TOP PAYING FLYING JOBS
The airline industry has been going through a rough
transition for years now. From buttoned-down security to
sky-high gas prices, it's been a bumpy ride. Still, the fact
remains that people want to travel and there are plenty of
jobs available at airlines, airports, airplane companies and
security organizations around the globe. Where might your
talents fit into the aviation industry?
Many people wish for the glamorous lifestyle and income of a
pilot. But, do pilots always wear crisp uniforms and make the
big bucks? Not necessarily, according to Al Lee, director of
quantitative analysis at online salary database PayScale.com.
He says, "There's a huge variation in pay depending on
whether you're flying a float plane for a regional commuter
company or flying 747s for United. Regional airlines
sometimes pay $20 per hour and only when the engine is on."
Lee says that with only 1000 hours of engine time a year,
that hourly rate can come close to minimum wage.
Fortunately, you don't have to wait to fly jumbo jets if want
to work in aviation. In fact, if you like doing math,
mechanical work or security tasks, here are some in-demand
job options, that are also some of the best-paid in the
industry, according to PayScale.
1. Director of Aerospace Program Management
Median Annual Salary: $151,000
According to Lee, "Aerospace is second only to petroleum
engineering in pay." That's why the director of an aerospace
engineering program management team can earn well into the
six figures. This person likely has a graduate degree in
business, such as an MBA, in addition to their degree in
engineering. Directors are involved in developing the
company's business strategy, negotiating contracts to build
aircraft and taking responsibility for company profitability.
2. Airline Pilot, Copilot or Flight Engineer
Median Annual Salary: $117,000
Most pilots used to receive their training in the military,
but in recent years a college degree and training from an
FAA-certified flight training school has become more common
among new hires. And, while many may pay less, there are
plenty of jobs for pilots besides passenger airline gigs.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 34
percent of commercial pilots use their time in the air to
dust crops, test planes, monitor traffic, fight fires and
perform other non-typical functions.
3. Aerospace Project Engineer
Median Annual Salary: $82,000
An aerospace project engineer must not only understand the
ins and outs of aerospace engineering, but they must have the
personal and organizational skills to lead a team through a
project. A project engineer is likely involved in managing
the budget for a project, hiring and training staff, checking
their team's work and other administrative tasks.
4. Aircraft Maintenance Manager
Median Annual Salary: $74,200
Once again, this is a job position that requires both
technical skill and a knack for leading teams. A maintenance
manager is a knowledgeable professional who ensures that
their teams perform maintenance regularly and according to
regulatory guidelines. The manager schedules a staff of
technicians and likely does much of the hiring and training
of their team.
-- Find Aircraft Maintenance Jobs
5. Air Traffic Controller
Median Annual Salary:$62,500
Lee notes that air traffic controller is one of the best-
paying jobs you can have with an associate's degree. It's
well known for causing sky-high stress levels and requiring a
tremendous amount of mental focus. But, did you know that,
depending on the airport, the work is separated out between
controllers for ground movement, take-off, en route flight
time, landing and more? The competition for these lucrative,
steady job positions is steep, though the BLS expects a wave
of retirement in the coming years that should open up more
positions to younger controllers.
-- Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs
6. Sky Marshal or Air Marshal
Median Annual Salary: $62,100
Air marshals are employed by the federal government to guard
against attacks targeting U.S. aircraft, passengers and crew.
According to the Transportation Security Administration's
website, air marshals may have the unique challenge of
working independently, without back up. Therefore, they are
trained in handgun accuracy, terrorist behavior recognition
and learn "aircraft specific tactics and close quarters
self-defense measures." Sky marshal sounds like a good job
for someone who is brave, tough and level-headed.
-- Find Air Marshal Jobs
7. Airplane Inspector
Median Annual Salary: $60,600
Airplane mechanics with some experience in the field and a
positive track record can move into the role of inspector.
Airplane inspectors enjoy greater job security because the
work they do is, and likely always will be, required by the
FAA. Airlines must have them around to regularly inspect the
planes after any maintenance, repairs or overhauls. According
to the BLS, the best job opportunities are available to
mechanics who have an aircraft inspector's authorization.
-- Find Airplane Inspector Jobs
8. Aircraft Mechanic
Median Annual Salary: $50,500
Many mechanics specialize in preventative airplane
maintenance, though they also do repairs. While some
mechanics learn their skills on the job, most attend an FAA-
approved school, of which there are 170 in the US. Jobs with
major airlines are the most competitive because they offer
the best pay and benefits.
-- Find Aircraft Mechanic Jobs
9. Avionics Technician
Median Annual Salary: $49,300
An avionics technician works on the components used for
aircraft navigation and radio communications, weather radar
systems, and other instruments and computers. They often must
solve complex electrical problems and can work odd hours
depending when their expertise is called upon.
-- Find Avionics Technician Jobs
10. Aircraft Loadmaster
Median Annual Salary: 40,900
The loadmaster mathematically preplans the correct placement
of passengers and cargo on the airplane so that the plane can
take off and land safely. In the military, loadmasters often
fly with the plane so that they can prepare it for its next
leg of the journey. Commercial airlines often hire a similar
position, called a load planner, which does not require
flying on the plane. When asked about how secure this job
position is for the long haul, former US Air Force load
master Ben Nesheim says, "There will always be a load master
to calculate weight and balance. For every plane that carries
cargo, somebody has to do the math."
-- Find Aircraft Loadmaster Jobs
Here are some more popular aviation jobs and what they pay:
Job Title
Median Pay
Aviation / Aerospace Program Manager
$107,000
Aerospace Engineer
$74,000
Aircraft Engine Mechanic Supervisor
$65,500
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technician
$60,200
Aircraft Electrician
$50,100
Flight Attendant
$46,900
Flight Dispatcher
$41,700
Air Export Agent
$38,600
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler
$38,500
Air Freight Agent
$37,300
Airline/Aviation Ground Attendant
$35,800
Airline Security Screener
$33,500
Airline/Aviation Baggage Handler
$30,900
Airline Ticket Reservation Agent
$27,700
Aircraft Fueler
$26,400
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