1

Tower Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Tower Technician II

Des Moines, IA

$20 - $26.50/hr

Tower Technicians support all aspects of tower installations, including all antennas and ... antenna controller units. · Run jumpers as needed to complete ongoing scopes of work. · May ...

Tower Technician II

Des Moines, IA

$20 - $26.50/hr

Tower Technicians support all aspects of tower installations, including all antennas and ... antenna controller units. · Run jumpers as needed to complete ongoing scopes of work. · May ...

Tower Technician II

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$20 - $26.50/hr

Tower Technicians support all aspects of tower installations, including all antennas and ... controller units. • Run jumpers as needed to complete ongoing scopes of work. • May devise ...

Tower Technician III

Des Moines, IA

$20 - $26.50/hr

Tower Technician III will lead all aspects of tower installations, including all antennas and ... controller units. Run jumpers as needed to complete ongoing scopes of work. May devise jumper ...

Wireless Tower Technician III

Denver, CO · On-site

$21.25 - $28/hr

Wire in Raycaps and install Flash Technology lighting controllers * Troubleshoot fiber, power and ... Rig a tower in a Class III rigging scenario * Install microwave dishes, antennas, RRUs and other ...

Wire in Raycaps and install Flash Technology lighting controllers * Troubleshoot fiber, power and ... Rig a tower in a Class III rigging scenario * Install microwave dishes, antennas, RRUs and other ...

Wireless Tower Technician III

Denver, CO · On-site

$21.25 - $28/hr

Wire in Raycaps and install Flash Technology lighting controllers * Troubleshoot fiber, power and ... Rig a tower in a Class III rigging scenario * Install microwave dishes, antennas, RRUs and other ...

Tower Technician III

Des Moines, IA

$20 - $26.50/hr

Tower Technician III will lead all aspects of tower installations, including all antennas and ... antenna controller units. · Run jumpers as needed to complete ongoing scopes of work. · May ...

Showing results 41-60

Tower Controller information

See salary details

$55K

$119.5K

$175.5K

How much do tower controller jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 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.

More about Tower Controller jobs

Who are the top companies hiring for Tower Controller jobs?

The top employers for Tower Controller jobs are:

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,497 per year, or $57.5 per hour.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST (TERMINAL) with Security Clearance

Department of Defense

Homestead, FL • On-site

Other

Posted yesterday

New


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Duties SUMMARY: The primary purpose of this position is to provide a i r traffic control ( ATC) services to military a n d ci vi l i a n aircraft operating in a radar environment using instrument flight rules (IFR) and visual flight rules (VFR) providing for the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic. Also provides non-radar approach control services in allocated airspace, in the event of radar outages. The employee is required to be a dual-certified air traffic controller in both the Air Traffic Control Tower and Radar Approach Control (RAPCON) facilities. DUTIES: * Directs movement of aircraft on the ground and in flight within the delegated airspace in both Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) and Radar Approach Control (RAPCON) facilities as displayed on the Terminal Control Workstation, by visual means (Control Tower) and pilot reported. * Operates communication and display equipment and provides emergency assistance to aircraft. * Provides instruction and assistance to air traffic control personnel. * Maintains certification requirements. Requirements Conditions of employment * U.S. Citizenship Required * Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov * If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/ * This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program * Disclosure of Political Appointments * Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period. * Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. * Must possess valid air traffic controller certification and obtain/maintain currency of the same. * May be required to work an uncommon tour of duty, i.e., Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays, etc. May be required to work rotating shifts and overtime. * May be required to respond to short notice recall to support unscheduled emergency air traffic and/or contingencies/exercises to support the mission. * Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft. * Must complete all training requirements within locally prescribed time limits to obtain and maintain a full facility rating in facility of assignment. * The incumbent of this position must have the ability to sit and/or stand for long periods of time while controlling aircraft in a dimly lit room. * At least 5 years ATC tower controller experience is highly desired. * At least 10 years of ATC experience and experience in the ATC career field within the last 3 years is highly desired. * The position may require the employee to work under adverse environmental conditions. * The incumbent must accomplish local limited weather observer certification requirements administered by base weather flight. * Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance * The incumbent must have the ability to meet and maintain on a continuing basis the physical, mental, and medical standards for ATC duties as specified by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) qualification standard for GS-2152. * This position may be entitled to 5% premium pay as authorized by 5 USC 5546a (a)(1) Qualifications CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT (CONT): * This position is covered as an Air Traffic Controller under 5 USC 2109 * This position is subject to the special retirement provisions for Air Traffic Controllers under CSRS and FERS (5 USC 3382, Involuntary Separation for Retirement; 5 USC 8335(a) and 8425(a), Mandatory Separation; 5 USC 8336(e) and 8412(e), Immediate Retirement; 5 USC 8339(e) and 8415(d), Computation of annuity). * This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program. Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety. * The incumbent must have previous experience working in a radar control environment as a journeyman level ATC Specialist; or have completed all agency requirements to be a fully certified RAPCON ATC Specialist in order to fully qualify for the GS-11 grade of this position. The Tower ATC work of this position is at the GS-10 level. * The duties of this position meets all requirements as a category 4 designation, and shall not be vacated during a national emergency or mobilization without seriously impairing the capability of the parent Federal Agency or office to function effectively. This position must be removed from the Ready Reserve and CAN NOT become a member of the Ready Reserve. (IAW: DoDD 1200.7, "Screening the Ready Reserve,") QUALIFICATIONS: In order to qualify, you must meet the SPECIALIZED experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Air Traffic Control Series, GS-2152. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-10, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience include 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. Examples of specialized experience include 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. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-10 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: * Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations and procedures governing the movement of air traffic. * Knowledge of Terminal Air Traffic Control (ATC) Procedures, including tower procedures. * Knowledge of the functional/operational limitations of all ATC equipment, as well as approach lighting, airfield lighting, weather instructions, navigational aids (NAVAIDS), remote status indicators, arresting systems, landlines, and any other equipment pertaining to ATC services. * Knowledge of weather phenomena and localized effects. * Ability to make rapid and precise judgments in a real-time work situation, remain calm under conditions that are stressful, coordinate many different processes at once, and adjust rapidly to changes in the traffic pattern and tempo of work activity. * Ability to communicate effectively (rapidly, clearly, and distinctly) orally and in writing; to act decisively in emergency situations; and to provide appropriate reporting procedures as required. MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE: The maximum age for original entry into an identified ATC position is 36 years. An individual shall NOT be appointed or assigned to an ATC position if that appointment cannot be completed prior to the last day of the month in which the individual reaches his/her 36th birthday. Applicants over the age limit must meet re-entry or age waiver requirements in accordance with DoDI 1400.25-V331 dated 26 Jan 15, Department of Defense Civilian Personnel Manual, Subchapter 331, Civilian Air Traffic Controllers. Any individual who has reached the mandatory separation age (56) is NOT eligible for employment/reemployment as an ATC (5 U.S.C. 3323(a) (reference (b)). NOTE: ATCs have a mandatory separation age of 56. This position is covered as an Air Traffic Controller under 5 USC 2109. This position is subject to the special retirement provisions for Air Traffic Controllers under CSRS and FERS (5 USC 3382, Involuntary Separation for Retirement; 5 USC 8335(a) and 8425(a), Mandatory Separation; 5 USC 8336(e), Immediate Retirement; 5 USC 8339(3) and 8415(d), Computation of annuity, and 8412(e). RE-ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: ATC Specialist in receipt of a refund, of retirement contributions for the years of service covered under special retirement, will not receive service credit towards the 20 years required to retire under special retirement coverage, unless the redeposit is paid in full prior to date of retirement. 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 knowled

What U.S. Department Of Defense employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom