Aviation Operations Specialist Projected Growth In The United States
Research Summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
Salaries have increased 5% for aviation operations specialists in the last 5 years
Projected job growth for aviation operations specialists is 1% from 2018-2028
There are over 7,452 aviation operations specialists currently employed in the United States
There are 63,093 active aviation operations specialist job openings in the US based on job postings
The average salary for an aviation operations specialist is $57,423
Are Aviation Operations Specialist Jobs In Demand?
Yes, aviation operations specialist jobs are in demand. The job market for analysts is projected to grow 1% from 2018 to 2028.
Aviation Operations Specialist Job and Salary Trends Over Time
Aviation Operations Specialist Jobs Over Time
Aviation Operations Specialist Job Growth Over Time
| Year | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 4,877 | 0.00% |
| 2013 | 5,058 | 0.00% |
| 2014 | 4,919 | 0.00% |
| 2015 | 5,526 | 0.00% |
| 2016 | 6,112 | 0.00% |
Average Aviation Operations Specialist Salary Over Time
Aviation Operations Specialist Salary By Year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | $41,761 | $20.08 | - |
| 2009 | $42,097 | $20.24 | +0.8% |
| 2010 | $42,869 | $20.61 | +1.8% |
| 2011 | $46,270 | $22.24 | +7.9% |
| 2012 | $46,762 | $22.48 | +1.1% |
Number Of Aviation Operations Specialists By State
Mouse over a state to see the number of active aviation operations specialist jobs in each state. The darker areas on the map show where aviation operations specialists earn the highest salaries across all 50 states.
Most Common States For Aviation Operations Specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 132 | 23% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 292 | 22% |
| 3 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1103 | 20% |
| 4 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 622 | 20% |
| 5 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 605 | 20% |
| 6 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 381 | 20% |
| 7 | Alaska | 739,795 | 148 | 20% |
| 8 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 199 | 19% |
| 9 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 165 | 19% |
| 10 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 748 | 18% |
| 11 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1792 | 17% |
| 12 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1719 | 17% |
| 13 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1288 | 17% |
| 14 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1126 | 17% |
| 15 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 505 | 17% |
| 16 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 287 | 17% |
| 17 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 229 | 17% |
| 18 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 113 | 16% |
| 19 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 3105 | 15% |
| 20 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1863 | 15% |
Most Common Cities For Aviation Operations Specialists In The US
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Morrisville | 1 | 4% | $54,394 |
| 2 | Bangor | 1 | 3% | $53,024 |
| 3 | North Little Rock | 1 | 2% | $51,707 |
| 4 | Rapid City | 1 | 1% | $45,468 |
| 5 | Topeka | 1 | 1% | $49,032 |
| 6 | Trenton | 1 | 1% | $64,008 |
| 7 | Waterloo | 1 | 1% | $49,561 |
| 8 | Philadelphia | 2 | 0% | $63,594 |
| 9 | Fresno | 1 | 0% | $63,713 |
| 10 | Rochester | 1 | 0% | $62,374 |
| 11 | Saint Paul | 1 | 0% | $50,472 |
| 12 | Stockton | 1 | 0% | $65,375 |
| 13 | Washington | 1 | 0% | $63,422 |
Experts Weigh In On Aviation Operations Specialist Job Outlook
We spoke to professors and experts from several universities and companies to get their opinions on where the job market for recent graduates is heading, as well as how young graduates entering the industry can be adequately prepared. Here are their thoughts.
Our Panel of Experts
Oklahoma State University
Henderson State University
Oklahoma State University
Henderson State University
Hampton University
Lewis University
NBAA
Andrews University
Florida Institute of Technology
Rocky Mountain College
Florida Institute of Technology
Florida Institute of Technology
Utah Valley University
Orange Coast College
Dr. Jon Loffi
Associate Professor, Flying Aggies Faculty Advisor, Undergraduate Program Coordinator Stillwater CampusOklahoma State University
Aviation and Space
What skills stand out on Aviation Operations Specialist resumes?
Dr. Jon Loffi: Leadership qualities are necessary for aviation security or homeland defense. Having the ability to see the vision, sell the vision, and have "buy-in" from the rank and file is imperative.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Aviation Operations Specialists?
Dr. Jon Loffi: Having a well-rounded knowledge of current issues involving homeland defense and aviation security is essential. Being familiar with all facets of terrorism, a thorough knowledge of the airport environment, behavioral profiling, risk management, and what I value the most is critical thinking, especially in analyzing intelligence and the correlation with the risk management process. The ability of the applicant to think globally as none of these issues with aviation security are confined to any one sector of the globe.
What skills will help Aviation Operations Specialists earn the most?
Dr. Jon Loffi: No one candidate is going to have all the necessary skill sets in a starting position. Are they a good fit for the company for which they have applied?
Charles Rook
Instructor of AviationHenderson State University
Aviation Department
What skills stand out on Aviation Operations Specialist resumes?
Charles Rook: Resumes for aviation operations specialists must always include analytical and practical problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt quickly to the often changing circumstances and conditions associated with a given flight. Aviation operation specialists are often, if not always, referred to as "aircraft dispatchers." These positions require an applicant to hold an FAA dispatcher's license that requires formal training and FAA testing to obtain. The areas of training include aircraft systems, weather, FAA regulations, aircraft performance, aircraft weight and balance, air traffic control procedures, airport operations, and cockpit procedures, just to name a few.
What soft skills should all Aviation Operations Specialists possess?
Charles Rook: Communication skills and the ability to operate as a team member are very important skills for a position. Other skills to be an effective aircraft dispatcher are good stress management and organizational skills to keep flight safety the job's primary focus.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Aviation Operations Specialists?
Charles Rook: Technical skills other than those required for the FAA Dispatchers License Certification include a high level of computer literacy and operating flight planning software. Another technical skill for the dispatcher is to have a thorough understanding of and ability to operate aircraft ground to air communication systems that utilize the Iridium Satellite Network.
What skills will help Aviation Operations Specialists earn the most?
Charles Rook: To be more marketable than your peers and ultimately earn more money in the industry, aircraft dispatchers need to be additionally trained and certified in international flight planning as well as Extended Range Twin Engine Aircraft Operations (known as ETOPS).
What skills stand out on Aviation Operations Specialist resumes?
Dr. Jake Durham: "Operations" is a general term that can describe any number of jobs. For example, in terms of a flight department, this could apply to a flight follower, scheduler, ground handler, fueler, Director of Operations, etc. In either event, the skills necessary will depend on the nature of the operation (e.g., charter, airline, or corporate operation). An individual's career experience will be the driving factor. Have they had any prior real-world experiences, or are their experiences based on training and classroom work? Examples of how they have contended with real-world problems are crucial. How have they handled an emergency? Can they work through hypothetical problems? Have they ever had to deal with the FAA? In short, a person specializing in operations is a manager.
What soft skills should all Aviation Operations Specialists possess?
Dr. Jake Durham: The most important soft skills are interpersonal relationships. For flight crews, the ability to work with one another is crucial. This includes working well with cabin crews, ground, ATC, maintenance, and facility staff when away from home. Many pilots enter the industry with little understanding that their primary job is being a great manager and not limited to flying the airplane. These individuals are the company's face when on the road, and in a sense, also act as PR representatives. In corporate aviation, crews become accustomed to working with one another, and they tend to handle interpersonal issues differently. Airline crews, however, are very different in that one often flies with different crews throughout a given month and sometimes on the same trip. Learning to adapt to different personalities can be challenging, and this is not a skill easily taught in the classroom. This has a direct impact on problem-solving, especially regarding emergencies.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Aviation Operations Specialists?
Dr. Jake Durham: This would also be dependent on the job in question. For flight crews, systems and regulatory knowledge are crucial. Flying skills, while important, are only one small element necessary to be a good pilot.
What skills will help Aviation Operations Specialists earn the most?
Dr. Jake Durham: There are two schools of thought regarding this topic. Airlines, for example, maintain employees on an even playing field so-to-speak. Earning potential is awarded based on seniority. Regardless of individual experience, applicants start on the bottom at the same salary, and earning is awarded based on one's anniversary date of hire. Employees can expect a guaranteed increase in earning potential.
Corporate aviation earning potential is often awarded based on merit. However, it can also be a combination of the two. When a candidate comes to the negotiation table, the focus is on what that individual brings with them and what they can do during their tenure with the company. Are they a good fit, and do they embody the company's core values? Will this person help the company achieve its mission statement? Will the employee help the company grow, and can the individual grow while they are here? Does the employee have the potential to be in management, or will they remain in the same position? During an annual review, an employee can demonstrate what they have accomplished throughout a given year and use that as leverage to merit more significant salary increases.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Aviation Operations Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Troy Hogue: While the technology is already here and in use in many airline and corporate aircraft, synthetic vision will continue to become more and more prevalent and used over the next few years.
What's a good job out of college for Aviation Operations Specialists?
Troy Hogue: There are many good jobs in aviation. The first one that comes to everyone's mind is being a pilot. While there has been a temporary setback in pilot hiring due to COVID, pilots are still retiring at a remarkable pace, and pilots are needed to fill that void. Once travel picks back up after COVID, we can expect to see the pilot hiring boom pick back up.
But there are many other jobs in aviation besides being a pilot. Airlines and airports need managers. Airlines and larger corporate flight departments need aircraft dispatchers. The FAA is another employer that looks for employees with an aviation education and background. So aviation management is another right career field to consider.
What technical skills for an Aviation Operations Specialist stand out to employers?
Troy Hogue: The skill that immediately comes to mind for a pilot position is flying an airplane: both right stick and rudder skills and instrument skills. But as technology advances, pilots also need to be skilled at learning and using new technology as it continues to emerge and advance. Being able to understand aircraft powerplants and systems is also essential. So while students may not have much or any mechanical experience before they start their flight training, they will learn how aircraft engines and aircraft systems work as part of their training.
What are the best companies to work for an Aviation Operations Specialist?
Andrew Smith: As far as the best companies to work for, it will come down to the aspect of aviation the student wants to pursue. For example, students that graduate with an aerospace engineering or mechanics degree would probably look at companies such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, among others.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Aviation Operations Specialists in the next 5 years?
Andrew Smith: Overall, I believe there will be an increase in demand for graduates in the next five years, especially because of the impact of COVID. Job hiring may be slow now, but I anticipate more growth and job opportunities once traveling really opens back up. And because aviation is such a huge industry, you can find specific job growth numbers for specific jobs. Once you dive into the numbers for particular fields, for example, the projected growth rate for commercial pilots for the next ten years is 5%, and flight attendants are projected to have a 17% growth rate over the next ten years. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). But that's the beauty of aviation. When people think of aviation, everyone thinks of pilots. But there are many other opportunities such as flight attendant, air traffic controllers, legal positions, business and aviation management, etc. The list goes on and on.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Aviation Operations Specialists to find work opportunities?
Andrew Smith: There are many companies and organizations graduates can work for. I've already mentioned a few like Boeing and Lockheed Martin, but you have contract companies that have aviation-related jobs. Perhaps, the biggest employer of aviation is the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). For example, many of our students tend to do internships at airports to get a more hands-on approach to life in the aviation industry. And once they graduate, many of our students get hired with the FAA, working at the airports as airport administrators and working in management, and working as air traffic controllers. You also have airline companies such as United and Delta, which provide pathway partnerships for students seeking to become pilots. There are numerous opportunities for aviation students and graduates.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Aviation Operations Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Erik Baker Ph.D.: I believe the uncrewed/autonomous/remotely piloted vehicles will become more important and more prevalent. Autonomous self-driving trucks can expand human drivers' efficiency, who are getting very difficult to replace as the next generation of employees is less attracted to these types of work-life "imbalances." While the media is fascinated with drone package delivery, a closer reality will be sizeable uncrewed cargo aircraft (LUCA). Also, powerful and prevalent technology includes alternative energy in cars, trucks, trains, airplanes, and ships. Clean electric power technology is advancing, and green biofuel is already a large part of the combined mixture that many gasoline-powered transport engines currently use.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Aviation Operations Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Erik Baker Ph.D.: Many businesses, especially in the travel industry, like the passenger airlines, are downsizing due to a downturn in overall travel. Even traditional cargo logistics has changed due to a change in buying preferences and a change in the overall supply chain's origination and destinations. Some of the trends we are seeing in the transportation job market are that many companies are downsizing their employees and will need to ramp up quickly when demand requires.
Some logistics companies must flex rapidly between high demand and low demand for service and employees so that it may make more sense for these companies to retain valuable trained employees, even while the business model is not calling for them, simply because the time required to ramp up a knowledgeable technical worker is so long. Transportation companies may decide it is in their better interest to train and retain employees on a part-time, no-benefits basis or a gig-type of employment so that they can be quickly brought back online when demand returns.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Aviation Operations Specialists in the next 5 years?
Dr. Erik Baker Ph.D.: I think pre-pandemic, we were experiencing a massive demand for aviation & transportation graduates. Airlines were growing, shipping/logistics companies were growing, experienced "baby-boomer" employees were retiring. We could not create enough employees fast enough to satisfy the industry's expansion and replace those retiring from the industry. The Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook 2020-2039 report (Aviation) has predicted that the demand for qualified pilots and technicians will resume to the pre-pandemic levels. So we all hope that the market will resume when medical treatments become widely available and people feel comfortable traveling again. I genuinely believe the next five years will see continued demand for graduates in this field.
What type of skills will young Aviation Operations Specialists need?
Stewart D'Leon: The same thing they needed 20 years ago... the right attitude and a willingness to learn. Everyone has basic skills; that's how they graduated. To set you apart from the pack, it's all about being able to work with others and continue to learn.
How do you envision technology impacting Aviation Operations Specialists in the next 5 years?
Stewart D'Leon: We've seen technology significantly change the role of a technician over the past few decades. I expect that to continue. Gone are the days that a technician is covered in a greasy jumpsuit. Technicians today are highly skilled and complete much of the troubleshooting with a laptop connected to the aircraft. Sure, there are still some rough jobs, but those days are rare compared to the ones that are fixed with a new circuit card.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Aviation Operations Specialists to find work opportunities?
Stewart D'Leon: It varies. I would tell any technician that if they want a good position to be willing to move anywhere. Those that can't find work, really mean they can't find work where they are. (Current environment excluded).
What experience really stands out on Aviation Operations Specialist resumes?
Duane Habenicht Ph.D.: Most of our graduates come with work experience. For the pilots, it is flight time. They need to have the required flight times to meet airline requirements. For maintenance, it is how much maintenance experience they have.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Aviation Operations Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Duane Habenicht Ph.D.: Drone UAV's
What Aviation Operations Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Duane Habenicht Ph.D.: I am not sure what you mean by 'gap year.' Suppose it is a gap in employment being able to explain why. At this point, the explanation is reasonable. It usually doesn't matter too much. Always, the skills that need to be enhanced are the ones required by the new employer.
What type of skills will young Aviation Operations Specialists need?
Shem Malmquist: Graduates should be well-rounded and able to tackle a variety of problems using creative methods. Graduates of aviation programs are, actually, uniquely equipped to take on the sorts of challenges that they will be presented with. Aviation courses actually train people to think in a creative way and manage problems in a way that goes beyond a scripted response.
How do you envision technology impacting Aviation Operations Specialists in the next 5 years?
Shem Malmquist: Systems will be automated in some ways, but also, the limits of the automation will become more clear. Computers are already ubiquitous in aviation. I don't expect a significant change, although the use of drones will likely increase. Aviation degreed students will be well placed to take advantage of this.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Aviation Operations Specialists to find work opportunities?
Shem Malmquist: All parts of the U.S. offer opportunities. Each has its own unique differences.
What type of skills will young Aviation Operations Specialists need?
Matt Prinkki: Graduates will need more varied skillsets than they have had in the past to differentiate from the competition and add value to their employers. Strong technical and interpersonal skill sets are a baseline that should be augmented by general business knowledge.
How do you envision technology impacting Aviation Operations Specialists in the next 5 years?
Matt Prinkki: Technology is ever-evolving in the flight deck, and pilots are becoming more automation managers than physical operators. Technology will continue to reduce a pilot's workload, so long as the pilot can stay ahead of the technology and use it to their advantage, rather than becoming an obstacle or a hindrance.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Aviation Operations Specialists to find work opportunities?
Matt Prinkki: I am not familiar with any particular region that has better opportunities than others. Aviators must be willing to travel for work, however, especially to land that first job!
What type of skills will young Aviation Operations Specialists need?
Stephen Cusick: Outstanding computer skills, flexibility to adapt to changing technical requirements.
How do you envision technology impacting Aviation Operations Specialists in the next 5 years?
Stephen Cusick: Major changes in technology, artificial intelligence, digital satellite navigation, communication, and weather products.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Aviation Operations Specialists to find work opportunities?
Stephen Cusick: Florida, Texas, California
What type of skills will young Aviation Operations Specialists need?
Anna Marron: From an Airport Development perspective, students are better positioned if they are strong technical writers. This is a very important part of the airport development world, and emerging from your undergraduate program with strong technical writing skills will position individuals leagues ahead of their competition. Confident verbal communication and presentation abilities are also a plus. Many airport development consulting firms are of the mindset that they can teach a new graduate almost any technical analysis; however, it's much more difficult to teach verbal and technical writing communication skills.
How do you envision technology impacting Aviation Operations Specialists in the next 5 years?
Anna Marron: Technology relating to FAA NextGen efforts, such as ADSB and surface radar modeling, is going to completely change the antiquated way that a lot of airport development activities, such as forecasting and runway length calculations, are executed. The collection of large data sets and their application to airport design are going to significantly increase airport efficiency and return on investment for airport development projects.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Aviation Operations Specialists to find work opportunities?
Anna Marron: Larger cities typically offer better opportunities for airport development firms, as companies will operate design hubs out of these environments. However, with COVID workplace changes, I would advise students to expect to go anywhere. While you can target a specific market for your job search, however, it's important for your first position that you be willing to go anywhere. Your first position is a springboard for your future, and holding out to wait for your ideal location frequently results in stalled professional development and questionable breaks in employment.
Dan Sutliff
Assistant ProfessorUtah Valley University
School of Aviation Sciences
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Aviation Operations Specialists?
Dan Sutliff: Yes. Unfortunately, there will be very limited job prospects for aviation graduates until the pandemic is over, and airlines begin returning to pre-pandemic levels of service. It could take a few years for the industry to recover. While it may not be a good time for graduates, it is the perfect time to begin an aviation education. In the four to six years it takes to earn a college degree and accumulate the experience required by the airlines, the market for pilots and other aviation professionals should have recovered. The prospects for growth in worldwide flight operations are still very good. We always recommend that prospective pilots get their degree in aviation management while earning their pilot certificates and ratings. This provides them with long-term career options outside of the cockpit.
How do you envision technology impacting Aviation Operations Specialists in the next 5 years?
Dan Sutliff: Five years might be a little optimistic, but the next big technological breakthrough will be in autonomous flight. The first pilotless aircraft may be carrying packages across the Atlantic from one coastal airport to another. Airliners are already capable of such flights with very little input from the pilots on board. It's not a huge leap from there to complete autonomy.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Aviation Operations Specialists to find work opportunities?
Dan Sutliff: Not really. Aviation isn't limited by U.S. geography. A better question would be, "where in the world are the best opportunities?" The answer is Asia. The continent is underserved and poised for enormous growth.
What general advice would you give to an Aviation Operations Specialist?
Rodney Foster: Orange Coast College (OCC) teaches Aircraft Maintenance Technology (AMT) and Avionics. Although the Government has dampened air travel by putting up restrictions to prevent a Covid-19 spread, there is still a certified mechanic/skilled labor shortage. I believe all our students will have permanent jobs within a six-month search. OCC AMT is listed as an essential workforce by the state of California and is back in classes full-time, face-to-face labs, and online lectures. Our next semester registration maximum filled in two days and still has over 35 additional students per class on the waiting list.