Types of Jobs in Aviation Industry

Answer First (Featured Snippet Section)

The opportunities that are available in the aviation sector are many and include jobs such as flight deck jobs to those in ground handling, engineering, air traffic control, and management of business within the aviation sector. Some of the careers in aviation are pilots, cabin crew, aircraft engineers, air traffic control officers, and aviation managers.

Key Takeaways

• You can work in aviation without becoming a pilot. Ground jobs, maintenance roles, and management positions are equally important.
• Entry level roles like ramp agent or customer service need only a high school diploma plus on site training.
• Air traffic controllers earn high salaries starting near $70,000 without a four year college degree.
• Aircraft mechanics with A&P licenses earn 
• 60,000to
• 60,000to90,000 after gaining experience.
• Major airline pilots make over $120,000 per year but require expensive flight training first.
• The aviation industry keeps growing. New airports open every year. Jobs stay stable even during economic slowdowns.
• Travel benefits like free or discounted flights come with most airline jobs for you and your family.

A World Above: Your Career Starts Here

Imagine strolling past those endless security lines and flashing your ID to get a foot in the door right onto the tarmac. Planes just loom all around you – their engines humming along like a constant heartbeat. – This isnt’t just for passengers after all. This is where the real work gets done – your office.

Loads of people kinda think flying is just for pilots and flight attendants. But that simply isnt true. The aviation industry has got all sorts of career paths hidden away that youve probably never even thought of. Some of them pay better than pilot salaries and others dont even require a college degree. But one thing they all have in common is they offer a steady job with a chance to grow, and – dare I say it – a real sense of pride.

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What is the Aviation Industry?

The aviation industry is basically all the different bits that make air travel happen. So that includes big airline companies, private plane owners, the factories that make the planes, and the governing bodies that keep it all ticking over. They transport people and cargo just about everywhere around the world.

The aviation industry is basically split into two bits. The civil aviation bit looks after commercial flights – and then there’s the military bit which is all about national defence.

Why Choose a Career in Aviation?

Jobs in the aviation world come with some really great perks. Many jobs offer health insurance, retirement plans, and then there are the travel perks – free or discounted flights are pretty standard for a lot of positions. And its not just you that benefits, your family usually gets the same deal too.

Job security is a big draw too – people are always going to need to travel, cargo needs to get across borders and the aviation industry just keeps on growing year after year. New airports pop up and older workers retire which means that there is always going to be steady demand for new faces to come in.

Types of Jobs in the Aviation Industry

Here are the main types of job categories that exist within the aviation industry – each section will also include some more specific roles and what they actually get up to.

Flight Crew Jobs

These are the people that you will find on the flight crew during a flight.

Pilot – Pilots are the ones who get to fly the plane. They plan out the route, check the weather and talk to air traffic control. Becoming a pilot takes time and money, but its a career that really pays off in the end.

Copilot – Also known as the first officer, the copilot is the one who assists the captain. They handle the radios, navigation and all the relevant checklists. A lot of pilots start off as copilots before moving on to become captains.

Flight Engineer – Okay so this role does still exist in some older aircraft but these days its not as needed since a lot of planes use computers to monitor things like engine performance and fuel systems. However some cargo carriers do still hire flight engineers.

Cabin Crew – Flight attendants are the ones who are responsible for ensuring the safety of the passengers. They show people how to do the safety procedures, serve up the meals and handle any emergencies that might come up. Cabin crew members need to have people skills in spades since its a job that involves dealing with all sorts of different personalities and the hours can be pretty irregular too.

Ground Operations Jobs

These jobs happen on airport property, but the actual flying isnt involved.

Ramp Agent – Ramp agents are the ones who load and unload the baggage – they also drive the trucks that get around the plane. They handle the power and air con units. It’s a tough job, you are outside in all weathers.

Aircraft Dispatcher – Dispatchers work alongside the pilots to help with flight planning. They calculate how much fuel is needed, check the weather, and monitor where the planes are. They are working hard behind the scenes to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Air Traffic Controller – Controllers are the ones who direct planes both on the ground and in the air. They keep everything safe by ensuring planes dont end up crashing into one another. They also sequence the take-offs and landings. This is one of the most stressful jobs in the industry, but it also comes with a big pay packet and early retirement.

Customer Service Agent – Thats you – the people standing behind the check in counter or at the gate, handing out boarding passes, tagging up the baggage and helping people rebook their flights. It a job that requires a lot of patience, since you have to deal with some pretty unhappy passengers.

Ramp Supervisor – The supervisors are in charge of managing the ramp agent teams. They make sure the loading and unloading gets done, that safety rules are followed. It’s a natural progression from being a ramp agent yourself.

Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering Jobs

These Jobs are What Keep the Skies Safe and Planes Airworthy

Aircraft Mechanic – Mechanics are the ones who keep planes flying by inspecting, fixing & giving them a total overhaul. They tinker with Engines, the landing gear, brakes and all sorts of electronics. To do the job you’ll need an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license. Mechanics often work in crowded hangars or out on the tarmac – where they pull night shifts.

Avionics Technician – This is the world of aircraft electronics – think navigation systems, radios & weather radar – it’s all part of being an Avionics Tech. The catch is that you need separate training beyond just being a general mechanic – and the field is growing fast as more and more planes get all sorts of high-tech gadgetry.

Aircraft Inspector – When it comes to making sure that planes are airworthy, inspectors are how you know those jobs got done right. They check over all the work that’s been done & give the thumbs up that it meets all the safety standards. First you have to be qualified as a mechanic to get this job.

Engineering Manager – This is the person who’s in charge of planning repairs & modifications, making maintenance schedules, and investigating any breakdowns or accidents. An engineering degree is pretty much the minimum requirement for this high-powered role.

Aviation Management and Administration – The Desk Jobs

Not everyone is a mechanic or engineer – there’s a whole other side of the aviation industry that’s all about managing airlines and airports from behind a desk

Airport Manager – As an Airport Manager you’re basically in charge of running the whole show – from handling security, the terminal operations & parking to leasing out all the retail space. You’ve got to deal with airlines, government agencies, police forces & every other group with a stake in what goes on. It’s a big job and well-paid.

Airline Operations Manager – Your job is to get all the flights out on time. You’ll need to determine who gets to fly where & when – and job requires making quick decisions when flights get delayed or cancelled.

Safety Manager – Your main job here is to track down all accidents & incidents, figure out what went wrong and then dream up new safety rules to stop it from happening again. Every airline and major airport has one of these.

Security Coordinator – This is the person who makes sure that airport security runs like clockwork – from getting security checks done to handing out badges to the right people. They work hand in hand with the TSA & the airport police.

Corporate and Support Roles – The Jobs You Don’t See Much Mentioned

There are a whole host of people who work behind the scenes in airlines and aviation companies – the ones that don’t get to be out in the sun

Flight Attendant Trainer – As a Flight Attendant Trainer you teach new recruits all the dos & don’ts of being a cabin crew member – from evacuation procedures to in-flight service etiquette. They often work their way up to this role having been flight attendants themselves first.

Scheduler – For the people in charge of putting together airline schedules, the job is a delicate balancing act. They have to ensure that pilots & crew get enough rest, but not so much that they overbook the flight. A mistake can cost the airline big time – that’s why they use all sorts of specialized software to get the job done.

Revenue Manager – This is the person who figures out ticket prices for airlines – it’s not as simple as saying “oh we’ll charge more if it’s busy”. They study flight demand, take into account all sorts of factors & work out a pricing strategy that’ll appeal to customers & bring in the cash.

Marketing Specialist – As a marketing specialist your task is to promote airline routes & the airline brand to a wider audience. You run all the social media & ad campaigns – keeping an eye on what the customers are saying so that you can tailor the marketing to where it counts.

Comparison of Aviation Job Categories

Qualifications Required for Aviation Jobs

Education requirements are a real mixed bag in the aviation industry

Think High School Diploma is Enough? – If so, then you might be looking at a career as a ramp agent, customer service rep, baggage handler or cabin crew member (for some airlines). On the job training is often provided in these roles.

High School Plus a Cert – Now you’re talking about skills like those needed to be an aircraft mechanic or avionics tech – certification can take anywhere from six months to two years to land.

Associate Degree – You’re Getting Closer – Having an associate degree can land you a gig as an air traffic controller (via the FAA programme), aviation maintenance technician or operations specialist.

Bachelor’s Degree – The Top Jobs – And if you’ve got a bachelors degree you’re looking at becoming an airline pilot (though that’s pretty preferred), airport manager, operations manager, revenue manager, safety manager or one of those high level marketing roles.

Master’s Degree – The Big Cheeses – Senior exec roles, airline CEO positions, airport director and even government aviation regulator are all on the table for those with a masters degree.

Quite a few aviation jobs also need a medical certificate, but that’s not all – pilots and air traffic controllers have to go for regular check ups and there are vision and hearing requirements that apply too.

Skills you Need to Make it in Aviation

Technical skills are always changing depending on the job, so mechanics need to know how to use the right tools and pilots need to be able to navigate the skies using flight planning skills – dispatchers meanwhile need to be able to read the weather properly.

You’ll be surprised at how much comms skills matter in this line of work – you will be talking to people on two-way radios, you’ll be writing reports that others have to understand and working as part of a team so clear communication is key.

Problem solving skills are critical in this industry – flight delays, systems breaking down and weather changes all take a toll on someone with no patience or sense of urgency – let’s just say they won’t last long in the industry.

Getting every little detail right can be a matter of life and death, so employers look for people with a keen eye for detail – can you imagine forgetting a single bolt causing an accident or the wrong radio call putting two planes too close? You get the idea.

How to Start a Career in Aviation (Step by Step Guide)

Step 1: Choose a role that fits your situation

Think about your education and what kind of training you can realistically afford to get. Consider whether you want to spend time living in a different place, or stay close to home. Make a list of three jobs that sound like a good fit.

Step 2: Get the training you need

If you want to be a pilot, you’ll need to find a flight school to get you started. If you want to be a mechanic, you’ll be looking for an Aviation and Power (A&P) school. Management, on the other hand might involve getting a bachelor’s degree. And if you’re looking at ground jobs, you can usually just go straight to an airline or airport contractor and apply.

Step 3: Pass the background checks and medicals

Aviation is a pretty strict industry when it comes to keeping a clean record. You can’t have certain convictions, and drug tests are pretty frequent. Medical exams also happen regularly – every year or two, depending on your specific role.

Step 4: Get your necessary certificates

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the body that usually issues aviation certificates in the States. Other countries will have similar organisations. The thing to remember is, you can’t get started without the right one.

Step 5: Have a crack at regional airlines, airports, or contractors

A lot of people start out at smaller outfits – regional airlines usually need new pilots, while contract ground handlers are looking for ramp agents. After a couple of years experience, you can look at moving to a major airline or a bigger airport.

Step 6: Keep on learning

The aviation industry changes fast – new planes come in, new rules get introduced all the time. You should be taking courses every year to keep up. Getting additional ratings is also a good idea – the more you can do, the harder it is for someone to replace you.

Salaries in the Aviation Industry

Salaries vary a lot depending on where you work, where in the country you are, and how long you’ve been in the job.

Entry level ground staff – they’ll get somewhere between $28,000 and $38,000 a year, usually as a ramp agent or customer service worker.

Experienced mechanics – those working for major airlines can earn $60,000 to $90,000 a year, and some of the top mechanics can reach over $100,000.

Regional pilots – in their first year you can expect to earn $50,000 to $80,000 – some pilots start off lower, but can reach six figures within three years.

Major airline pilots – the really senior captains on the big wide-body planes will be earning upwards of $120,000 and can reach $300,000 or more.

Air traffic controllers – new recruits start off around $70,000, and experienced controllers can reach upwards of $120,000 to $180,000 a year. Overtime will add even more on to that.

Airport managers – the smaller airports tend to pay $80,000 a year, but those in charge of the bigger hubs can earn $150,000 to $250,000.

Cabin crew – new recruits tend to start off around $30,000, but those working for the major airlines after a few years can earn $60,000 to $80,000.

Overnight shifts, weekends and holidays often come with a bit extra in the pay packet, and many jobs also come with profit-sharing and travel benefits that can add a lot of value on top of your base salary.

Top Recruiters in Aviation Industry

The airline industry is made up of big names like Delta, American Airlines, United, Southwest, Emirates, Qatar Airways, IndiGo, Air India, British Airways and Lufthansa.

Airport authorities include GMR Group (who run Delhi and Hyderabad airports), Adani Airports (which have Mumbai, Ahmedabad and a few other sites under their belt), then theres Fraport, the Munich Airport bunch and Heathrow.

When it comes to ground service you’ve got SATS, Swissport, Menzies, Celebi and the Bird Group all pitching in.

Maintenance organisations are people like HAECO, ST Engineering, GE Aviation, Lufthansa Technik and Air Works.

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Conclusion

Aviation is a huge industry, and you don’t have to be a pilot to work in it. Some jobs don’t even require a degree – just the ability to learn and pay attention to the little things while working some long hours.

If you look at jobs on the ground at an airport you can get started pretty quick. Maintenance roles pay well once you’ve had your 3-4 years training. Management jobs need some university level education and have some comfy desk work involved. And then there are flight crew roles which take the longest and costliest to get into, but pay top dollar.