AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
Portland, ME · On-site
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
Portland, ME · On-site
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
Rochester, MN · On-site
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
Rochester, MN · On-site
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
Tucson, AZ · On-site
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
Tucson, AZ · On-site
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
El Paso, TX · On-site
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
El Paso, TX · On-site
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
Laramie, WY · On-site
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
Laramie, WY · On-site
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
Dallas, TX · On-site
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
Dallas, TX · On-site
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
Kenosha, WI · On-site
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
Kenosha, WI · On-site
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
Macon, GA · On-site
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
Macon, GA · On-site
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
Grand Island, NE · On-site
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
Grand Island, NE · On-site
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
Harrisburg, PA · On-site
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
Harrisburg, PA · On-site
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Commercial airlines aren't the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic ...
Seasonal Air Traffic Controller information
See salary details
$12.98 - $15.49
11% of jobs
$16.61 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$15.49 - $18.01
33% of jobs
The median wage is $19.82 / hr.
$18.01 - $20.52
9% of jobs
$20.52 - $23.03
15% of jobs
$23.03 - $25.55
1% of jobs
$26.53 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$25.55 - $28.06
17% of jobs
$28.06 - $30.57
6% of jobs
$30.57 - $33.09
3% of jobs
$33.09 - $35.60
0% of jobs
$35.60 - $38.11
1% of jobs
$38.11 - $40.63
4% of jobs
$12
$23
$40
How much do seasonal air traffic controller jobs pay per hour?
As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for seasonal air traffic controller in the United States is $23.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is a seasonal air traffic controller?
Seasonal Air Traffic Controllers are professionals hired temporarily to manage and direct aircraft movements during peak travel seasons or special events when air traffic volume increases. They perform the same critical tasks as regular air traffic controllers, such as ensuring safe distances between aircraft, providing takeoff and landing instructions, and coordinating with pilots and ground crews. These positions are typically offered at airports that experience significant fluctuations in traffic, such as tourist destinations or regions with seasonal weather changes. Seasonal controllers must meet the same training and certification requirements as full-time controllers and work under similar high-stress conditions.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a seasonal air traffic controller, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Seasonal Air Traffic Controller, you need strong situational awareness, excellent decision-making, and typically an FAA Air Traffic Control certification or equivalent. Familiarity with radar systems, radio communication tools, and navigation software is necessary. Exceptional communication, stress management, and teamwork skills help controllers effectively coordinate aircraft movements and respond to dynamic situations. These skills are critical for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and orderly flow of air traffic, especially during high-demand seasonal periods.
What are some unique challenges seasonal air traffic controllers face compared to year-round controllers?
Seasonal Air Traffic Controllers often work during periods of heightened air traffic, such as holidays or peak travel seasons, which can lead to increased stress and a faster-paced environment. Adapting quickly to local procedures and team dynamics is essential, as assignments may be shorter and require fast onboarding. Additionally, establishing effective communication with permanent staff and maintaining situational awareness despite less familiarity with the facility are common challenges. However, these roles offer valuable experience and networking opportunities for those seeking long-term careers in air traffic control.
What is the difference between Seasonal Air Traffic Controller vs Airport Operations Specialist?
| Aspect | Seasonal Air Traffic Controller | Airport Operations Specialist |
|---|---|---|
| Required Certifications | FAA Air Traffic Control Tower Certification | Airport Operations Certification or equivalent |
| Work Environment | Control towers, high-stress, dynamic | Airport facilities, administrative, coordination |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Federal Aviation Administration, airports |
Seasonal Air Traffic Controllers primarily manage aircraft movements in control towers during peak seasons, requiring FAA certification. Airport Operations Specialists handle broader airport functions, including safety and logistics, often with different certifications. While both roles work within airport environments, their responsibilities and certifications differ significantly.
More about Seasonal Air Traffic Controller jobs
What cities are hiring for Seasonal Air Traffic Controller jobs?
Cities with the most Seasonal Air Traffic Controller job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Air Traffic Controller jobs?
The most popular types of Air Traffic Controller jobs are:
What states have the most Seasonal Air Traffic Controller jobs?
States with the most job openings for Seasonal Air Traffic Controller jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Seasonal Air Traffic Controller jobs look for?
The top searched job categories for Seasonal Air Traffic Controller jobs are:
- Terminal 5
- Seasonal Dod Air Traffic Control
- Executive Midwest Air Traffic Control
- Dod Air Traffic Control
- Remote Midwest Air Traffic Control
- Airport Traffic Control
- Work From Home Dod Air Traffic Controller
- Work From Home Air Traffic Control Operations
- Flex Schedule Dod Air Traffic Controller
- Entry Level Rva Air Traffic Control
United States Navy rating
6.4
Based on 380 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
42nd of 49 rated military and defense
Job description
ABOUT
Act as our eyes and ears in the sky, mapping coasts and ports for Navy intelligence. Gain extensive training in radar, sonar, and air traffic communications. If you feel more at home above the sea than on it, a career in aviation might be for you. Below are some examples of the vast opportunities in this field.
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
Commercial airlines aren’t the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic Controllers to keep flight decks and airstrips in check. As an AC, you work against moving runways, inclement weather and mechanical issues to get personnel safely to the ground. Navy aircraft are
moving all the time, so it’s your responsibility to organize air traffic and communicate critical information to pilots. With extensive training in radar and air traffic communications, this rate is one of the easiest to translate into a civilian career post−service. As an Air Traffic Controller, you can command the skies.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The successful operation of a flight deck on an aircraft carrier is one of the most complex, high−stakes exercises on the planet. It’s no small task to ensure that each aircraft that leaves the flight deck performs its mission successfully and returns home safely. Navy Air Traffic Controllers are essential in directing the everyday complexities above and below the flight deck.
Their responsibilities include:
- Providing air traffic control services in air traffic control towers, radar air traffic control facilities, fleet area control and surveillance facilities and air operations ashore and afloat
- Operating radio communication systems and light signals
- Performing aircraft tactical duties as a flight engineer, loadmaster and/or reel operator
- Executing handling duties related to the launch and recovery of Naval aircraft
- Interpreting data shown on radar screens to plot aircraft positions
- Operating tactical weapons, sensors, and communications equipment
- Working with Pilots to operate and control aircraft systems
PAY AND BENEFITS
From the day you start, you’ll receive:
- Competitive salary
- Potential to earn a bonus upon enlistment
- Free health insurance
- Free housing
- A retirement plan
- Paid training
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
- Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance
- Post−9/11 GI Bill, up to 100% tuition
- Professional credentials and certifications
- College credit hours toward a bachelor’s or associate degree through the American Council on Education
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
- U.S. citizen or equivalent
- High school graduate or equivalent
- 17 years of age or older
General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before, or whether you’ve never served before.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Make the world your home. You may be assigned to sea or shore squadrons on almost any continent. You will have the opportunity to work in a variety of environments—from airborne aircraft to hangars, hangar decks to flight decks and flight lines at air stations and on aircraft carriers.
PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES
The role above is an Active Duty opportunity in the Navy, however there are part-time roles available in Air Support for the Navy. Serving part−time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Sailors in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes.
What United States Navy employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About US Navy
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Washington, DC, US