How Much Does a Control Tower Operator Make?

Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Control Tower Operator in the United States is $47,742. While Salary.com is seeing that Control Tower Operator salary in the US can go up to $58,223 or down to $42,349, but most earn between $44,919 and $53,228. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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Similar Job Salaries to Control Tower Operator by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
Alakaina Family of Companies
Control Tower Operator
$71,941/yr
$63,546
$80,335
RANGE: $63,546 - $80,335
Canadian Pacific
Tower Operator
$61,886/yr
$54,877
$68,894
RANGE: $54,877 - $68,894
Hilmar Cheese Company
TOWER OPERATOR
$63,515/yr
$56,642
$70,388
RANGE: $56,642 - $70,388
$52,353/yr
$47,160
$57,545
RANGE: $47,160 - $57,545
DSV
Control Tower Specialist
$57,273/yr
$51,224
$63,323
RANGE: $51,224 - $63,323
$79,897/yr
$71,628
$88,166
RANGE: $71,628 - $88,166
Pinkerton
Control Tower Analyst
$79,897/yr
$71,628
$88,166
RANGE: $71,628 - $88,166
DSV A/S
Administrative Assistant, Control Tower
$59,680/yr
$53,247
$66,114
RANGE: $53,247 - $66,114
Schneider Electric
Transportation Control Tower Data
$72,758/yr
$64,355
$81,161
RANGE: $64,355 - $81,161

Open Control Tower Operator Jobs in the United States

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What Does a Control Tower Operator Do?

The FAA retains strict eligibility requirements for those interested in a control tower operator certificate.
Updated December 20, 2021
Within the tower, a highly disciplined communications process between air control and ground control is an absolute necessity.
Updated December 20, 2021
In this case, the en-route center or a neighboring terminal or approach control may co-ordinate directly with the tower on the airport and vector inbound aircraft to a position from where they can land visually.
Updated December 10, 2021
(RVT) is a system based on air traffic controllers being located somewhere other than at the local airport tower and still able to provide air traffic control services.
Updated December 08, 2021
Tower Proficiency Training: Students will maintain proficiency on Flight Data/Clearance Delivery, Ground Control, and Local Control positions at the Valdosta Regional Airport Control Tower.
Updated December 02, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Control Tower Operator Salaries

What is the average of a Control Tower Operator in the United States?

The Control Tower Operator salary range is from $44,919 to $53,228, and the average Control Tower Operator salary is $47,742/year in the United States. The Control Tower Operator's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Control Tower Operator salary in the United States?

The Control Tower Operator salary in San Jose, CA is $60,217 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Control Tower Operator's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Control Tower Operator.

What is the growth rate of the Control Tower Operator's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Control Tower Operator or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Control Tower Operator.

Recent Salary Report

Below are the most recent Control Tower Operator salary reports. Employer name has been removed to protect anonymity.

$47,742 Yearly
A Control Tower Operator in Sheridan, WY reported making $47,742 per year
Sheridan, WY
6 - 1,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$56,603 Yearly
A Control Tower Operator in Gary, IN reported making $56,603 per year
Gary, IN
200 - 6 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$4,846 Monthly
A Control Tower Operator in Easton, PA reported making $4,846 per month
Easton, PA
1,000 - 3,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Public
$46,879 Yearly
A Control Tower Operator in Norwalk, CA reported making $46,879 per year
Norwalk, CA
100 - 200 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$23 Hourly
A Control Tower Operator in Roanoke, VA reported making $23 per hour
Roanoke, VA
3,000 - 7,6 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public
$25 Hourly
A Control Tower Operator in Westerly, RI reported making $25 per hour
Westerly, RI
7,6 - 15,000 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public