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Tower Controller Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-21

Tower Controller information

See Oregon salary details

$58.2K

$126.3K

$185.6K

How much do tower controller jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for tower controller in Oregon is $126,342.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,600.00 and $146,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tower controller?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Infographic showing various Tower Controller job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,342 per year, or $60.7 per hour.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST (TERMINAL)

US Department of the Air Force

Klamath Falls, OR

$89K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

This National Guard position is for a AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST (TERMINAL), T58257000 and is part of the Oregon National Guard 173rd Fighter Wing, National Guard.

Qualifications:

AREAS OF CONSIDERATION:
Area 1: All on board permanent and indefinite T5 federal employees within the Oregon National Guard
Area 2: All on board permanent and indefinite T32 federal technicians within the Oregon National Guard
Area 3: All current non-permanent technicians/employees (T5 and T32) of the Oregon National Guard
Area 4: All current and former members of the Oregon National Guard (former members must provide documentation showing membership in the Oregon National Guard such as an NGB 22 or DD214)
GENERAL AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Work in this series covers positions concerned with: (1) the control of air traffic to insure the safe, orderly and expeditious movement along air routes and at airports when a knowledge of aircraft separation standards and control techniques, and the ability to apply them properly, often under conditions of great stress, are required; (2) providing preflight and in-flight assistance to aircraft requiring a knowledge of the information pilots need to conduct safe flights and the ability to present that information clearly and concisely; and/or (3) the development, coordination, and management of air traffic control programs. Positions in this occupation require an extensive knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations, and procedures governing the movement of air traffic.
Experience 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.
For Terminal Positions: Issuing control instructions and advice to pilots in the vicinity of airports to assure proper separation of aircraft and to expedite their safe and efficient movement. This specialization also requires:
Ability to act decisively under stressful situations and to maintain alertness over sustained periods of pressure; Skill to coordinate plans and actions with pilots and other controllers; and Judgment to select and take the safest and most effective course of action from among several available choices.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Maximum Entry Age - Under the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 3307, a maximum entry age has been established for Terminal and Center positions.
Personal Qualities - In addition to meeting all other requirements, applicants must demonstrate possession of the traits and characteristics important in air traffic control work. Applicants who meet the experience and training requirements will be required to appear for a preemployment interview to determine whether they possess the personal characteristics necessary for performance of air traffic control work.
Training Requirements - At all trainee and developmental levels, employees must learn the skills needed for operation at higher levels of responsibility. Failure of employees to meet training requirements for or accept promotion to higher grade air traffic control specialist positions may constitute grounds for reassignment, demotion, or separation from employment.
Certificate And Rating Requirements - Air traffic control specialists in all specializations must possess or obtain, within uniformly applicable time limits, the facility ratings required for full performance at the facility where the position is located. Applicants must possess or obtain a valid Air Traffic Control Specialist Certificate and/or Control Tower Operator Certificate, if appropriate. These certificates require demonstrating knowledge of basic meteorology, basic air navigation, standard air traffic control and communications procedures, the types and uses of air navigation aids, and regulations governing air traffic. Facility ratings require demonstration of a knowledge of the kind and location of radio aids to air navigation, the terrain, the landmarks, the communications systems and circuits, and the procedures peculiar to the area covered by the facility.
INITIAL EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: In general, air traffic control specialist applicants and employees must have the capacity to perform the essential functions of these positions without risk to themselves or others. The provision of sufficient information about physical capacity for employment requires that before appointment applicants undergo appropriate pre-employment physical/medical evaluations. The physical impairments/medical conditions that follow, unless otherwise noted, are disqualifying because there are medical and/or management reasons to conclude that an individual with such impairment/condition cannot perform the duties of the position without unacceptable risk to his or her own health, or to the health or safety of others (employees or the public).
For additional medical requirements please use the link below:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/2100/air-traffic-control-series-2152
Applicants who meet one of the DoD Priority Placement Program categories below are eligible to apply with this preference.

  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade

Applicants claiming Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible must submit the following documentation:
- Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self Certification Checklist (DD 3145-3)
- Termination SF-50 Separation stating that the applicant has Priority Placement Eligibility
- Notice of Separation confirming of eligibility.
Applicants claiming Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement must submit the following documentation:
- Military Reserve and Technician Disability PPP Self Certification Checklist (DD 3145-2)
- Termination SF-50 Separation stating that the applicant has Priority Placement Eligibility
- Notice of Separation confirming of eligibility.
Applicant claiming Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Employees must submit the following documentation:
-DoD Retained Grade Self Certification Checklist (DD 3145-1)
- SF-50 effecting the placement in retained grade status
- Copy of the notification letter the employee received (RIF or classification downgrade)
Applicants claiming Priority Placement Program, Military Spouse Preference must submit the following documentation:
- DoD Military Spouse Preference Self Certification Checklist (DD 3145-4)
- Sponsor's PCS Orders
- Proof of Military member's current active duty status
- Marriage Certificate

Education:If you are using education to qualify for this position, you must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your Educational claims.Employment Type: OTHER