The aviation industry offers exciting aviation careers beyond just being a pilot or aircraft mechanic. In this article, we’ll give you a more robust picture of all the career options available in this exciting industry.
Whether you prefer hands-on work maintaining aircraft, managing airport operations, or designing new aerospace technology, or becoming a pilot there’s likely a role that matches your interests and skills.
The aviation and space industries continue to expand and provide high growth opportunities to qualified individuals.
Some of the roles below need minimal education to start, while others require specific training or degrees. We’ll cover everything from entry-level positions to high-paying aviation careers so you can find your perfect fit.
One thing all of these careers have in common is that a STEM-oriented high school education, like the one provided by Rising Aviation High School, can set you up for success.
Popular Aviation Career Paths
When people think of the aviation industry, there are a handful of careers that pop to the top of the list including being a pilot, an aerospace engineer, and air traffic controller. Let’s take a look at these popular options.
Pilot Careers
- Average Salary: $120,000-$200,000+ (Captains at major carriers)
- Growth Outlook: Moderate to Strong (7% growth through 2030)
As a pilot, you can choose from several career paths in commercial aviation. Airlines, cargo companies, and charter services all need skilled pilots.
The most popular of these is a career as a commercial airline pilot.
Commercial airline pilots can advance to captain positions at major carriers, where salaries often exceed $200,000 annually. Strong communication skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential.
Corporate pilot positions offer more flexible schedules flying business executives. These jobs typically pay $80,000-$150,000 per year.
Check out this article if you want to learn more about becoming an airline pilot.
Flight Attendant
- Average Salary: $30,000-$80,000 (varies by airline and seniority)
- Growth Outlook: Moderate (5% growth projected through 2030)
Flight attendants are the face of airlines, ensuring passenger comfort and safety throughout the journey. This dynamic role combines customer service with critical safety responsibilities, making it one of the most visible careers in aviation.
As a flight attendant, you’ll welcome passengers aboard, assist with seating, demonstrate safety procedures, and serve food and beverages. More importantly, you’re trained to handle emergency situations, from medical issues to evacuations.
The job offers unique benefits including travel opportunities, flexible scheduling options, and the chance to meet people from around the world. While entry-level positions start around $25,000-$30,000 annually, experienced flight attendants at major airlines can earn $50,000-$80,000 with additional per diem payments when traveling.
Engineering Roles
- Average Salary: $85,000-$160,000
- Growth Outlook: Steady (3% growth projected)
There are many different engineering roles in the aviation industry. Aerospace engineers typically design new aircraft and improve existing ones.
Meanwhile, manufacturing engineers oversee aircraft production and quality control. Avionics engineers work on electronic systems like navigation and communication equipment.
Lastly, flight test engineers evaluate new aircraft designs and modifications. You’ll need both technical knowledge and analytical skills.
All of these engineering careers require advanced education and years of experience. But the pay for experienced engineers is easily over six-figures.
Here is an article that will teach you more about becoming an aerospace engineer.
Air Traffic Control
- Average Salary: $50,000-$125,000+
- Growth Outlook: Limited (1% growth projected)
Air traffic controllers manage aircraft movement to keep everyone safe. You’ll guide planes during takeoff, landing, and while in flight.
The job requires excellent communication skills and the ability to make quick decisions. Most controllers work in airport towers or radar facilities.
Training happens at the FAA Academy, followed by on-the-job instruction. Air traffic control careers offer stable employment with federal benefits. However, securing this position requires passing extensive tests and evaluations to ensure your suitability for the role.
Starting salaries begin around $50,000, but experienced controllers often earn over $125,000 per year. You’ll need to pass regular medical exams and skill assessments.
Read this to learn more about becoming an air traffic controller.
On the Ground: Airport and Airline Support Careers
You’ve probably walked through them many times, but have you ever thought about who keeps airports running efficiently?
Working at an airport offers many exciting paths with good pay and job security. Ground-based roles range from managing daily operations to helping travelers have a smooth journey.
Airport Operations
- Average Salary: $50,000-$90,000
- Growth Outlook: Moderate (5% growth projected)
If you love the energy of airports and want to be part of the action, a career in airport operations might be perfect for you.
There are many interesting roles that help keep an airport running smoothly.
You could work as an airfield operations specialist, making sure runways and taxiways are safe, or as an airport operations coordinator, overseeing daily activities like security and emergency response.
Whether you’re interested in logistics, safety, customer service, or technology, airports offer a wide range of careers that keep the world connected.
Customer Service Roles
- Average Salary: $25,000-$45,000
- Growth Outlook: Moderate (4% growth projected)
You can start your aviation career helping travelers. Customer service agents earn $25,000-$35,000 per year to start.
Meanwhile, ticket and reservation agents help with:
- Booking flights
- Checking in passengers
- Solving travel problems
- Answering questions
These roles require friendly individuals who can remain calm under pressure.
Airline Crew Scheduler
- Average Salary: $45,000-$65,000
- Growth Outlook: Steady (3% growth projected)
Airline crew schedulers are in charge of coordinating pilots and flight attendants.
They create schedules that comply with FAA regulations, ensuring crew members have proper rest periods and that all flights have the crew they need.
When delays, cancellations, or unforeseen events occur, schedulers quickly adjust assignments to keep operations running efficiently.
This job requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure, as airlines operate around the clock.
It’s a great career for those who enjoy logistics and working in a fast-paced environment.
Click this to learn more about the airline crew scheduler career.
Flight Dispatcher
- Average Salary: $50,000-$85,000
- Growth Outlook: Moderate (5% growth projected)
Flight dispatchers work to plan safe and efficient flight routes. They analyze weather conditions, air traffic, fuel requirements, and alternate airport options to ensure a smooth journey.
If unexpected issues arise during a flight, dispatchers provide real-time support and guidance to pilots.
This job requires strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of aviation regulations, and the ability to make quick, informed decisions.
It’s an excellent career for those who love aviation and problem-solving but prefer to stay on the ground rather than in the cockpit.
Read this article if you want to learn more about the flight dispatcher career.
Cabin and Ground Crew
- Average Salary: $25,000-$45,000
- Growth Outlook: Steady (3% growth projected)
Ground crew members keep planes ready for flight. This includes:
- Baggage handlers
- Aircraft cleaners
- Fueling staff
- Ramp agents
It’s important to note that in these careers you’ll work in all weather conditions. The work is physically demanding but rewarding.
Starting pay for ground crew is usually $23,000-$30,000 per year. Many airports offer good benefits and chances to move up.
Technical and Maintenance Aviation Careers
Aircraft maintenance offers a rewarding career path that allows you to work with your hands as you repair, retrofit, or even manufacture aircraft.
Aircraft Maintenance and Repair
- Average Salary: $60,000-$100,000
- Growth Outlook: Strong (7% growth projected)
Aircraft Maintenance Technicians perform essential repairs and scheduled maintenance on planes. You’ll need an FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate to work on aircraft systems and engines.
Typical daily tasks include:
- Inspecting aircraft components
- Troubleshooting mechanical issues
- Replacing faulty parts
- Documenting all maintenance work
- Following strict safety protocols
The average pay for Aircraft Maintenance Engineers is $100,000 per year. You can advance to lead mechanic or maintenance supervisor roles with experience which will increase your pay.
To help future A&P technicians we offer an aircraft maintenance path to our high school students.
Read this article if you want to learn more about becoming an aircraft mechanic.
Avionics and Technicians
- Average Salary: $65,000-$95,000
- Growth Outlook: Strong (7% growth projected)
As an avionics technician, you’ll work on aircraft electrical systems, navigation equipment, and communication devices. This role requires specialized training beyond the A&P certification.
Many employers offer paid training and certification programs.
Most employers require you to hold your A&P certificates before moving into the avionics field. Read this article if you want to better understand the role of avionics technicians.
Other Aviation Careers
Aviation safety jobs focus on keeping planes and passengers safe. These careers play a vital role in the aviation industry, holding other accountable while ensuring the safety of the entire industry.
Safety Inspection and Regulation
- Average Salary: $80,000-$120,000
- Growth Outlook: Moderate (4% growth projected)
As an aviation safety inspector, you’ll make sure planes meet all safety rules. You’ll check aircraft, review maintenance records, and inspect flight operations. The job pays around $98,000 per year.
Attention to detail is a must-have skill for identifying potential issues before they become hazards. Working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), you’ll:
- Inspect aircraft systems and parts
- Review pilot certifications
- Check maintenance procedures
- Write detailed safety reports
Aviation Meteorologist
- Average Salary: $60,000-$90,000
- Growth Outlook: Steady (3% growth projected)
Aviation meteorologists specialize in weather forecasting for the aviation industry. They help pilots, airlines, and air traffic controllers make informed decisions about flight safety.
They analyze atmospheric conditions, track storms, and provide crucial updates on turbulence, wind patterns, and visibility.
Their forecasts help determine if flights need to be delayed, rerouted, or canceled due to severe weather.
This career requires a strong background in meteorology and a passion for aviation, as weather plays a critical role in flight operations.
If you love studying the skies and want to help keep air travel safe, this could be a great path for you.
Read this article to learn more about becoming an aviation meteorologist.
UAV Pilot (Drone Operator)
- Average Salary: $45,000-$100,000 (varies widely by industry)
- Growth Outlook: Very Strong (15%+ growth projected)
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) pilots, commonly known as drone operators, are at the forefront of a rapidly growing field in aviation.
While many associate drone piloting with the military, there are actually more drone pilots working in civilian industries.
They fly drones for various purposes, including aerial photography, infrastructure inspections, disaster response, and even cargo delivery.
Some UAV pilots work for commercial companies, while others support government agencies or scientific research.
This career requires knowledge of aviation regulations, strong hand-eye coordination, and often certification from the FAA or other aviation authorities.
As drone technology continues to evolve, UAV pilots play an essential role in shaping the future of aviation and airspace management.
Emergency Response Roles
- Average Salary: $60,000-$90,000
- Growth Outlook: Strong (8% growth projected)
Flight paramedics and emergency response teams handle medical situations in the air and at airports. These are essential careers many people overlook when they consider the aviation industry.
Your duties will include:
- Providing medical care during flights
- Responding to airport emergencies
- Training crew members in emergency procedures
- Working with airport fire and rescue teams
There are multiple paths to this career, but it typically requires both a pilot certificate and medical training.
Start a Successful Career in Aviation with Rising Aviation High School
Your path to an exciting aviation career can begin at Rising Aviation High School. Our unique school combines regular high school classes with special aviation training.
You’ll gain valuable technical skills through our specialized STEM curriculum.
We offer different paths students can choose from:
- Aircraft maintenance and engineering
- Flight training
- Drone operations.
Our program provides real hands-on experience while allowing you to earn your high school diploma. This early start can give you an advantage in the competitive aviation field.
