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Job outlook for air operations managers in the United States
Are air operations manager jobs in demand?
Air operations manager job and salary trends over time
Air operations manager jobs over time
Air operations manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 364 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 286 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 292 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 279 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 269 | 0.00% |
Average air operations manager salary over time
Air operations manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $80,744 | $38.82 | +2.8% |
| 2025 | $78,509 | $37.74 | --0.1% |
| 2024 | $78,625 | $37.80 | +0.5% |
| 2023 | $78,220 | $37.61 | +1.1% |
| 2022 | $77,363 | $37.19 | +1.6% |
Air operations manager jobs by state
Most common states for air operations managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 342 | 49% |
| 2 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,741 | 31% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 227 | 30% |
| 4 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 279 | 27% |
| 5 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,062 | 26% |
| 6 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 222 | 26% |
| 7 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 149 | 26% |
| 8 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 3,195 | 25% |
| 9 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,844 | 25% |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 3,067 | 24% |
| 11 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 2,506 | 24% |
| 12 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 2,422 | 24% |
| 13 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,625 | 24% |
| 14 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,619 | 24% |
| 15 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 756 | 24% |
| 16 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 450 | 23% |
| 17 | Delaware | 961,939 | 225 | 23% |
| 18 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 652 | 22% |
| 19 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 298 | 22% |
| 20 | Alaska | 739,795 | 160 | 22% |
Most common cities for air operations managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Centennial | 1 | 1% | $99,908 |
| 2 | Santa Clarita | 1 | 1% | $98,782 |
| 3 | Portland | 1 | 0% | $77,234 |
Air Operations Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of air operations manager experts
Susquehanna University
Murray State University
Sam Houston State University
Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College - City University of New York
Appalachian State University
Lauren Smith
Lecturer of Management & MarketingSusquehanna University
Business Administration, Management And Operations
What general advice would you give to an Air Operations Manager?
Lauren Smith: Lauren Smith advises graduates to actively engage in a dual pursuit of entrepreneurship and traditional corporate roles, emphasizing the importance of gaining diverse experiences.
What Air Operations Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Lauren Smith: Lauren Smith suggests that maximizing salary potential at the start of a career can be achieved by acquiring experience in different facets of business, such as entrepreneurship, corporate roles, and operational management.
What will help Air Operations Managers increase their earning potential?
Lauren Smith: Lauren Smith highlights the significance of skills in organizational management, operations, training development, and marketing, providing a well-rounded perspective on corporate dynamics.
Dr. Ben Littlepage
ProfessorMurray State University
Educational Administration And Supervision
What general advice would you give to an Air Operations Manager?
Dr. Ben Littlepage: I believe skills associated with organizational systems (e.g. procedures, processes) and hybridized management are essential for the field. Organizations (e.g. schools, institutions) will continue to be lean for a variety of reasons. The ability to achieve results by refining systems and maximizing resources cannot be understated. Hybrid work schedules and communication are not leaving education. Leaders that embrace hybridized technologies for assessment, employee satisfaction and development, and content delivery will remain competitive in the face of a private market looking to capitalize on laggard leaders.
What Air Operations Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Ben Littlepage: I recommend new graduates pursue opportunities that offer a tangible skill or experience. Be the 'yes' person in the office, even if there is not a monetary reward. You will eventually leverage those opportunities for a gain.
What will help Air Operations Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Ben Littlepage: Salary is maximized when leaders are sought after. Leaders who pursue meaningful experiences and remain 'market ready' are viewed as an asset to any organization. Leaders must carefully consider where the field is moving and respond.
Carliss Miller Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of ManagementSam Houston State University
Department of Management & Marketing
What's a good job out of college for Air Operations Managers?
Carliss Miller Ph.D.: Good jobs out of college are those that offer structured training, development, and job rotation. While some college students identified their career at age 5 and never veered away, some are still figuring out what they want to do after college. A job opportunity that recognizes the potential of new talent, willing to invest in training and development, and provides opportunities for new employees to experience different job functions enables new graduates to gain a realistic job preview that pays and allows them to identify an opportunity within the company that best aligns with skills and interests. Positions that are for a specific job function but have an apprenticeship model, like a "sales trainee" position, are also great for career stepping stones right out of college.
Dr. Mary Kern Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorZicklin School of Business at Baruch College - City University of New York
Narendra P. Loomba Department of Management
What's a good job out of college for Air Operations Managers?
Dr. Mary Kern Ph.D.: - Any job where you have an opportunity to learn is a good job. Ideally, I hope to see my students working in organizations that prioritize professional development opportunities and mentoring relationships, as these provide the opportunities and feedback critical for growth.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Air Operations Manager job market given the pandemic?
Lubna Nafees Ph.D.: The pandemic has escalated the rate at which life was changing. For instance, everyone started shopping online. Businesses were compelled to focus on mobile and e-commerce. Many small businesses, specially salons, restaurants etc had to shut shop as people stayed home. A significant number of people lost their jobs, mostly non-technical, seasonal jobs like the frontline sales employees. On the other hand, high-skill technical jobs grew. Digital marketing and strategy specialists, Data analysts, Digital transformation specialists, AI and machine learning specialists, Business development specialists were/are in demand and these jobs will only grow in the next five years. The skill sets required to work in the new human-machine workplace have led to obsolescence of the older skill sets. And that trend will only grow in the coming years.