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Tower Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pittsburg Tank & Tower Group Controller - Construction Accounting Job Summary: The Controller is responsible for leading and managing the company's accounting operations and ensuring the delivery of ...

Must have Controller in Charge experience. * FAA Control Tower Operator License with the ability to qualify at KILN within 6 months. * Ability to obtain Weather Observers License within first year of ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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 Jun 21, 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 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.

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.

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.
More about Tower Controller jobs
What states have the most Tower Controller jobs? States with the most job openings for Tower Controller jobs include:
Infographic showing various Tower Controller job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,497 per year, or $57.5 per hour.

Air Traffic Controller - Greenville Mississippi Tower / Greenville MS

CI Squared Aviation, Inc.

Greenville, MS

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

SUMMARY:

Responsible for the safe, orderly, andexpeditiousflow of air traffic control duties inaVisualFlight 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 andobservesand checks work, during orimmediately 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 orpreviousControl 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:

Makingdecisions involving:

  1. The order of departures willensureallaircraftequitabletreatment and willensurethatdepartingInstrument Flight Rules(IFR)flightsoperateat thefixedaltitude, andthe timedesignatedby the center or approach control clearances.
  2. The times and direction of takeoff and any turn necessary after departure.
  3. Whether inboundaircraftis to landimmediatelyor circle and whether distances are lengthened to control the arrival ofan aircraftat 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 anddeparting,aircraftare cleared to use the runways toensurestandard separation betweenaircrafton the runways.
  7. The sequence of arriving traffic, before it enters the traffic pattern, toensurea safe, orderly flow ofaircrafton the final approach to the landing runway.
  8. Endure thatInstrument 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 ofVisual Flight Rules (VFR)andInstrument 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. WhenVisual Flight Rules (VFR)flights through the ClassD airspacecan be authorized.

Determinesthe usability of communications frequencies and other navigational aids used to control air traffic. Monitors navigational aids and control panels, including tower radar display todeterminethe acceptability of its alignment and display presentation. Instructs pilots to change radio frequencies/transponder codes.

  1. Whenappropriate, coordinate with other controllers on the movement of both arrival and departureaircraft.
  2. When traffic conditionswarrant, controllers in non-approach terminalsare 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 checkpointsrequiredto 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 withaircraftthat have previously contacted the facility.


MANAGINGInstrument 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 ofaircraftlost or in difficulty;determineswhether 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 requirementsandproficiencymaintenance.
  4. ProvidesOn-the-job (OJT)training to others.