How to hire a traffic controller

How to hire a traffic controller, step by step

Here's a step-by-step traffic controller hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a traffic controller job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new traffic controller
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a traffic controller do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The traffic controller hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A traffic controller's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, traffic controllers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of traffic controller salaries for various roles:

   Type of Traffic Controller	Description	Hourly rate
   Traffic Controller	Air traffic controllers coordinate the movement of air traffic to ensure that aircraft stay safe distances apart.	$11-30
   Flagger	A flagger is an employee who is hired by government agencies or construction companies to control the flow of traffic around road construction sites. To control the flow of traffic, flaggers must erect warning signs and position traffic cones and barricades to guide drivers through the traffic flow... Show more	$10-18
   Air Traffic Controller	An air traffic controller specializes in overseeing and directing airspace traffic, all while maintaining an active line of communication with aircraft to ensure safe and efficient air travels. Generally assigned in ground control centers and towers, an air traffic controller's responsibilities revolve around utilizing technology to monitor flight paths, weather, and airport runways to guide pilots and airport personnel, coordinating with other control officers, inspecting and maintaining instruments and equipment in good condition, and alerting departments and assigned personnel should there be any emergencies.	$12-43

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Construction Sites
   • DOT
   • Safety Regulations
   • Safety Procedures
   • Direct Traffic
   • TMA
   • Traffic Safety
   • Traffic Cones
   • Road Signs
   • Vehicular Traffic
   • Traffic Flow
   • Emergency Situations
   • Public Safety
   • Traffic Control Devices

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Lead team providing cargo, personal property and passenger movements for DoD personnel.
   • Provide support for traffic control set-ups within ATSSA compliance and regulations.
   • Control air and grind traffic movement for private, commercial, and military aircraft in IFR and VFR conditions.
   • Ensure compliance with FAA, USAF, ANG and all local directives.
   • Register traffic controller, certify in CPR and first aid.
   • Direct staff training and the FAA qualification of facility personnel.

   More traffic controller duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the traffic controller job description is a good way to get more applicants. A traffic controller salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for a traffic controller in Utah may be lower than in Alaska, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level traffic controller. Additionally, a traffic controller with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average traffic controller salary

   $39,099yearly

   $18.80 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level traffic controller salary

   $24,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

   Average traffic controller salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Connecticut	$44,882	$22
   2	Michigan	$44,370	$21
   3	Wisconsin	$42,839	$21
   4	Maryland	$42,598	$20
   5	Virginia	$42,270	$20
   6	Ohio	$39,977	$19
   7	Missouri	$39,792	$19
   8	Indiana	$39,780	$19
   9	New Mexico	$39,680	$19
   10	West Virginia	$39,322	$19
   11	California	$38,333	$18
   12	Georgia	$36,889	$18
   13	North Carolina	$35,971	$17
   14	Colorado	$35,919	$17
   15	Florida	$35,171	$17
   16	Texas	$33,413	$16
   17	Washington	$32,078	$15
   18	New Jersey	$29,474	$14
   19	Kansas	$24,144	$12

   Average traffic controller salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Siemens	$62,057	$29.84	2
   2	Novant Health	$48,013	$23.08
   3	Centene	$43,916	$21.11
   4	Elizabeth River Project	$38,764	$18.64	1
   5	All American Financial Corp	$38,749	$18.63
   6	HealthPark LLC	$38,749	$18.63
   7	Create Music Group	$38,749	$18.63
   8	Global Resource Solutions Inc	$38,721	$18.62	3
   9	LAZ Parking	$38,083	$18.31	4
   10	Oldcastle Infrastructure	$37,423	$17.99	22
   11	IES	$37,247	$17.91
   12	Ethan Allen Workforce Solutions	$36,398	$17.50
   13	Mohegan Sun	$34,819	$16.74	1
   14	Allied Universal	$33,552	$16.13
   15	City of Santa Clara	$33,252	$15.99
   16	Hard Rock Hotels	$33,058	$15.89
   17	The Employment Solutions	$33,047	$15.89
   18	Kelly Services	$33,004	$15.87	8
   19	Heritage Holdings	$32,806	$15.77
   20	LaborMAX Staffing	$32,231	$15.50	9

4. Writing a traffic controller job description

   A traffic controller job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a traffic controller job description:

   Traffic controller job description example

   Responsible for continued and efficient flow of traffic in driveway. Directs vendor delivery truck unloading. Administers warning to vehicle no parking zones. Promotes positive customer relations and excellent guest service. Provides Family Style Service at all times May perform other duties as assigned This position can be located on organization chart H-1
   
   Minimum Qualification
   
   High School diploma or equivalent experience preferred. One year previous experience in parking operations. Must have excellent communication skills. Required to perform the customer service standards of the department Knowledgeable of the Casino Control Act respective to regulations, as well as company internal controls, policies and procedures.
   
   Caesars Entertainment is the most prominent brand in gaming in the Atlantic City region, with three leading resorts including Bally's Atlantic City, Caesars Atlantic City, and Harrah's Resort. Caesars' Atlantic City Empire, and its iconic brand of hospitality, has celebrated over 40 years of success in the community which it serves. From Caesars and Bally's, situated beachside on the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk, to Harrah's Resort, located in the City's sophisticated Marina District, Caesars Entertainment is committed to offering its guests and over 55 million loyal, Caesars Rewards customers exceptional service and memorable experiences on every visit. As the largest employer in Atlantic County, New Jersey, Caesars' legacy is deeply-rooted in its commitment to the community and its team members, helping to make Atlantic City great place to both work and play.
   
   Caesars Entertainment will engage in an interactive process and make reasonable accommodations, as required by law, for individuals with disabilities or to accommodate pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, or where a conflict exists between the position and an individuals' religious beliefs or practices.
   
   The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the position.
   
   The Company reserves the right to make changes to the job description whenever necessary.
   
   As a part of the new hire process, finalist candidates will be required to complete a drug test and background check prior to an offer being extended, except where applicable law requires that such pre-employment screening occur post-offer. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or applicants based on race, color, national origin, sex, age over 40, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
   
   Part Time

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find traffic controllers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your traffic controller job on Zippia to find and recruit traffic controller candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with traffic controller candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new traffic controller

   Once you have selected a candidate for the traffic controller position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new traffic controller. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a traffic controller?