Control Tower

Responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic control duties in a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Air Traffic Control Tower.

Works under the general supervision of the Tower Manager who relies on the incumbent to perform established duties independently. On new or revised procedures, the manager gives detailed instructions and observes, and checks work during or immediately after completion according to complexity of the task or until satisfied the incumbent can perform it independently.

Makes decisions involving:

  • The order of departures that will assure all aircraft equitable treatment and will assure that departing IFR flights operate at the fix, altitude, and the time designated by the center or approach control clearances.
  • The times and direction of takeoff and any turns necessary for departure.
  • Whether inbound aircraft are to land immediately or circle and whether distances are lengthened to control the arrival of an aircraft at a given point.
  • The active runway and possible simultaneous use of other runways.
  • The time and methods by which arrivals and departures can be interspersed with the least delay to traffic.
  • When landing and departing aircraft are cleared to use the runways to assure standard separation between aircraft on the runways.
  • The sequence of arriving traffic, before it enters the traffic pattern, to assure a safe, orderly flow of aircraft on final approach to the landing runway.
  • That IFR separation standards are applied, as delegated by approach control of the center, in limited areas around the airport to provide initial separation between IFR arrivals and IFR departures and between successive IFR departures.
  • The sequence of VFR and IFR traffic, using radar equipment as an aid and, when delegated, separating IFR traffic.
  • When VFR flights through the airport traffic area can be authorized.

Determines the usability of communications frequencies available to him/her as other navigational aids used to control air traffic. Monitors navigational aids and monitors control panels, including BRITE display to determine acceptability of its alignment and display presentation. Instructs pilots to change radio frequencies/radar beacon codes.

When appropriate, coordinates with the other controllers on movements of both arrival and departure aircraft.

When traffic conditions warrant, controllers in non-approach terminals are responsible for:

  • Preplanning traffic sequencing and separation over an area which may reach out to a radius of 5 miles or more.
  • Preplanning and setting up check points required to ensure the maintenance of necessary traffic separation.
  • Maintaining a continuous mental picture and evaluation of a constantly changing traffic complex frequency dispersed over an equivalent geographic area.
  • Maintaining continuous radio watch with aircraft which have previously contacted the facility.
  • Accepting responsibility to handle IFR traffic at his/her airport.

Studies weather bureau reports and forecasts, obtains LAWRS/SAWRS weather certification, observes weather from the tower and records pilot reports to determine the effect of present and anticipated weather on traffic; furnishes aircraft with information such as field conditions, altimeter settings, weather conditions, operating status of navigational aids, and observed malfunctioning of aircraft, forwards to the weather bureau and the appropriate center, pilot weather reports and reports based upon personal observation of weather conditions; operates light guns, runway lights, field lighting, jet barriers etc.

Orients pilots of aircraft lost or in difficulty; determines whether a given situation may operations offices, airport management offices, and fire and ambulance services.

Performs lower grade level duties as necessary to meet operational requirements and for proficiency maintenance.

Provides OJT training to others.

Requirements:

Individual must have a CTO Certificate and a current Class II Medical Certificate. Position is subject to drug and/or alcohol testing per the DOT/FAA requirements (pre-employment, random, reasonable cause/suspicion, post-accident). 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 Tower.

Pay: $39.92 Per Hour

HW Rate: $4.93