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Flight Tower Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IGC Inc.

T5 Tower Staff

Chicago, IL

Summary The Terminal 5 Ramp Tower Coordinator plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and ... Document flight delays and associated impacts. Record overnight aircraft stays. Participate in ...

IGC Inc.

T5 Tower Staff

Chicago, IL · On-site

SummaryThe Terminal 5 Ramp Tower Coordinator plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and ... Document flight delays and associated impacts.Record overnight aircraft stays.Participate in ...

Pae

ATC Terminal

Indian Springs, NV · On-site

Possess knowledge of Air Force, DoD and FAA flight directives. * Must have a CTO issued by the FAA and a total of eight (8) years ATC experience with at least two (2) years Control Tower supervisory ...

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Flight Tower information

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$14

$28

$47

How much do flight tower jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight tower in the United States is $28.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by flight tower controllers, and how do they manage high-pressure situations?

Flight tower controllers often encounter challenges such as managing multiple aircraft simultaneously, adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, and coordinating with various teams to ensure safety and efficiency. High-pressure situations, like unexpected emergencies or heavy traffic periods, require clear communication, quick decision-making, and strict adherence to protocols. Training, teamwork, and the use of advanced technology help controllers maintain composure and make accurate judgments to keep air traffic flowing safely.

How much do plane tower people make?

Air traffic controllers, including those working in control towers, typically earn a median annual salary of around $130,000, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and certification level. They also often work in shifts and require specialized training and certification from the Federal Aviation Administration or relevant authority.

Did air traffic controllers get paid $10,000?

Air traffic controllers typically earn salaries well above $10,000 per month, with entry-level positions starting around $40,000 to $50,000 annually and experienced controllers earning over $130,000 annually. Compensation depends on experience, location, and certifications, and the job involves managing aircraft movements in busy airspace using radar and communication tools.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Air Traffic Controller, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Air Traffic Controller, you need strong situational awareness, quick decision-making, and a relevant qualification such as completion of an FAA-approved training program. Familiarity with radar systems, radio communication equipment, and air traffic control software is essential. Exceptional communication, multitasking, and stress management abilities make someone stand out in this demanding role. These skills are crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of air traffic operations in high-pressure environments.

What jobs make $10,000 a month without a degree?

In the flight tower or aviation industry, high-paying roles such as experienced air traffic controllers can earn around $10,000 or more per month, often requiring specialized training and certification rather than a traditional degree. Other high-income jobs without degrees include commercial pilots, certain sales or real estate professionals, and skilled trades like elevator installers, but these typically require specific skills, licenses, or extensive experience.

What jobs in the U.S. pay $300,000 a year?

In the U.S., high-paying jobs related to flight towers are rare, but roles such as airline executives, aerospace engineers, and senior air traffic control managers can reach or exceed $300,000 annually with experience and bonuses. These positions typically require advanced education, specialized skills, and extensive experience in aviation or related fields.

What is the difference between Flight Tower vs Air Traffic Controller?

AspectFlight TowerAir Traffic Controller
Primary RoleManage aircraft movements on the ground and in the immediate vicinity of airportsCoordinate and direct aircraft in the airspace and at airports
Work EnvironmentAirport control towers, ground and tower operationsControl centers, airports, en-route sectors
CertificationsFAA or equivalent tower certification, radar and radio operation trainingFAA or equivalent air traffic control certification, radar and communication skills
Industry UsageUsed at airports for ground and tower controlUsed across airports, en-route, and approach sectors

Both Flight Tower personnel and Air Traffic Controllers play vital roles in aviation safety. Flight Tower staff primarily manage aircraft movements on the ground and within the airport vicinity, while Air Traffic Controllers oversee aircraft in the airspace and coordinate safe flight paths. Although their responsibilities differ, they require similar certifications and work closely to ensure safe and efficient air travel.

What are Flight Tower controllers?

Flight Tower controllers, also known as air traffic controllers, are professionals who manage aircraft movements on and around airport runways and taxiways. They are responsible for issuing takeoff and landing instructions, ensuring safe distances between planes, and coordinating ground traffic. Their work is essential to maintaining safety and efficiency in busy airport environments. Flight Tower controllers use radar, radios, and visual signals to communicate with pilots and other controllers.
More about Flight Tower jobs
What states have the most Flight Tower jobs? States with the most job openings for Flight Tower jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Flight Tower jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Tower jobs are:
Flight Tower jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Tower job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,871 per year, or $28.3 per hour.
Mechanical Engineer, Tower & Launch Mount (Starship)

Mechanical Engineer, Tower & Launch Mount (Starship)

SpaceX

Cape Canaveral, FL • On-site

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Work closely with analysts and design team to ensure solutions meet requirements for tower design and manufacturing processes.

  • Develop production procedures and manage the transition of parts and assemblies from development to production.

  • Coordinate and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of systems and tooling needed to meet hardware deadlines.

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
MECHANICAL ENGINEER, TOWER & LAUNCH MOUNT (STARSHIP)
The Starship launch mount and catch tower will redefine ground support systems for launch vehicles as we know them, with the ultimate goal of launching, catching, and relaunching orbital boosters in hours or days instead of weeks or months. The Mechanical Engineer role covers design for manufacturability concepts through integration and testing of these critical launch pad components. You will be highly engaged on the primary and secondary structures of the launch mount and tower, including designing tooling (assembly aides, welding, part fixturing, etc.) and processes (welding, large part movement, large structure integration) to rapidly build early versions of the tower and launch mount. Further along in the build, you will be responsible for items such as integration operations, sequencing, and working with technicians on installing flight-critical hardware on the tower and launch mount. Throughout the build, you will be responsible for documenting processes and driving continual improvement to them for future builds. Furthermore, Mechanical Engineers will be expected to sometimes act as de facto supervisors and advisors to production technicians, welders, and other skilled labor partners.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Work closely with analysts and design team to ensure solutions meet the requirements for tower design as well as the manufacturing processes
  • Develop production procedures/processes and manage the transition of parts and assemblies from development to production
  • Coordinate and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of systems and tooling needed to meet hardware deadlines
  • Execute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiency
  • Create original CAD models and prints for flight and/or tooling components
  • Lead the on-site design engineering contact for the efficient build of parts and assemblies
  • Create and maintain build schedules
  • Resolve and analyze manufacturing discrepancies, while interfacing with the quality team (resolving issues for design, fabrication and assembly)
  • Participate in design reviews internally and with suppliers and customers
  • Partner with engineering and production teams to generate ideas, designs, and improvements for current and next-generation vehicles
  • Source, retain and advise new and experienced vendors from a technical perspective

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline
  • 1+ year(s) of hands-on project experience with mechanical systems (internship and project experience applies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • 2+ years of manufacturing design experience
  • 2+ years of professional experience in the field of aerospace/mechanical engineering
  • 2+ years of experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) concepts
  • Experience with fluid dynamics, finite element, or related computer-based modeling
  • Experience with large steel structure construction (civil, naval, or mechanical)
  • Experience designing and/or operating pressurized systems (cryogenic, hydraulic, compressed gases)
  • Experience leading operation-critical part mechanical design, including basic structures calculations and design considerations
  • Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) software packages
  • Process development, facility and line layouts, error-proofing
  • Experience with Unigraphics NX and Teamcenter CAD and product lifecycle management (PLM) systems
  • Detailed knowledge of Siemens NC or similar CAD and PLM packages
  • Prior experience with developing, maintaining and improving welding processes
  • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required
  • Ability to work at elevated heights up to 500 feet
  • Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
  • Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand
  • Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments - heat, cold, rain
  • Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
  • Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
  • Flexibility to travel to other SpaceX sites (less than 25%)

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
    Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to

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