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Tower Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

techdash telecom

Tower Technician III

Lincoln, NE

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

MUST be a Certified Tower Climber - can be via Gravitec Systems, Inc. or ComTrain Recommended ... Trained in controlled descent * Trained in use of aerial lifts * Trained in procedures on a working ...

techdash telecom

Tower Technician III

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

... controller units. • Run jumpers as needed to complete ongoing scopes of work. • May devise ... Tower Climber - can be via Gravitec Systems, Inc. or ComTrain Recommended Knowledge, Skills and ...

techdash telecom

Tower Technician III

Lincoln, NE

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

... controller units. • Run jumpers as needed to complete ongoing scopes of work. • May devise ... Tower Climber - can be via Gravitec Systems, Inc. or ComTrain Recommended Knowledge, Skills and ...

techdash telecom

Tower Technician II

Des Moines, IA

$20 - $26.50/hr

Tower Technicians support all aspects of tower installations, including all antennas and ... Trained in controlled descent. Trained in use of aerial lifts. Trained in procedures on a working ...

techdash telecom

Tower Technician III

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

... controller units. • Run jumpers as needed to complete ongoing scopes of work. • May devise ... Tower Climber - can be via Gravitec Systems, Inc. or ComTrain Recommended Knowledge, Skills and ...

Peyton Resource Group (PRG)

Be Seen First

Wireless Tower Technician

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$25 - $29/hr

Experience installing RF system radios and controllers * Experience installing small to mid-sized self-supporting communication towers * Proficient reading SOWs, site plans and tower drawings

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Tower Controller information

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$55K

$119.5K

$175.5K

How much do tower controller jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for tower controller in the United States is $119,497.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,000.00 and $138,500.00 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.

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What states have the most Tower Controller jobs?

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What are popular job titles related to Tower Controller jobs?

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Tower Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tower Controller job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,497 per year, or $57.5 per hour.

Air Traffic Controller - Jackson Tower - Jackson, MS

Jackson, MS • On-site

CI Squared Aviation, Inc.
See more jobs at CI Squared Aviation, Inc.external

Full-time

Re-posted 17 hours ago

Job description

SUMMARY:
Responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic control duties in a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Airport 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 the complexity of the task until satisfied the incumbent can perform it independently.
REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must have a minimum of (2) years of experience as an Air Traffic Controller.
  • Individuals must have a current or previous Control Tower Operator Certificate (CTO) Certificate and a current Class II Medical Certificate.
  • Individuals must have held a Control Tower Operator Certificate (CTO) with a facility rating for a minimum of two years in an Air Traffic Control Tower.
  • The position is subject to drug and/or alcohol testing per the DOT/FAA requirements (pre-employment, random, reasonable cause/suspicion, post-accident).

ACCOUNTABILITY:
Making decisions involving:
  1. The order of departures will ensure all aircraft equitable treatment and will ensure that departing Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flights operate at the fixed altitude, andthe time designated by the center or approach control clearances.
  2. The times and direction of takeoff and any turn necessary after departure.
  3. Whether inbound aircraft is to land immediately or circle and whether distances are lengthened to control the arrival of an aircraft at a given point.
  4. The active runway and possible simultaneous use of other runways.
  5. The time and methods by which arrivals and departures can be interspersed with the least delay to traffic.
  6. When landing and departing, aircraft are cleared to use the runways to ensure standard separation between aircraft on the runways.
  7. The sequence of arriving traffic, before it enters the traffic pattern, to ensure a safe, orderly flow of aircraft on the final approach to the landing runway.
  8. Endure that Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) separation standards are applied, as delegated by approach control or the center, in limited areas around the airport to provide initial separation between IFR arrivals and IFR departures and between successive IFR departures.
  9. The sequence of Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) traffic, and when delegated, using radar equipment to provide initial separation for arrival verse arrival and arrival verse departure IFR traffic.
  10. When Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flights through the Class D airspace can be authorized.

Determines the usability of communications frequencies and other navigational aids used to control air traffic. Monitors navigational aids and control panels, including tower radar display to determine the acceptability of its alignment and display presentation. Instructs pilots to change radio frequencies/transponder codes.
  1. When appropriate, coordinate with other controllers on the movement of both arrival and departure aircraft.
  2. When traffic conditions warrant, controllers in non-approach terminals are responsible for:
    1. Preplanning traffic sequencing and separation over an area, which may reach out to a radius of 5 miles or more.
    2. Preplanning and setting up checkpoints required to ensure the maintenance of necessary traffic separation.
    3. Maintaining a continuous mental picture and evaluation of constantly changing traffic, frequency dispersed throughout his/her area of jurisdictional responsibility.
    4. Maintaining continuous radio watch with aircraft that have previously contacted the facility.

MANAGING Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) TRAFFIC FOR AIRPORT:
  1. Studies weather reports and forecasts, obtain 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, AFSS, and the appropriate center/approach control, pilot weather reports and reports based upon personal observation of weather conditions; operate light guns, runway lights, field lighting, jet barriers, etc.
  2. Orients pilots of aircraft lost or in difficulty; determines whether a given situation may develop into an emergency; and notifies airlines operations offices, airport management offices, and airport rescue and firefighting services.
  3. Performs lower grade level duties as necessary to meet operational requirements and proficiency maintenance.
  4. Provides On-the-job (OJT) training to others.

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