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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 ...

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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 Aug 9, 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 Midwest air traffic control, 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?

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.

Is it difficult to get hired as a Midwest Air Traffic Control?

Becoming an air traffic controller is competitive and requires passing rigorous assessments, including written exams, medical evaluations, and background checks. Candidates typically need relevant education, such as an associate's or bachelor's degree, and must complete specialized training through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or equivalent agencies. The hiring process can be lengthy and demanding due to the high responsibility and safety standards of the role.

Can a 40 year old become a Midwest Air Traffic Control?

Midwest Air Traffic Control, like other air traffic control roles, typically requires candidates to meet specific age and health requirements, with most candidates being under 31 at the time of certification. However, age is not an absolute barrier if the individual can pass the FAA medical exam, meet training standards, and obtain necessary certifications. Experience, skills, and passing the required tests are essential factors for becoming an air traffic controller regardless of age.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,385 per year, or $48.7 per hour.

Air Traffic Control Specialist

Robinson Aviation

Mckinney, TX

$45.22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Air Traffic Control Tower

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

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

Makes decisions involving:

  • The order of departures that will assure all aircraft equitable treatment and will assure that departing IFR flights operate at the fix, altitude, and the time designated by the center or approach control clearances.
  • The times and direction of takeoff and any turns necessary for departure.
  • Whether inbound aircraft are to land immediately or circle and whether distances are lengthened to control the arrival of an aircraft at a given point.
  • The active runway and possible simultaneous use of other runways.
  • The time and methods by which arrivals and departures can be interspersed with the least delay to traffic.
  • When landing and departing aircraft are cleared to use the runways to assure standard separation between aircraft on the runways.
  • The sequence of arriving traffic, before it enters the traffic pattern, to assure a safe, orderly flow of aircraft on final approach to the landing runway.
  • That IFR separation standards are applied, as delegated by approach control of the center, in limited areas around the airport to provide initial separation between IFR arrivals and IFR departures and between successive IFR departures.
  • The sequence of VFR and IFR traffic, using radar equipment as an aid and, when delegated, separating IFR traffic.
  • When VFR flights through the airport traffic area can be authorized.

Determines the usability of communications frequencies available to him/her as other navigational aids used to control air traffic. Monitors navigational aids and monitors control panels, including BRITE display to determine acceptability of its alignment and display presentation. Instructs pilots to change radio frequencies/radar beacon codes.

When appropriate, coordinates with the other controllers on movements of both arrival and departure aircraft.

When traffic conditions warrant, controllers in non-approach terminals are responsible for:

  • Preplanning traffic sequencing and separation over an area which may reach out to a radius of 5 miles or more.
  • Preplanning and setting up check points required to ensure the maintenance of necessary traffic separation.
  • Maintaining a continuous mental picture and evaluation of a constantly changing traffic complex frequency dispersed over an equivalent geographic area.
  • Maintaining continuous radio watch with aircraft which have previously contacted the facility.
  • Accepting responsibility to handle IFR traffic at his/her airport.

Studies weather bureau reports and forecasts, obtains 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 and the appropriate center, pilot weather reports and reports based upon personal observation of weather conditions; operates light guns, runway lights, field lighting, jet barriers etc.

Orients pilots of aircraft lost or in difficulty; determines whether a given situation may operations offices, airport management offices, and fire and ambulance services.

Performs lower grade level duties as necessary to meet operational requirements and for proficiency maintenance.

Provides OJT training to others.

Requirements:

Individual must have a CTO Certificate and a current Class II Medical Certificate. Position is subject to drug and/or alcohol testing per the DOT/FAA requirements (pre-employment, random, reasonable cause/suspicion, post-accident). Individual must have held a Control Tower Operator Certificate (CTO) with a facility rating or have held an FAA Credential with a tower rating, for a minimum of six months in an Air Traffic Control Tower.

Pay: $45.22 Per Hour

HW Rate: $4.98