Lois Larson
The aviation industry offers a wide range of unique job opportunities, from working with travellers as a flight attendant to managing complex aircraft sales and purchases. While some airport jobs have limited earning potential, others can lead to very well-paying careers. The pay for airport jobs varies depending on factors such as skill level, location, and years of experience. In the United States, the average hourly pay for airport jobs is $25.47, with wages ranging from $10.34 to $34.62 per hour. Certain cities, such as Kentville, NS, Whitehorse, YT, and Carcross, YT, offer above-average salaries for airport jobs, providing opportunities for economic advancement. Aside from location, factors such as experience, education level, certifications, and specialised training can influence earning potential.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Aviation Maintenance Technician | $10,000-$20,000 signing bonus |
| Aerospace Engineer | $130,000 per year |
| Air Traffic Controller | $60,000-$70,000 per year |
| Airline Pilot | $90,000-$110,000 per year |
| Airport Executive | Hundreds of thousands to millions per year |
| Aviation Consultant | $66,700-$165,700 per year |
| Air Charter Broker | $45,000-$165,000 per year |
| Aircraft Maintenance Manager | N/A |
| Airport Operations Manager | $72,858 per year |
| Airport Lounge Suite Host | N/A |
| Airport Lounge Concierge | N/A |
| Airport Team Member | N/A |
| Airport Host/Hostess | N/A |
| Airport Checker | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
Pilots
According to the May 2023 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that airline pilot salaries vary significantly, with the median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers being $239,200. The BLS reported the median U.S. airline pilot, copilot, and flight engineer salary at $219,140 for 2023, which was updated in June 2025. The average salary over 200,000 in 2025 is expected to increase by 20 to 40 percent by 2027.
New pilots at a major airline can expect to make between $85,000 to $110,000 per year, depending on the airline, with the salary for commercial pilots being $113,080 per year. Pilots at American Airlines can expect to earn substantial salaries, with senior captains earning around $450,000 annually. Some pilots can even expect a ten million dollar career in total earnings.
In addition to annual earnings, pilots take part in company health, life, and disability insurance, and retirement plans. In many cases, these plans exceed what employees in other fields receive.
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Air traffic controllers
There are several paths to becoming an air traffic controller. Candidates typically need an associate's or 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 a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) academy.
The job of an air traffic controller is challenging and dynamic. In the U.S., most civilian air traffic controllers (ATCs) are employed by the FAA. After completing their training and being assigned to an air traffic facility, controllers can earn approximately $60,000 to $70,000 per year. The pay rates depend on the geographical area and the associated cost of living. Salaries increase as controllers progress in their practical training and careers. The median annual wage for air traffic controllers was $137,380 in May 2023, with an average salary of $59,960.
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Airport executives
The salary range for airport executives can differ based on factors such as experience, education level, certifications, and the specific airport or location. For instance, certain cities like Kentville, NS, Whitehorse, YT, and Carcross, YT in Canada offer above-average salaries for airport jobs, with Carcross, YT boasting a 38.0% higher salary than the national average.
In the United States, the average hourly pay for airport jobs across the country is $25.47, with wages ranging from $10.34 to $34.62 per hour. However, these rates can vary significantly, indicating potential opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill, location, and experience. For example, in Neenah, Wisconsin, the average salary for airport jobs is $26 per hour, which is higher than the national average.
While specific salary data for airport executives may not be readily available, comparable positions in the aviation industry provide a glimpse into the earning potential. Aviation consultants, for instance, who offer strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and financial evaluation services, earn an average yearly income of $97,172 in the United States, with entry-level positions starting at an average of $49,716. Air traffic controllers, who monitor and manage aircraft movements, have an average salary of $137,380, with initial salaries after training ranging from $60,000 to $70,000.
In summary, while airport executive positions may not have a definitive salary range publicly available, it is clear that these roles are well-compensated. With top executives earning in the hundreds of thousands or even millions, and various factors influencing pay rates, aspiring airport executives can expect competitive salaries and potential for growth in their chosen career path.
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Aviation consultants
In 2024, aviation consultants in the United States earned an average annual income of $97,172, with entry-level consultants starting at around $49,716 per year. The salary range for this position was $66,700 to $165,700, depending on various factors.
The salary of an aviation consultant is influenced by factors such as experience, education level, certifications, and tenure. Those with more experience and advanced degrees tend to command higher salaries. Additionally, the geographical location of the job can impact the pay rate, with certain cities offering higher salaries than the national average.
Compared to other aviation jobs, aviation consultants can earn a competitive salary. For example, an air traffic controller, a challenging and dynamic role, earns between $60,000 and $70,000 per year initially, with the average salary in 2023 being $137,380. Similarly, pilots at major airlines can expect an annual salary between $90,000 and $110,000, while an aircraft maintenance manager can earn between $45,000 and $165,000 per year.
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Aircraft maintenance managers
The salary for aircraft maintenance managers can vary depending on location and experience. As of March 2025, the average annual salary for this position in the United States is $94,798, with New York ranking as the third-highest-paying state for this role. The salary range for aircraft maintenance managers can be between $71,000 and $121,500, with the top 10% of earners making over $116,500. In Ohio, the average annual salary is slightly lower at $90,124, with the top 10% of earners making over $110,000.
While the pay range for aircraft maintenance managers can vary, there may be limited opportunities for significant pay increases, even with several years of experience. However, certain locations, such as Patterson in Ohio, offer higher salaries, with Patterson paying 22.6% above the state average.
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the highest-paying jobs at an airport include:
- Aviation Consultant
- Aircraft Sales Representative
- Air Traffic Controller
- Pilot
- Airport Executive
An Aviation Consultant provides expert advice and guidance to airlines, aircraft leasing companies, insurance firms, and maintenance providers. They are responsible for tasks such as strategic planning, safety assessments, aviation market analysis, and financial evaluation.
The salary for an Aviation Consultant can vary depending on experience and location. In 2024, Aviation Consultants in the United States earned between $66,700 and $165,700 per year, with an average yearly income of around $97,172.
Similar to other industries, experience and education level are significant factors in determining salary ranges for airport jobs. Other factors may include location, cost of living, and tenure.
