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Midwest Air Traffic Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for an experienced, Casual, Air Traffic Control Instructor-II to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Chicago Midway ATCT (MDW) , located at Chicago, IL ...

We are looking for an experienced, Casual, Air Traffic Control Instructor to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Chicago ATCT (ORD) in Chicago, IL, supporting air traffic ...

We are looking for an experienced, Full time, Air Traffic Control Instructor to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Spokane ATCT (GEG) in Spokane, WA, supporting air traffic ...

We are looking for an experienced, Full time, Air Traffic Control Instructor to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Boeing ATCT (BFI) in Seattle, WA, supporting air traffic ...

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Midwest Air Traffic Control information

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$33K

$101.4K

$172.5K

How much do midwest air traffic control jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for midwest air traffic control in the United States is $101,385.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Midwest Air Traffic Control position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Midwest Air Traffic Control specialist, you need strong situational awareness, focused attention to detail, and comprehensive knowledge of FAA regulations and procedures, usually backed by an FAA Air Traffic Control Tower Operator certificate. Mastery of radar and communications systems, flight data processors, and real-time navigational technology are essential technical requirements. Excellent communication, teamwork, and decision-making skills help you manage high-pressure situations and coordinate effectively with pilots and fellow controllers. These competencies are vital to maintaining the safety, efficiency, and reliability of airspace operations across the Midwest region.

What are some of the typical challenges faced by Midwest Air Traffic Controllers on the job?

One of the most common challenges for Midwest Air Traffic Controllers is managing rapidly changing weather conditions, which can significantly impact flight schedules and require quick, accurate adjustments. The role often involves coordinating high traffic volumes during peak travel times, demanding strong multitasking skills and precise communication under pressure. Team members typically work in fast-paced control tower or radar environments, collaborating closely with other controllers and aviation personnel to ensure safe and efficient airspace operations. The ability to remain calm, focused, and decisive under stress is crucial for success in this dynamic field.

What is a Midwest Air Traffic Control job?

A Midwest Air Traffic Control job involves managing air traffic at airports and in designated airspace to ensure safe and efficient aircraft movement. Controllers give pilots instructions on takeoff, landing, and routing while monitoring weather conditions and potential hazards. They work in control towers or radar centers, using advanced technology to track flights. This role requires strong communication, decision-making skills, and the ability to work in high-pressure environments.

More about Midwest Air Traffic Control jobs
What cities are hiring for Midwest Air Traffic Control jobs? Cities with the most Midwest Air Traffic Control job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Midwest Air Traffic Control jobs? The most popular types of Midwest Air Traffic Control jobs are:
What states have the most Midwest Air Traffic Control jobs? States with the most job openings for Midwest Air Traffic Control jobs include:
Infographic showing various Midwest Air Traffic Control job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,385 per year, or $48.7 per hour.

Air Traffic Control Specialist

Federal Aviation Administration

Washington, DC • On-site

$95K - $148K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago


Federal Aviation Administration rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 288 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
Air Traffic Services provides safe, secure, and efficient management for the National Airspace System (NAS) and international airspace assigned to U.S. control. AJT controls more than 5 million square miles of airspace in the U.S. and more than 24 million square miles over oceans. A
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Duties
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The Air Traffic Control Specialist performs complex, specialized air traffic control assignments. Collaborates with support organizations to ensure AJT operational awareness. He/she will interface with officials from all levels including Service Area and Service Center personnel, teams of people from internal and external organizations to accomplish assigned tasks and objectives. As an authority on air traffic automation systems, he/she possesses knowledge of NAS requirements to provide input, as needed, to support organizations. He/she will be involved in the development of procedures and requirements, integration of technology, and air traffic control separation and operational standards for the control of air traffic throughout the NAS to ensure the safe, orderly and expeditious movement along air routes and at airports.
Monitors the standardization of air traffic control procedures and standards throughout the NAS. Conducts assessment and reviews of EnRoute and/or terminal automation systems to provide a complete synopsis to superiors, peers, field facilities and customers. Applies operational test experience and expert technical knowledge, to participate in the development of new systems. Ensure timely and quality support services of products provided to AJT and redirects correspondence and tasks to appropriate support organizations, when needed.
Applies experience and comprehensive knowledge of air traffic control procedures and operations as well as FAA programs, regulations, and missions. Must also apply comprehensive knowledge of staff programs (e.g., procedures, traffic management, quality assurance, training, automation) to carry out regional or national programs. Interprets and implements air traffic control operating procedures, separation standards, equipment technologies, and systems, such as ERAM automation system. Acts as principal technical specialist verifying/developing automation requirements. Participates in the development of national standards, instructions, policies, and procedures to effectively implement automation requirements in the terminal environment.
Provides technical analysis of proposed operational changes, problems and issues that impact the operational environment. The employee is responsible for managing complex programs and activities, and ensures consistency and operational standardization across the operations. Uses expertise in air traffic management to provide advice to the Director and other senior staff members regarding the assessment/analysis of proposed policies and programs related to the development, acquisition, and deployment of Enroute and Terminal automation. Applies acquisition management system protocols for integration of new automation systems into the NAS.
Applies experience and comprehensive knowledge of air traffic control procedures and operations as well as FAA programs, regulations, and missions, in order to provide policy guidance consistent with established operational goals and objectives. Possesses an understanding of FAA acquisition management policy to assists with systems analysis and strategic planning to operational concepts, reduce risk, and/or define requirements before a decision is made to proceed in the acquisition management process. Broad policies and objectives provide general guidance for completing work objectives but allow considerable discretion to develop new or innovative approaches. Draws on experience and knowledge to solve unusual problems.
Contacts are internal and external, to include with NAS customers, other ATO organizations, and external lines of business on a day-today basis. Represents air traffic operational interests effectively with other organizations.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents).

Qualifications
To view the complete qualification standard, applicants should reference- U.S. Office of Personnel Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Air Traffic Control Series, 2152:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/2100/air-traffic-control-series-2152/
To qualify for this position at the J-band you must demonstrate in your application that you have experience as an air traffic controller in a military or civilian air traffic facility that demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the level of work of the specialization for which application is made. This experience must have provided a comprehensive knowledge of appropriate air traffic control laws, rules and regulations. Creditable experience must have equipped applicants with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the full range of duties of the position for which application is being made.
To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-I / FG/GS-13. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
Specialized experience is: Experience interpreting air traffic control operating procedures, separation standards, equipment technologies, and systems, such as STARS or ERAM automation systems.
Applicants should include examples of specialized experience in their work history.
Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.
Interview Policy: If the selecting official decides to interview any employee on the selection list for a vacancy, then all who remain under consideration for the position at that point in the process must be interviewed. If the selection list is shortened to a best qualified list through a comparative process, then the best qualified list shall be considered to be the selection list.
Pay Retention: In accordance with HRPM. EMP 1.29/1.29A, this position may be Career Enhancement Assignment/Career Progression. The selectee( s) may be eligible for pay retention. Career Diversity is not enhanced when an employee is assigned to a staff or supervisory position in which they previously held on a permanent basis. CEP/CP selectees will be required to certify eligibility.
Selections to be made in AJT-1310, AJT-1320, AJT-1410, and AJT-1420.
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Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.
Additional information
We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions.
Position may be subject to a background investigation.
A one-year probationary period may be required.
The person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies. www.faa.gov/jobs/workinghere/financial-disclosure-requirements
In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA, in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a Human Resource Specialist as appropriate.
Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective factor(s), if applicable, may be further evaluated on the KSAs listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: score order, category grouping, or alphabetical order and referred to the selecting official for consideration.
Position is not eligible for "good time" for ATC retirement purposes.
Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA
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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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