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Ground Controller Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Controller (Hands-On Build Role | Hardware / Manufacturing) Location: Scotts Valley, CA (Onsite 4-5 ... This is a rare opportunity to join at the ground floor of a company with significant customer ...

Controller

Scotts Valley, CA ยท On-site

$230K - $270K/yr

Controller (Hands-On Build Role | Hardware / Manufacturing) Location: Scotts Valley, CA (Onsite 4-5 ... This is a rare opportunity to join at the ground floor of a company with significant customer ...

Controller

Scotts Valley, CA ยท On-site

$230K - $270K/yr

Controller (Hands-On Build Role | Hardware / Manufacturing) Location: Scotts Valley, CA (Onsite 4-5 ... This is a rare opportunity to join at the ground floor of a company with significant customer ...

Controller

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $230K/yr

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys building from the ground up, improving processes ... in a Controller, Assistant Controller, or equivalent leadership role * Strong knowledge of U.S.

Controller

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

... ground up. This is a full-time , exempt position based on-site in Irvine, California ... Experience serving as Controller, Assistant Controller, Manager of Accounting, or equivalent.

Controller

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

... ground up. This is a full-time , exempt position based on-site in Irvine, California ... Experience serving as Controller, Assistant Controller, Manager of Accounting, or equivalent.

This role is responsible for building the accounting and financial infrastructure from the ground up, including systems, processes, internal controls, budgets, and reporting. The Controller must ...

Assistant Controller

San Francisco, CA ยท Hybrid

$165K - $200K/yr

... the ground up. Position Summary The Assistant Controller serves as the Controller's primary business partner and is responsible for overseeing the monthly close process, technical accounting ...

This role is responsible for building the accounting and financial infrastructure from the ground up, including systems, processes, internal controls, budgets, and reporting. The Controller must ...

Controller, Hospitality

Anaheim, CA ยท On-site

$175K - $210K/yr

This role is responsible for building the accounting and financial infrastructure from the ground up, including systems, processes, internal controls, budgets, and reporting. The Controller must ...

Controller

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$220K - $250K/yr

If you want to build something from the ground up in a category-defining company, this is the role ... the accounting and controlling function. * A clear communicator who can translate complex ...

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Ground Controller information

See California salary details

$54.3K

$117.9K

$173.2K

How much do ground controller jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for ground controller in California is $117,932.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,700.00 and $136,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a ground controller?

To become a ground controller, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training provided by aviation authorities or airlines. Certification from relevant agencies, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and strong communication, organizational, and technical skills are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the ground controller position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ground Controller, you need strong situational awareness, decision-making skills, and a solid understanding of airfield operations, often supported by relevant certifications such as an FAA Ground Control endorsement or completion of air traffic control training. Familiarity with radar systems, radio communications equipment, and airport management software is typically required. Effective communication, stress management, and teamwork are crucial soft skills in this dynamic environment. These abilities help ensure safety, efficient coordination, and smooth operational flow on the ground at busy airports or transportation hubs.

How much do ground controllers get paid?

Ground controllers typically earn an average annual salary between $40,000 and $70,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often require certification and work in airport environments, coordinating aircraft movements on the ground to ensure safety and efficiency.

What is a ground controller?

A Ground Controller is responsible for managing the movement of aircraft and vehicles on the ground at an airport, excluding the active runway. They communicate with pilots and other personnel to ensure safe and efficient taxiing, parking, and routing of aircraft. Ground Controllers work in air traffic control towers and use radar, radio communication, and surveillance systems to monitor airport ground traffic. Their role is essential in preventing collisions and maintaining the orderly flow of aircraft on taxiways and aprons.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a ground controller?

As a Ground Controller, your main duties include directing aircraft and vehicles on taxiways and runways, maintaining constant radio communication with pilots and other control tower staff, and ensuring all movements on the ground are safe and efficient. You'll use radar, maps, and other tracking systems to monitor ground traffic, provide clearances, and respond quickly to developing situations. The role often requires working in a busy, high-pressure environment where attention to detail is critical. You'll regularly coordinate with other members of the air traffic control team and airport personnel to keep all ground operations running smoothly.

What job categories do people searching Ground Controller jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Ground Controller jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Ground Controller job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,932 per year, or $56.7 per hour.

15Q Air Traffic Control Operator

National Guard OMD

Los Alamitos, CA โ€ข On-site

$200 - $250/wk

Part-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Description
Take control of the skies as an Air Traffic Control Operator for The Army National Guard! You will utilize your organizational skills to track planes and helicopters, and ensure safe flight operations by providing precise instructions to your crew.
Advanced Air Traffic Control Operators provide guidance on technical issues to other Soldiers. They also brief shift personnel on runway utilization, airfield conditions, weather, and ground activity. The skills you learn as an Air Traffic Control Operator will qualify you to work in civilian air traffic control towers and centers at airports and airfields.
Job Duties
โ€ข Control airborne and ground traffic
โ€ข Assist in the installation/relocation of tactical air traffic control facilities
โ€ข Process flight plan data and maintain logs, records, files, and tape recordings of voice communications
Some of the Skills You'll Learn
โ€ข Air traffic control management and operational procedures
โ€ข Communications and radar procedures
โ€ข Aircraft recognition
โ€ข Takeoff, landing, and ground control procedures
Helpful Skills
โ€ข Interest in work requiring accuracy and attention to detail
โ€ข Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
โ€ข Decisiveness and working within strict standards
โ€ข Ability to work as a team member
Through your training, you will develop the skills and experience to enjoy a civilian career with aircraft manufacturers, commercial airlines, and government agencies.
Earn While You Learn
Instead of paying to learn these skills, get paid to learn. In the Army National Guard, you will learn these valuable job skills while earning a regular paycheck and qualifying for tuition assistance.
Job training for an Air Traffic Control Operator requires 10 weeks of Basic Training, where you learn basic Soldiering skills. Then you will attend Advanced Individual Training (AIT), which consists of 14 weeks of additional training. Part of this time is spent in a classroom and part in the field under simulated combat conditions.
Benefits/Requirements
Benefits
  • Paid training
  • A monthly paycheck
  • Montgomery GI Bill
  • Federal and State tuition assistance
  • Retirement benefits for part-time service
  • Low-cost life insurance (up to $400,000 in coverage)
  • 401(k)-type savings plan
  • Student Loan Repayment Program (up to $50,000, for existing loans)
  • Health care benefits available
  • VA home loans
  • Bonuses, if applicable
  • Most non-prior service candidates will earn between $200 and $250 per drill weekend, subject to change

Requirements
  • Military enlistment in the Army National Guard
  • Must be at least a junior in high school, or have a high school diploma or a GED certificate
  • Must be between the ages of 17 and 35
  • Must be able to pass a physical exam and meet legal and moral standards
  • Must meet citizenship requirements (see NATIONALGUARD.com for details)

Requires military enlistment. Programs and benefits are subject to change. Ask your Army National Guard recruiter for the most up-to-date information. Actual MOS assignment may depend on MOS availability.
Other Job Information
Job ID: 619
ZIP Code: 90720
Job Category: Aviation
Age Requirements: Must be between the ages of 17 and 35 FAA federal aviation administration terminal controllers tower local controllers TRACON terminal radar controller tower flight data controller clearance delivery controller ground controller en route controller radar associate controller terminal radar ar