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Flight Tower Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Tower Coordinator plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of all Terminal 5 ... flight activity, and maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols. This position serves as a ...

T5 Tower Staff

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

... Tower Coordinator plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of all Terminal 5 ... flight activity, and maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols. This position serves as a ...

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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 Sep 3, 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 is a flight tower controller?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flight tower 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 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.

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.

How to work in a flight tower?

To work in a flight tower, candidates typically need to obtain an Air Traffic Control (ATC) certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or relevant authority, which involves passing written, practical, and medical exams. Prior experience in aviation or related fields, strong communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure are essential, along with a good understanding of radar and communication equipment. The job often requires shift work, including nights and weekends, and candidates must meet specific health and background requirements.
More about Flight Tower jobs

What states have the most Flight Tower jobs?

States with the most job openings for Flight Tower jobs include:

Infographic showing various Flight Tower job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,871 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

FLIGHT OPERATIONS SPECIALIST (TITLE 32)

Army National Guard Units

Morrisville, NC • On-site, Remote

$58K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 hours ago


Key responsibilities

  • Conduct preflight pilot briefings, including mission, aircraft, flight plan, and relevant information.

  • Process flight plans, clearances, and flight progress messages, and provide flight following services.

  • Schedule, dispatch, and maintain records for aircraft and aircrews, and perform duties related to flight operations and training.


Army National Guard rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Summary
THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.
This National Guard position is for a FLIGHT OPERATIONS SPECIALIST (TITLE 32), Position Description Number D0671000 and is part of the NC ASO, National Guard (ASO - AASF #1 / MD 4141-105).
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Duties
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As a FLIGHT OPERATIONS SPECIALIST (TITLE 32), GS-2102-8, conduct preflight pilot briefings in accordance with National Guard regulations and directives; brief pilots on mission, aircraft and flight plan; brief and provide pilots with information on mission restrictions, on-route navigational facilities and equipment, hazards and terrain; weather forecasts, notices to airmen (NOTAMS) and deviations to flight plans when required; be responsible for assuring pilot and crew are qualified in aircraft to be flown and for type of mission to be performed; be responsible for completion of risk analysis projection; determine when flight requires higher level approving authority; sign briefing documents upon completion of mission preflight briefings, make recommendations to pilot-in-charge when flights should not be attempted; conduct post mission debriefs; provide flight following services for all local and maintenance test flights; be responsible for direct voice communication with aviators in flight to transmit and receive information ; process extended and local clearances, including examination for conformance with flight rules and regulations; process, clear and transmit flight plans and flight progress messages to appropriate agencies (FSS, ACT tower, ARTCC); be responsible for initiating search and rescue for overdue aircraft and implementing the crash rescue plan in the event of an aircraft accident; prepare, maintain and file records, charts, graphs, and reports allied to flight operations and flight training activities; compile and summarize reports for analysis; maintain and account for aircrew training records, medical recommendations, aeronautical orders, physiological training, and aviation service data; maintain arrival and dispatch records for inbound and outbound aircraft; schedule and dispatch assigned aircraft and aircrews; serve as the Synthetic Flight Training System (SFTS) coordinator by scheduling and providing necessary administrative support for aviator training; maintain current file of aircraft flying regulations and navigational information; supervise on-the-job training of unit flight operations personnel performing equivalent training or accomplishing a split unit training assembly at the facility; perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • National Guard Membership is required.
  • Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
  • You may be required to successfully complete a 1- or 2- year probation/trail period to assess performance, conduct, agency needs, public interest, and efficiency. Employment ends unless certified in writing that it advances the agencies interest.
  • Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform.
  • Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment.
  • Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership and employment in the National Guard in the military grade listed in this announcement.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
  • This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.

Qualifications
Military Grades: Enlisted (E7 and below)
Minimum Requirements: Experience, education, or training interpreting, explaining, and/or applying basic rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of a transportation program. Experience using computer and automation systems..
Specialized Experience: (Must have at least 18 months) experience, education, or training arranging and interpreting directives and regulations governing transportation of personnel, cargo or freight. Experience applying directives and regulations governing transportation of personnel, cargo or freight. Experience verifying legal entitlements or official authorizations for travel, securing from carriers guides and timetables, information regarding schedules, fares, and availability of space accommodations. Experience planning and organizing the work of others.
Additional information
If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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About Army National Guard

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Army National Guard, headquartered in Arlington, VA, is a key constituent of the United States military, falling under the sector of Defense and Public Safety. Since its founding in 1636, it has served dual roles as both a state and federal military force that is activated in response to domestic emergencies and overseas combat missions. The Army National Guard embodies core values, including loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage, intending to uphold peace and serve the nation with unwavering dedication.

Industry

National security and international affairs

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US