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Tower Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Conditioning Tower Operator Do you like working with your hands, staying busy, and being part of a team that keeps things running smoothly? We're looking for a Conditioning Tower Operator to join our ...

Conditioning Tower Operator Do you like working with your hands, staying busy, and being part of a team that keeps things running smoothly? We're looking for a Conditioning Tower Operator to join our ...

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Tower Operator information

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How much do tower operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for tower operator in the United States is $21.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Tower Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with control panels, SCADA systems, and relevant safety certifications such as OSHA are typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help operators manage emergencies and coordinate with team members. These skills are essential to ensure the safe and efficient operation of towers, prevent accidents, and maintain consistent service.

What are some common challenges Tower Operators face during their shifts, and how can they best prepare for them?

Tower Operators often encounter challenges such as monitoring multiple communication channels, managing high-stress situations during emergencies, and quickly responding to changing weather conditions or operational demands. Staying organized, maintaining clear communication with team members, and continually updating technical knowledge are essential to handling these challenges effectively. Many operators find that regular training, staying calm under pressure, and being proactive in identifying potential issues help them excel in this role.

What Is a Tower Operator?

A tower operator controls a tower crane and similar equipment for a construction project. It’s their job to safely operate the tower crane and cable lift to move materials as directed. Other job duties involve inspecting the crane, preparing maintenance reports, and adhering to all safety protocol. This career requires an associate’s degree in heavy equipment operation. Some employers prefer additional work experience through an apprenticeship program. Other important qualifications include strong mechanical skills, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to work in all weather conditions.

What is the difference between Tower Operator vs Substation Operator?

AspectTower OperatorSubstation Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma and safety certificationsRequires similar certifications, often including electrical or technical training
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, on communication or transmission towersIndoor/outdoor, within electrical substations
Industry UsageTelecommunications, power transmissionPower utilities, electrical distribution
Job FocusMaintaining communication or transmission equipment on towersMonitoring and maintaining substation equipment

Both Tower Operators and Substation Operators work in the energy and communications sectors, requiring safety certifications and technical knowledge. Tower Operators focus on outdoor tower maintenance, while Substation Operators work within electrical substations. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in the utility and telecom industries.

What does a Tower Operator do?

A Tower Operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling operations in facilities such as oil refineries, power plants, or communication towers. Their duties often include observing gauges, dials, and other indicators to ensure equipment is working correctly, adjusting controls to regulate processes, and coordinating with other workers to maintain safety and efficiency. They play a crucial role in troubleshooting issues and responding to emergencies. Tower Operators must also follow strict safety protocols and keep detailed records of operations. The job requires attention to detail, technical knowledge, and the ability to work in high-pressure environments.
What cities are hiring for Tower Operator jobs? Cities with the most Tower Operator job openings:
What states have the most Tower Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Tower Operator jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Tower Operator jobs? For Tower Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Tower Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,428 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Air Traffic Controller - Jackson Tower - Jackson, MS

CI Squared Aviation, Inc.

Jackson, MS • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Control the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic at a Visual Flight Rules Airport Traffic Control Tower.

  • Monitor and manage arrivals, departures, runway usage, and aircraft sequencing to ensure standard separation and minimal delays.

  • Provide pilots with weather information, field conditions, and operational advisories, and coordinate with other controllers and relevant airport services as necessary.


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 orimmediatelyafter 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.