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Forward Air Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ability to work safely around moving equipment, vehicles, and freight in a non-climate-controlled environment, including frequent exposure to temperature extremes (both hot and cold), occasional ...

Freight Handler

Menomonee Falls, WI · On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

Ability to work safely around moving equipment, vehicles, and freight in a non-climate-controlled environment, including frequent exposure to temperature extremes (both hot and cold), occasional ...

Ability to work safely around moving equipment, vehicles, and freight in a non-climate-controlled environment, including frequent exposure to temperature extremes (both hot and cold), occasional ...

Freight Handler

Forest Park, GA

$15 - $19.25/hr

Ability to work safely around moving equipment, vehicles, and freight in a non-climate-controlled environment, including frequent exposure to temperature extremes (both hot and cold), occasional ...

Ability to work safely around moving equipment, vehicles, and freight in a non-climate-controlled environment, including frequent exposure to temperature extremes (both hot and cold), occasional ...

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Forward Air Controller information

See salary details

$55K

$119.5K

$175.5K

How much do forward air controller jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for forward air controller in the United States is $119,497.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,000.00 and $138,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are air traffic controller jobs in high demand?

Air traffic controller jobs are generally in high demand due to the critical need for air traffic management and the specialized skills required, such as certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and strong communication abilities. Employment prospects are expected to grow steadily as air travel increases and experienced controllers retire, making it a stable career choice in the aviation industry.

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

To thrive as a Forward Air Controller, you need a solid understanding of military tactics, air-ground coordination, and target identification, often gained through specialized military training and qualifications such as JTAC certification. Familiarity with communication systems, GPS devices, laser designators, and targeting software is crucial. Exceptional situational awareness, decisive communication, and the ability to work under extreme pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure effective, safe, and timely coordination of air support to achieve mission objectives and minimize risks to friendly forces.

What are the different positions in air traffic control?

In air traffic control, the main positions include Tower Controllers who manage aircraft on runways and in the immediate airspace, Approach and Departure Controllers who handle aircraft entering or leaving controlled airspace, and En Route Controllers who coordinate high-altitude traffic over large regions. Each position requires specific training, certifications, and skills in radar and radio communication to ensure safe and efficient air traffic management.

What are the main challenges Forward Air Controllers face when coordinating between ground and air units?

Forward Air Controllers (FACs) often work in high-pressure environments where quick, accurate communication is crucial. One of the main challenges is ensuring clear coordination between ground forces and aircraft, especially in fast-moving or hostile situations. FACs must be adept at relaying precise targeting information while maintaining situational awareness to minimize the risk of friendly fire. Additionally, they frequently operate in diverse terrains and weather conditions, which requires adaptability and strong teamwork with both pilots and ground commanders.

What are Forward Air Controllers?

Forward Air Controllers (FACs) are specially trained military personnel responsible for directing the action of combat aircraft engaged in close air support of ground troops. They coordinate and communicate with both ground forces and pilots to ensure accurate and safe delivery of airstrikes, minimizing the risk to friendly forces and civilians. FACs play a critical role in ensuring effective battlefield coordination, often operating near the front lines and under high-pressure conditions.

What is the difference between Forward Air Controller vs Forward Observer?

AspectForward Air ControllerForward Observer
CertificationsMilitary aviation and combat training, sometimes specialized certificationsMilitary or tactical communication training, basic observation skills
Work EnvironmentCombat zones, military operations, airstrikes coordinationField operations, tactical observation, artillery or air support coordination
Employer & IndustryMilitary, defense, combat unitsMilitary, tactical units, defense operations

Both roles involve coordinating support in military operations, but Forward Air Controllers primarily direct airstrikes and coordinate aircraft, while Forward Observers focus on observing and relaying target information for artillery or air support. The roles overlap in communication skills and tactical environment, but their specific responsibilities and training differ.

Can you be an air traffic controller with no experience?

Becoming an air traffic controller typically requires specialized training and certification, and most employers prefer candidates with relevant experience or a background in aviation or related fields. Entry-level positions often require passing exams, completing training programs, and demonstrating strong communication and decision-making skills, making it unlikely to start without prior experience or training.
More about Forward Air Controller jobs
What job categories do people searching Forward Air Controller jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Forward Air Controller jobs are:
Infographic showing various Forward Air Controller job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $119,497 per year, or $57.5 per hour.

Air Traffic Controller Greenville Tower - Greenville, MS.

CI Aviation

Greenville, MS • On-site

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Salary:

SUMMARY:

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


DIMENSIONS OF POSITION:

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 the complexity of the task until satisfied the incumbent can perform it independently.


REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must have a minimum of (2) years of experience as an Air Traffic Controller.
  • Individuals must have a current or previous Control Tower Operator Certificate (CTO) Certificate and a current Class II Medical Certificate.
  • Individuals must have held a Control Tower Operator Certificate (CTO) with a facility rating for a minimum of two years in an Air Traffic Control Tower.
  • The position is subject to drug and/or alcohol testing per the DOT/FAA requirements (pre-employment, random, reasonable cause/suspicion, post-accident).


ACCOUNTABILITY:

Making decisions involving:


  1. The order of departures will ensure all aircraft equitable treatment and will ensure that departing Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flights operate at the fixed altitude, andthe time designated by the center or approach control clearances.
  2. The times and direction of takeoff and any turn necessary after departure.
  3. Whether inbound aircraft is to land immediately or circle and whether distances are lengthened to control the arrival of an aircraft at a given point.
  4. The active runway and possible simultaneous use of other runways.
  5. The time and methods by which arrivals and departures can be interspersed with the least delay to traffic.
  6. When landing and departing aircraft are cleared to use the runways to assure standard separation between aircraft on the runways.
  7. The sequence of arriving traffic, before it enters the traffic pattern, to assure a safe, orderly flow of aircraft on the final approach to the landing runway.
  8. Endure that Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) separation standards are applied, as delegated by approach control or the center, in limited areas around the airport to provide initial separation between IFR arrivals and IFR departures and between successive IFR departures.
  9. The sequence of Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) traffic, and when delegated, using radar equipment to provide initial separation for arrival verse arrival and arrival verse departure IFR traffic.
  10. When Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flights through the Class D airspace can be authorized.

Determines the usability of communications frequencies and other navigational aids used to control air traffic. Monitors navigational aids and control panels, including tower radar display to determine the acceptability of its alignment and display presentation. Instructs pilots to change radio frequencies/transponder codes.


  1. When appropriate, coordinate with other controllers on the movement of both arrival and departure aircraft.
  2. When traffic conditions warrant, controllers in non-approach terminals are responsible for:
  3. Preplanning traffic sequencing and separation over an area, which may reach out to a radius of 5 miles or more.
  4. Preplanning and setting up checkpoints required to ensure the maintenance of necessary traffic separation.
  5. Maintaining a continuous mental picture and evaluation of constantly changing traffic, frequency dispersed throughout his/her area of jurisdictional responsibility.
  6. Maintaining continuous radio watch with aircraft that have previously contacted the facility.


MANAGING Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) TRAFFIC FOR AIRPORT:

  1. Studies weather reports and forecasts, obtain 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, AFSS, and the appropriate center/approach control, pilot weather reports and reports based upon personal observation of weather conditions; operate light guns, runway lights, field lighting, jet barriers, etc.
  2. Orients pilots of aircraft lost or in difficulty; determines whether a given situation may develop into an emergency; and notifies airlines operations offices, airport management offices, and airport rescue and firefighting services.
  3. Performs lower grade level duties as necessary to meet operational requirements and for proficiency maintenance.
  4. Provides On-the-job (OJT) training to others.