Airports: Well-Paying Jobs Or Just Taking Off?

Working at an airport can be an exciting experience, with a wide range of job opportunities and salaries to match. While some jobs at airports pay fairly well, it is important to note that this varies depending on the specific role and location.

Some of the highest-paying jobs at airports include aviation safety inspectors, earning an average of $98,610, and airline pilots, who can earn up to $200,000 per year. Other well-paying roles include air traffic controllers, flight instructors, and airport managers.

However, not all airport jobs offer competitive salaries. Many airport service workers, such as cleaners, wheelchair agents, baggage handlers, and ticketing agents, often earn substandard wages and receive few benefits.

Overall, the pay and benefits for airport jobs can vary significantly, and it is important to research the specific role and location when considering a career in the aviation industry.

Aviation maintenance/avionics technician

Salary.com reports that as of December 1, 2024, the average annual pay for avionics technicians in the US is $74,900, with the highest pay reaching $89,037 and the lowest $57,133. Most earn between $65,600 and $82,300. An entry-level avionics technician with under one year of experience can expect to make about $73,212, while a senior technician with 8+ years of experience can expect to earn about $76,997.

Glassdoor reports a higher estimated total pay for aviation maintenance technicians, at $82,458 per year in the US, with an average salary of $62,545 per year. The highest salary is reported to be $102,488 per year, while the lowest is $67,366 per year.

Aviation maintenance technician roles are considered fairly high-paying jobs, and some airlines will pay for schooling and offer signing bonuses. The role typically requires post-secondary education, such as a certificate from a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved program, or an associate's degree. Some technicians may also enter the occupation with a high school diploma and train on the job or in the military.

Overall, aviation maintenance/avionics technicians can expect to earn competitive salaries, with the potential for higher earnings depending on experience and location.

Airport manager

Working at an airport can be a well-paying job, depending on the specific role and location. Airport managers, for example, are responsible for overseeing airport operations, implementing safety policies and procedures, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations. Let's take a closer look at this role:

An airport manager plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and safe operation of an airport. They are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including:

• Oversight of daily operations: Airport managers supervise all aspects of airport operations, from aircraft maintenance and gate assignments to security and emergency response. They also coordinate with various departments and stakeholders within the airport to ensure efficient and effective operations.
• Implementing safety policies: Safety is a top priority for any airport, and airport managers are responsible for developing and enforcing safety policies and procedures. This includes conducting regular safety audits and inspections to identify and mitigate potential risks.
• Compliance with regulations: Airports are highly regulated environments, and airport managers must ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This includes maintaining records, obtaining necessary permits and certifications, and staying up-to-date with changing regulations.
• Financial management: Airport managers are often involved in budget planning and management. They may evaluate expenses, negotiate contracts, and work to optimize resources and increase profit margins for the airport.
• Human resources management: Airport managers typically oversee the hiring, training, and management of airport staff. This includes developing job descriptions, conducting performance evaluations, and ensuring that employees have the necessary skills and resources to perform their jobs effectively.
• Facility maintenance: Airport managers work closely with maintenance staff to ensure that airport facilities, equipment, and infrastructure are well-maintained and in good repair. This includes overseeing maintenance checks, approving maintenance plans, and coordinating any necessary repairs or upgrades.

Salary for Airport Managers

The salary for airport managers can vary depending on location and other factors. Here are some figures to consider:

• According to Indeed.com, as of November 17, 2024, the average salary for an airport manager in the United States is $46,307 per year, with 645 salaries reported.
• Salary.com reports that as of October 1, 2024, the average annual pay for an airport manager in Memphis, Tennessee, is $63,719. The website also notes that the highest pay for this role in Memphis can reach up to $80,837, while the lowest is around $48,547. Most airport managers in this city earn between $55,778 and $72,680.
• In comparison, the national average salary for an aviation manager, a similar role, is $81,552 per year, according to Indeed.com.

Career Prospects

Airport management can be a rewarding and challenging career. It often requires a combination of education and experience in aviation, business, or a related field. Prospects may include advancing to senior management roles within airports or transitioning to other roles in the aviation industry, such as consulting or working for regulatory bodies.

Air traffic controller

There are several paths to becoming an air traffic controller. Candidates typically need an associate's or a bachelor's degree from the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative program, several years of progressively responsible work experience, or a combination of education and experience. They must also be a U.S. citizen, pass medical and background checks, and complete training at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) academy.

The median annual wage for air traffic controllers was $137,380 in May 2023, with the lowest 10% earning less than $76,190 and the highest 10% earning more than $200,990. The approximate median annual wage for entry-level air traffic control specialists is $127,805, and this increases as they complete each new training phase.

Overall, air traffic controllers are well-paid, with salaries increasing as controllers gain more experience and complete further training.

Flight instructor

The salary of a flight instructor in the United States varies depending on several factors, including experience, location, education level, marketing trends, and company size. As of November 1, 2024, the average annual pay for a flight instructor in the US is $114,311, with the highest pay reaching $141,795 and the lowest being $96,700. The average hourly wage is $55, with the highest-earning instructors making $68 per hour.

In Virginia, the average annual pay for flight instructors is $93,808, with the highest salaries reaching over $144,000. The average hourly wage is $45.10, with top earners making $69.35 per hour.

The salary of a flight instructor can also vary from state to state. For example, as of November 1, 2024, the average yearly salary of a flight instructor in California is $126,086, while in Massachusetts, it is $124,371, and in New Jersey, it is $125,285.

In terms of cities, San Francisco, CA, has the highest average yearly salary for flight instructors at $142,889, followed by New York, NY, at $133,516, and Boston, MA, at $128,143.

Airline pilot

In the United States, the annual salary for a pilot can range from $56,000 to over $700,000. The specific pay varies depending on the airline. For example, Southwest Airlines pilots earn an average annual salary of $254,000, while American Airlines pilots earn an average of $145,995. International airlines also offer competitive salaries, with Qatar pilots earning an average of $173,000-$187,000 and Lufthansa pilots earning an average base pay of $141,000.

In addition to their salaries, pilots often receive attractive benefits packages, including health, life, dental, and vision insurance, as well as retirement plans. They also enjoy flexible schedules, with ample time off due to the limit of 1,000 flight hours per year.

The path to becoming an airline pilot involves intensive training and the development of a unique skill set. While the investment in flight training is relatively small compared to the financial rewards, it is still a significant expense that aspiring pilots should carefully consider.

Frequently asked questions