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Faa Atc Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

ZMP Air Traffic Control Instructor-II

Farmington, MN · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

A well-trained Air Traffic Control (ATC) workforce plays an essential role in fulfilling this responsibility. The FAA employs more than 14,000 air traffic controllers. They work in air traffic ...

SAIC

ZMP Remote Pilot Operator

Farmington, MN · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

A well-trained Air Traffic Control (ATC) workforce plays an essential role in fulfilling this responsibility. The FAA employs more than 14,000 air traffic controllers. They work in air traffic ...

SAIC

ZMP Remote Pilot Operator

Farmington, MN · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

A well-trained Air Traffic Control (ATC) workforce plays an essential role in fulfilling this responsibility. The FAA employs more than 14,000 air traffic controllers. They work in air traffic ...

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Faa Atc information

See Minnesota salary details

$43.1K

$98K

$182.2K

How much do faa atc jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for faa atc in Minnesota is $97,974.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $115,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an FAA air traffic controller?

FAA Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) are professionals responsible for coordinating the safe and orderly movement of aircraft in the nation's airspace. They work in control towers, approach control facilities, and en route centers to provide instructions to pilots during takeoff, landing, and while flying between airports. Their primary goal is to prevent collisions, organize and expedite the flow of air traffic, and provide information and support for pilots. Becoming an ATC requires specialized training and passing rigorous exams, as the role is demanding and requires quick decision-making under pressure.

What challenges do FAA air traffic controllers face during high-traffic periods, and how are they supported in managing stress?

FAA Air Traffic Controllers often encounter intense periods of high air traffic, especially during peak travel times or inclement weather. These situations demand quick decision-making, strong concentration, and effective communication with pilots and other controllers. To help manage the stress associated with these challenges, the FAA provides comprehensive training, regular breaks, and access to support resources such as peer groups and employee assistance programs. Team collaboration is also emphasized, ensuring controllers can rely on one another during demanding shifts.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an FAA air traffic controller, and why are they important?

To thrive as an FAA Air Traffic Controller, you need strong spatial awareness, quick decision-making, and excellent communication skills, typically supported by specialized FAA training and certification through the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) or military experience. Familiarity with radar systems, flight tracking software, and radio communication tools is essential. High stress tolerance, attention to detail, and teamwork are critical soft skills in this high-pressure, safety-focused role. These skills are vital to ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft, prevent collisions, and maintain order in busy airspaces.

What is the difference between Faa Atc vs Faa Flight Service Specialist?

AspectFaa AtcFaa Flight Service Specialist
Required CertificationsFAA Air Traffic Control CertificationFAA Flight Service Station Certification
Work EnvironmentControl towers, radar facilities, en-route centersFlight service stations, communication centers
Employer & Industry UsageFederal Aviation Administration, airports, en-route centersFAA, general aviation, commercial flight support

Faa Atc and Faa Flight Service Specialist roles both serve the aviation industry but differ in responsibilities and work settings. Faa Atc primarily manages air traffic control in towers and en-route centers, ensuring safe aircraft movement. Faa Flight Service Specialists provide pre-flight planning, weather updates, and flight advisories from communication stations. Both roles require FAA certifications and are vital to aviation safety, but they focus on different aspects of air traffic management and support services.

Can a 40 year old become a Federal Aviation Administration air traffic controller?

Yes, a 40-year-old can become an FAA air traffic controller as there is no maximum age limit for applicants. Candidates must meet specific requirements including U.S. citizenship, a background check, and passing medical and aptitude tests. Age is not a barrier as long as all qualifications are met and training is completed successfully.

How much does a FAA air traffic controller make?

FAA air traffic controllers typically earn a median annual salary of around $130,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $80,000 to over $180,000 depending on experience, location, and shift differentials. They are required to pass rigorous training and obtain certification through the FAA before starting work in control towers or en-route centers.

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

Becoming an FAA air traffic controller is highly competitive due to strict qualification requirements, including a written exam, medical and background checks, and a demanding training program. Candidates often face a lengthy selection process with a limited number of openings each year, making the job challenging to obtain.

What are popular job titles related to Faa Atc jobs in Minnesota?

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What job categories do people searching Faa Atc jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Faa Atc jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Faa Atc jobs?

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Faa Atc jobs near you
Infographic showing various Faa Atc job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,974 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

ZMP Air Traffic Control Instructor-II

SAIC

Farmington, MN

$40K - $80K/yr

Part-time

Re-posted 19 hours ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 224 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2615006

Location: Farmington, MN, US

Date Posted: 2026-07-28

Category: Training

Subcategory: Training Analyst

Schedule: Part-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: None

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description


  • ATTN FERS RETIREES: Earnings received as an ATC Instructor, ATC Training Instructional Supervisor, or Contractor Site Supervisor working on this program are EXEMPT from the Supplemental Annuity earnings limits for FERS retirees between the ages of 56 and 62.

We are looking for an experienced, Casual, Air Traffic Control Instructor-II to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Minneapolis ARTCC (ZMP), located at Farmington, MN, supporting air traffic controller training services for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The successful candidate for this position must demonstrate strong technical skills with current ATC automation, simulation systems and procedures. This position may provide mentoring for students and Remote Pilot Operators (RPO), and may participate in curriculum design and development. The selected candidate must demonstrate the knowledge and skills applicable for obtaining radar and/or non-radar simulation laboratory certifications at FAA air traffic control facilities within the U.S. National Airspace System.

The CTS Instructor is a hands-on position that requires the candidate to effectively and consistently deliver the highest quality classroom and/or simulation laboratory training to a wide variety of students including developmental air traffic controllers and Certified Professional Controllers (CPC).

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring that air traffic control specialists provide the flying public with a high level of safety and professionalism. A well-trained Air Traffic Control (ATC) workforce plays an essential role in fulfilling this responsibility. The FAA employs more than 14,000 air traffic controllers. They work in air traffic facilities of varying sizes, safely separating more than 50,000 aircraft in the National Airspace System (NAS) each day.

To provide such air traffic services, the FAA trains new air traffic control specialists and provides recurrent training to current air traffic control specialists. The FAA utilizes Contractor-provided instructional services at FAA ATC facilities throughout the U.S. and its Territories to ensure these training needs are met. The scope of the contractor-provided services includes all training and training program support to successfully train and prepare students to become fully certified air traffic controllers. SAIC must provide training and training related support services as required for all types and levels of ATC facilities.

Qualifications



Required Qualifications:

  • US Citizenship is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance
  • The CTS Instructor candidate must have a minimum of five (5) years of FAA CPC experience controlling live traffic, or recent experience as a contract Instructor at an FAA facility. Experience must have been at the same type and same [or greater] level of ATC facility as the Minneapolis ARTCC (ZMP)

Desired Skills and Experience:

  • Direct experience as a Certified Professional Controller (CPC) at the Minneapolis ARTCC (ZMP) is preferred but not required
  • Operational Experience with ATC simulators including scenario design for simulation platforms (e.g. TSS, AT Coach, SGET, etc.)
  • Demonstrated ability to interface effectively with FAA personnel at all levels to ensure the delivery of training services meet the needs of the local facility, as well as the FAA’s overall Air Traffic Control mission is highly desired
  • Experience demonstrating excellent teaching and/or platform skills, classroom management techniques, and a student-focused drive for continuous improvement

Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required
  • FAA Certified Professional Controller (CPC) certification required with the ability to obtain and maintain Instructor-II Simulation Laboratory and Classroom Certification

Target salary range: $40,001 - $80,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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