1

Tower Controller Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Act as a Pseudo Pilot when needed (the TSS Pseudo Pilot simulates aircraft movement at an airport and engages/communicates with an ATCT controller as a pilot.) * Tower Simulation Scenario development:

... Ansible Tower o Basic knowledge of Ping Access and Certificate Management o Public and Private ... quorum controllers, topics, partitions, ACLs) and ability to map them to managed cloud services ...

Maintenance Mechanic 3rd Shift

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$25.50 - $31.75/hr

... controllers, circuit breakers, power panels, motors, heating units, conduit/raceway conveyances ... cooling tower systems, CO2 systems, NO2 systems, water filtration systems. * Assures that ...

Maintenance Operator

Tucson, AZ

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

This position will require access to ITAR and/or EAR controlled technical data, technology or ... Cooling tower maintenance * Painting * Cleaning * Cooler service and minor repair * Minor roof ...

Maintenance Operator

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

This position will require access to ITAR and/or EAR controlled technical data, technology or ... Cooling tower maintenance * Painting * Cleaning * Cooler service and minor repair * Minor roof ...

Maintenance Operator

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

This position will require access to ITAR and/or EAR controlled technical data, technology or ... Cooling tower maintenance * Painting * Cleaning * Cooler service and minor repair * Minor roof ...

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

... tower operations and equipment functioning. • Develop skills to trouble shoot, evaluate process ... Controllers, field process measuring equipment and vibration equipment • Understanding of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Tower Controller information

See Arizona salary details

$51.3K

$111.4K

$163.5K

How much do tower controller jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for tower controller in Arizona is $111,357.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,400.00 and $129,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Tower Controller vs Approach Controller?

AspectTower ControllerApproach Controller
Primary RoleManages aircraft on the ground and during takeoff/landing within the airport's control towerManages arriving and departing aircraft in the terminal airspace, guiding them safely to and from the airport
Work EnvironmentControl tower at the airportEn route or terminal radar facilities
CertificationsFAA Tower Certification, Radar Certification (if applicable)FAA Approach Certification, Radar Certification
Industry UsageAirports with control towersAirports with approach control facilities

Both Tower Controllers and Approach Controllers are essential air traffic professionals working within the same industry. Tower Controllers focus on ground operations and aircraft during takeoff and landing within the airport's control tower, while Approach Controllers manage aircraft in the terminal airspace approaching or departing the airport. They often work together to ensure safe and efficient aircraft movement.

How does a Tower Controller typically collaborate with other air traffic control units during their shift?

Tower Controllers work closely with approach and departure control units to coordinate the safe and efficient movement of aircraft within the airport's airspace. They maintain constant communication with ground controllers, ramp personnel, and airline operations to manage arrivals, departures, and taxiing. Effective teamwork and clear communication are essential, especially during peak traffic periods or when weather conditions require rapid decision-making. This collaboration helps ensure that aircraft transition smoothly between different phases of flight and that safety protocols are strictly followed.

How hard is it to get hired as an air traffic controller?

Becoming a tower controller is competitive and requires meeting strict qualifications, including passing written exams, medical and background checks, and completing specialized training. Candidates often need strong communication skills, the ability to work under pressure, and relevant certifications such as the FAA Air Traffic Control Tower Operator Certificate. The hiring process can be lengthy and demanding due to the job's high responsibility and safety standards.

How much do tower controllers make?

Tower controllers, also known as air traffic control tower operators, typically earn a median annual salary of around $130,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and certification level, with some earning over $180,000 annually in high-demand areas.

How to become a tower controller?

To become a tower controller, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, complete FAA-approved air traffic control training, and pass medical and background checks. Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is required, which involves passing written, practical, and medical exams, and gaining experience through on-the-job training at an FAA facility.

What are tower controllers?

Tower controllers are air traffic control professionals who manage the safe and efficient movement of aircraft on runways and taxiways at airports. They direct arriving and departing flights, communicate with pilots, and coordinate with other air traffic control facilities to ensure smooth operations. Tower controllers use radar, radios, and visual observation to maintain safe distances between aircraft and respond quickly to any emergencies or changes in weather conditions. Their role is crucial in preventing collisions and minimizing delays at busy airports.

Did air traffic controllers get paid $10,000?

Air traffic controllers, including tower controllers, typically earn salaries well above $10,000 per month, with entry-level salaries starting around $40,000 annually and increasing with experience and certifications. High-level controllers in busy airports can earn over $100,000 annually. Compensation depends on factors such as location, experience, and union agreements.

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

To thrive as a Tower Controller, you need strong situational awareness, quick decision-making abilities, and an air traffic control certification from an accredited program. Proficiency in radar and communications systems, as well as familiarity with FAA procedures, is typically required. Exceptional communication, stress management, and teamwork skills help ensure clarity and efficiency during high-pressure situations. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining safety, minimizing delays, and ensuring the smooth flow of air traffic.
Air Traffic Control Specialist

Air Traffic Control Specialist

Robinson Aviation

Bullhead City, AZ • On-site

$35.04/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description


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

Dimensions of Position
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.

Accountability

1. 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.

2. 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.

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

4. 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.

5. 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.

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

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

8. 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: $35.04 Per Hour

HW Rate: $4.93