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Ramp Controller Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Part-Time Financial Controller

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$60 - $75/hr

JTG, inc. is seeking a seasoned Part-Time Controller to provide strategic financial oversight for ... ramp. โ€ข Pricing & Cost Volumes: Hands-on experience developing cost/price volumes for federal ...

Payroll Specialist/Administrator

Reston, VA ยท On-site +1

$95K - $105K/yr

This hire will create real leverage for the VP Finance/Controller by taking on meaningful projects ... Ramp, Brex, Bill.com, or similar). * Proficiency with spreadsheets (Excel or Google Sheets) for ...

Payroll Specialist & Administrator

Mclean, VA ยท On-site +1

$95K - $105K/yr

This hire will create real leverage for the VP Finance/Controller by taking on meaningful projects ... Ramp, Brex, Bill.com, or similar). * Proficiency with spreadsheets (Excel or Google Sheets) for ...

Payroll Specialist & Administrator

Mclean, VA ยท On-site +1

$95K - $105K/yr

This hire will create real leverage for the VP Finance/Controller by taking on meaningful projects ... Ramp, Brex, Bill.com, or similar). * Proficiency with spreadsheets (Excel or Google Sheets) for ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Arlington, VA ยท On-site +1

$111K - $147K/yr

... ramp rate limiting, and state-of-charge (SOC) management for hybrid solar and storage facilities ... Develop and review dynamic controller models in PSS/E to support interconnection ...

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Showing results 1-20

Ramp Controller information

See Virginia salary details

$54.5K

$118.5K

$174K

How much do ramp controller jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for ramp controller in Virginia is $118,472.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,200.00 and $137,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Ramp Controller vs Load Dispatcher?

AspectRamp ControllerLoad Dispatcher
CredentialsTypically requires certifications in logistics or transportation managementOften requires similar certifications in logistics or operations
Work EnvironmentAirport or transportation hubs managing aircraft or vehicle ramp activitiesLogistics centers or transportation hubs coordinating cargo or freight loads
Industry UsageAirlines, airports, freight companiesShipping companies, freight carriers, logistics providers
Primary FocusManaging ramp operations, vehicle and aircraft movementsCoordinating and dispatching freight loads and vehicle routes

While both roles are vital in transportation logistics, a Ramp Controller primarily oversees aircraft or vehicle movements on the ramp, ensuring safety and efficiency. In contrast, a Load Dispatcher focuses on planning and assigning freight loads and routes. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job focus within the logistics industry.

What are ramp controllers and what do they do?

Ramp controllers are airport professionals responsible for coordinating and managing the movement of aircraft, vehicles, and personnel on the airport ramp or apron area. They ensure safe and efficient ground operations by communicating with pilots, ground crews, and air traffic control. Ramp controllers help prevent collisions, monitor the status of gates, and oversee activities such as aircraft parking, pushback, and refueling. Their work is essential for maintaining airport safety and on-time flight departures.

What Does a Ramp Controller Do?

As a ramp controller, you direct, control, and monitor aircraft traffic at an airport to ensure safety and compliance with federal and local regulations. Your responsibilities include monitoring outbound and inbound operations to determine the best course of action to ensure the safe movement of arrivals and departures, using standard phraseology to issue ground control instructions to those operating the aircraft, and making runway assignments. Other duties include controlling the sequencing and pushback of departures during irregular operations and using different tools to control the movement of aircraft in the taxiways and ramp/gate areas.

What are some common challenges Ramp Controllers face during peak operational hours, and how can they effectively manage them?

Ramp Controllers often encounter challenges such as coordinating multiple aircraft movements simultaneously, managing last-minute schedule changes, and ensuring clear communication among ground crews, pilots, and air traffic control during peak periods. To effectively manage these situations, Ramp Controllers rely on strong situational awareness, adherence to established safety protocols, and the use of advanced ramp management technology. Collaboration and quick decision-making are key to maintaining safety and efficiency under pressure.

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

To excel as a Ramp Controller, you need a strong understanding of airport operations, aviation safety protocols, and typically a background in aviation or air traffic control. Familiarity with radio communication systems, ramp management software, and relevant certifications such as an Airport Operations Certificate are often required. Exceptional situational awareness, decision-making, and clear communication skills help manage fast-paced environments and coordinate with multiple teams. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient aircraft movements and minimizing operational risks on the airport ramp.
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Ramp Controller jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Ramp Controller job openings:
Infographic showing various Ramp Controller job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,472 per year, or $57 per hour.
Ramp Tower Controller (Two Positions Available)

Ramp Tower Controller (Two Positions Available)

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority

Oak Hill, VA โ€ข On-site

$40.55 - $58.79/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Compensation Grade:

S19-H

Salary Range:

$40.55-$58.79

Opening Date:

June 26, 2026

Closing Date:

July 11, 2026

Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

As a Ramp Tower Controller, you will control aircraft on the ramps and taxi lanes, dispatch mobile lounges to safely transport passengers, and monitor all aircraft and vehicles in the ramp area to ensure their safe, efficient, and expeditious ground movement.
Ramp Tower Controller
Serves in the Airport Operations Department at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Controls aircraft on the ramps and taxi lanes, dispatches mobile lounges to safely transport airline passengers to and from aircraft and terminals, and monitors all aircraft and vehicles in the ramp area to ensure their safe, efficient, and expeditious ground movement. Coordinates with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), airlines, and other IAD Departments to ensure that all aircraft, mobile lounges, and other airfield vehicles operate in accordance with established rules and protocols. Performs related functions.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Directs the movement of aircraft in midfield ramp area in compliance with Dulles Airport Surface Operations Letter of Agreement between Dulles FAA tower and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

Gives instruction to arriving aircraft for taxiing to pre-assigned gates.

Approves requests for push-backs of aircraft into taxi lanes in ramp area and gives taxi instructions ensuring an orderly flow of traffic in compliance with current airport configuration (runways in use) dictated by the Dulles FAA tower.ย 

Dispatches mobile lounges/plane-mates to safely and efficiently transport airline passengers.

Assigns remote parking areas to aircraft, informs airlines, and notes information in gate book.

Reports observed safety hazards, adverse airfield operations, and all other problems.

In the event of an airfield emergency or security breach, follows guidelines and instructions and coordinates with Airport Operations Department and other airport personnel.

Maintains and updates all pertinent records, logs, and assignments, with required information.

Reports the need for maintenance, as required, for all systems.

Coordinates preventive and no-notice maintenance, with Equipment Maintenance, to assure a rotation of mobile lounges/plane-mates.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Four years of progressively responsible experience controlling aircraft movements on the ground or in the air at a major airport; OR Qualified as a controller for the FAA, the US Military, or a ramp control tower at a major airport;OR qualified as a pilot for a CFR Part 121 air carrier; OR has a degree from an approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI).

Ability to perform basic analyses of data and information.

Skill in coordinating and prioritizing multiple information sources, simultaneously.

Ability to speak and write effectively.

Skill in using a computer, computerized work order and time and attendance system.

Ability to work as a team member.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience as a Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) for the FAA or government contractor.

FAA Certified Air Traffic Controller.

Knowledge of and ability to apply ground control procedures at a large hub airport with multiple terminals.

Control Tower Operator (CTO) certificate from the FAA or DOD.

Air Traffic Control Degree from an approved AT-CTI School.

EDUCATION

A high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

A state driver's license in good standing.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quantity, quality, timeliness, customer service, team work, and adherence to guidelines, effectiveness and other factors.

Operates vehicle landside and airside (requires AOA permit).

Must be able to climb stairs (4 levels) to reach Ramp Tower cabs.

Is required to work shifts, including week-end, holidays and nights, in support of the 24/7/365 Ramp Tower operations.

Is subject to hold-over and recall on a 24-hour basis for essential services and emergencies such as snow removal.

A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.| Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers.