1

Forward Air Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Freight Handler

Linden, NJ ยท On-site

$21.56/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 ...

Freight Handler AM

Kenner, LA ยท On-site

$12.75 - $16.25/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 ...

New

Forklift Operator

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$21.56/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 ...

Freight Handler

Sterling, VA ยท On-site

$21.43/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 ...

Freight Handler

Harrisburg, PA ยท On-site

$24/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 ...

Forklift Operator

Folcroft, PA ยท On-site

$20.58/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 ...

Forklift Operator

Sterling, VA ยท On-site

$21.43/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 ...

Forklift Operator

Linden, NJ ยท On-site

$21.56/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 ...

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

Folcroft, PA ยท On-site

$20.58/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 ...

Freight Handler

Folcroft, PA ยท On-site

$20.58/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 ...

Freight Handler

Sterling, VA ยท On-site

$21.43/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 ...

Forklift Operator

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

$18.62/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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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.
Freight Handler

Freight Handler

Forward Air

Linden, NJ โ€ข On-site

$21.56/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

The Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient loading, unloading, staging, scanning, and movement of freight. As certified forklift operators within the operation, they provide safe, accurate, and efficient loading, unloading, movement, and documentation of cargo/freight within a multimodal transportation terminal, intermodal yard, warehouse, or dock environment, directly contributing to productivity, workflow coordination, and freight integrity. As the most experienced team members without direct reports, they often assist with mentoring, guiding, and onboarding new Material Handlers and solving complex operational problems on the floor.ย 

Compensation: $21.56 per hour

Responsibilities

  • Load and unload freight using sit-down/stand-up forklifts and reach trucks, along with other appropriate Material Handling Equipment (MHE), such as pallet jacks, carts, and dollies, and approved physical lifting techniques.ย 

  • Move, stage, sort, and position freight between dock doors, trailers, and designated warehouse areas in accordance with operating procedures.

  • Pick, pack, and prepare items for shipping and delivery.

  • Assist drivers with loading and unloading activities following dock and safety procedures.

  • Label, scan, and track freight using handheld scanning devices and company systems to ensure accuracy and documentation integrity.

  • Identify damaged freight and promptly report issues, unsafe conditions, or equipment concerns to supervisory personnel.

  • Abide by all company safety policies, OSHA requirements, and PPE standards.

  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized dock environment, including work areas, tools, and MHE.

  • Perform tasks under appropriate supervision while learning equipment operation, safety protocols, and job procedures (for developing roles).

  • Support dock productivity, workflow efficiency, and overall operational goals.

  • Work assigned schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on business needs.

  • Safely and accurately handle oversized, highโ€‘value, or complex freight.

  • Assist with dock coordination, workflow management, and problem resolution.

  • Prioritize freight and coordinate task assignments, sometimes acting in a lead capacity (without direct supervisory responsibility).ย 

  • Serve as a subjectโ€‘matter expert on dock operations, equipment, and procedures.

  • Train, mentor, and support the development of other Material Handlers.

  • All other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.

Qualifications

  • Education: High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED)/equivalent preferred but not required.ย 

  • Certification/Licensure: Valid forklift certification/licensure (or ability to obtain before operating equipment) required.

  • Experience: 3+ years of dock or warehouse experience required.ย 

  • Communication: Ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing, to understand safety and operational instructions, work assignments, and freight documentation.

  • Ability to recognize numbers, labels, barcodes, and freight markings accurately, and to perform basic arithmetic to verify freight counts, quantities, and weights.

  • Basic arithmetic skills to verify freight counts, quantities, and weights.

  • Technology: Willingness and ability to learn and use basic computer systems, handheld scanners, and freight-tracking devices.

  • Equipment: Ability to safely operate material handling equipment (MHE) such as pallet jacks, dollies, hand trucks, order pickers, pallet riders, conveyors, dock plates, dock levelers, sit-down/stand-up forklifts and reach trucks (with company-assisted certification/training), and/or other specialized MHE as required by the site.

  • Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.

  • Physical Demands: Extensive standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and twisting for 8-12 hours per/shift, with the ability to lift, push, pull, and carry freight up to 50lbs without assistance, with occasional lifting of freight up to 75lbs with assistance or mechanical aids throughout each 8-12 hour shift, multiple times per/week.ย 

  • Vision, hearing, and verbal communication skills sufficient to work safely in a noisy dock environment.

  • Environment: 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 outdoor work and/or exposure to precipitation (rain, sleet, snow, etc.), regular exposure to moving equipment, vehicle traffic, exhaust, dust, and moderate to loud noise.ย 

#LI-onsite

#LI-MP3