How to become airfield operations specialistseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Aviation Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$56,850

25th–75th pct. $42,000–$77,340

Top pay (est.)

$132,800

Top 10% $102,120

Pay in 5 years

$66,700est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$78,200est.

$67,200–$90,700

Outlook score

63/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

44%

Moderate

Job growth (10 yr)

+7.8%

1,500 openings / yr

How to become airfield operations specialists

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Long-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Airfield Operations Specialists

Key skills

Monitoring

4.1

Active Listening

4.0

Coordination

4.0

Reading Comprehension

4.0

Critical Thinking

3.9

Speaking

3.9

Complex Problem Solving

3.2

Judgment and Decision Making

3.2

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Education and Training

4.7

Public Safety and Security

4.6

Transportation

4.4

Customer and Personal Service

4.4

Administrative

3.9

Administration and Management

3.8

English Language

3.8

Computers and Electronics

3.7

What the work involves

Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Important abilities

Problem SensitivityFar VisionOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningWritten Comprehension

Education of workers

Some college

15%

Training before entry

6–12 months

22%

3–6 months

20%

1–2 years

12%

4–10 years

12%

None / short demo

1–3 months

Related work experience

2–4 years

25%

None

20%

1–3 months

14%

6–12 months

13%

1–2 years

12%

4–6 years

12%

3–6 months

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as airfield operations specialists

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Flight Attendants Monitor safety of the aircraft cabin.	$63,580	70/100	25%
2	Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo.	$232,140	74/100	53%
3	Commercial Pilots Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters.	$123,220	73/100	34%
4	Air Traffic Controllers Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport, and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers, according to established procedures and policies.	$148,080	52/100	61%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.