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Job outlook for operations specialists in the United States
Operations specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected operations specialist job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 83,100 new jobs for operations specialists are projected over the next decade.
Operations specialist salaries have increased 9% for operations specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 153,061 operations specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 109,181 active operations specialist job openings in the US.
The average operations specialist salary is $54,752.
Are operations specialist jobs in demand?
Operations specialist job and salary trends over time
Operations specialist jobs over time
Operations specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 153,061 | 0.05% |
| 2020 | 59,916 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 59,943 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 157,555 | 0.05% |
| 2017 | 148,766 | 0.05% |
Average operations specialist salary over time
Operations specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $54,752 | $26.32 | +4.0% |
| 2025 | $52,668 | $25.32 | +2.4% |
| 2024 | $51,434 | $24.73 | +0.7% |
| 2023 | $51,055 | $24.55 | +1.4% |
| 2022 | $50,348 | $24.21 | +1.3% |
Operations specialist jobs by state
Most common states for operations specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 350 | 50% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 275 | 36% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 395 | 29% |
| 4 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 169 | 29% |
| 5 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 494 | 26% |
| 6 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 229 | 26% |
| 7 | Alaska | 739,795 | 193 | 26% |
| 8 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,356 | 24% |
| 9 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 745 | 24% |
| 10 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 247 | 24% |
| 11 | Delaware | 961,939 | 231 | 24% |
| 12 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,608 | 22% |
| 13 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 293 | 22% |
| 14 | Vermont | 623,657 | 138 | 22% |
| 15 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 2,178 | 21% |
| 16 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 616 | 21% |
| 17 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 360 | 21% |
| 18 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,613 | 20% |
| 19 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 2,061 | 20% |
| 20 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,329 | 20% |
Most common cities for operations specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Springfield | 10 | 9% | $54,147 |
| 2 | Lansing | 9 | 8% | $54,553 |
| 3 | Hartford | 9 | 7% | $64,746 |
| 4 | Tallahassee | 11 | 6% | $45,230 |
| 5 | Atlanta | 22 | 5% | $47,391 |
| 6 | Des Moines | 11 | 5% | $46,624 |
| 7 | Orlando | 10 | 4% | $44,747 |
| 8 | Boston | 21 | 3% | $66,876 |
| 9 | Washington | 19 | 3% | $71,196 |
| 10 | Baltimore | 15 | 2% | $68,177 |
| 11 | Denver | 13 | 2% | $49,489 |
| 12 | Miami | 9 | 2% | $44,385 |
| 13 | Phoenix | 16 | 1% | $46,034 |
| 14 | San Diego | 16 | 1% | $55,476 |
| 15 | Jacksonville | 12 | 1% | $44,594 |
| 16 | Detroit | 10 | 1% | $55,515 |
| 17 | Indianapolis | 10 | 1% | $50,012 |
| 18 | San Francisco | 10 | 1% | $63,028 |
| 19 | Chicago | 13 | 0% | $56,472 |
| 20 | Los Angeles | 11 | 0% | $56,382 |
Operations Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of operations specialist experts
University of Nebraska - Omaha
Utah State University
University of Central Missouri
San Jose State University
University of Richmond
University of Nebraska- Lincoln
Henderson State University
Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma State University
University of Nevada, Reno
University of Central Arkansas
Alverno College
California State University - San Bernardino
University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
Brazosport College
Henderson State University
Hampton University
University of Kansas
Rowan University
The Ohio State University at Lima
Theodore Johnson Ph.D.
Assistant Professor - Aviation InstituteUniversity of Nebraska - Omaha
Air Transportation
What Operations Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Theodore Johnson Ph.D.: -Research and become involved in an aviation/aerospace organizations such as OBAP, WAI, LPA, NGPA, AAAE, etc. Doing so provides access to a network of individuals in positions one is aspiring to while also furnishing exposure to events/activities where an individual can network, give back, and help establish a professional rapport within others in the industry. -Find a mentor in the industry who can provide diligent guidance, advice, and support as you navigate the nuances of the industry. This individual can be your confidant and sounding board as you amass different experiences, and assist you in overcoming certain obstacles or challenges that will inevitably impede your path to success.
What general advice would you give to an Operations Specialist?
Shalyn Drake: The first piece of general advice I would give to a graduate beginning their career in UAS or any field is to never give up. The other piece of advice I would give is to remember you're just starting out; don't expect the world right away. It takes time to build up to it. Take opportunities. Volunteer. Practice being professional at all times.
What will help Operations Specialists increase their earning potential?
Shalyn Drake: The first step in maximizing your salary potential when starting your career is to do your research and understand cost of living, understand comparable positions, and understand the economy we live in. Research all of that to come to a realistic conclusion. I would argue it is more important to serve and take opportunities before you go for that dream job in order to help you maximize your salary potential.
What Operations Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Andy Multer MBA, CFI, CM, ACE: A new graduate should focus on continuing their aviation education whether that means earning new certifications or simply continuing to study the material they have already learned. The FAA hosts many seminars through their FAA Safety Team (FAAST) that allow pilots to continue learning and expanding their knowledge to make pilots make safer and more educated decisions. A pilot who does not feel they have anything else left to learn should hang up their pilot cap and go into another profession. The NTSB produces accident investigation reports which can help a pilot learn from others' mistakes.
What will help Operations Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Andy Multer MBA, CFI, CM, ACE: To maximize your salary potential when starting your pilot career, a pilot should try to earn additional certifications to help them stand out. The salaries are standard for the most part across the country, but earning additional certifications will help you stand out among your peers when applying for better pilot jobs that pay higher salaries. If you are a flight instructor, earning the Instrument and Multiengine instructor ratings will likely result in a pay raise and result in a more diverse professional experience. Becoming a Check Instructor will also help you stand out. The FAA Dispatcher certification will look good on professional pilot applications. Additional education such as a Master of Science in Aviation Safety and earning the AAAE Airport Certified Employee (ACE) in SMS will further your knowledge of aviation safety and present more employment opportunities for pilots.
What general advice would you give to an Operations Specialist?
Dr. Fred Barez: Accept any related to your major opportunity to start your career.
What Operations Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Fred Barez: Perform well at your chosen profession with passion and rewards to maximize potential will come.
What will help Operations Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Fred Barez: Interpersonal skills, being a team player and forming a productive team. Being knowledgeable in your field as a pilot, as an operations, maintenance, and managerial professional, in working with others to solve daily or weekly problems to stay on top of challenges you face.
What soft skills should all Operations Specialists possess?
Keith Webb: Oral and written communication skills are critical. Also, the ability to work within a team orientation, flexibility, and adaptability, to name a few.
Ozgur Araz Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Supply Chain Management & AnalyticsUniversity of Nebraska- Lincoln
Supply Chain Management & Analytics Department
What skills stand out on Operations Specialist resumes?
Ozgur Araz Ph.D.: Recently, data management and analytics skills with a global understanding of business operations, including supply chain management, have stood out.
What skills will help Operations Specialists earn the most?
Ozgur Araz Ph.D.: In almost all business disciplines, data analytics skills help most to stand out for salary negotiations.
What soft skills should all Operations Specialists possess?
Ozgur Araz Ph.D.: Collaborative management and leadership skills are most important.
Charles Rook
Instructor of AviationHenderson State University
Aviation Department
What soft skills should all 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 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 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 skills stand out on 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 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 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.
Dr. Jon Loffi
Associate Professor, Flying Aggies Faculty Advisor, Undergraduate Program Coordinator Stillwater CampusOklahoma State University
Aviation and Space
What skills stand out on 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 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 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?
Jim McClenahan
Director of Career and Corporate OutreachUniversity of Nevada, Reno
College of Business
What soft skills should all Operations Specialists possess?
Jim McClenahan: As I said, soft skills are desired more than ever. Angela Duckworth describes Grit as "Perseverance, effort, and skill." We can teach the skill; the other two have to come with the new hire. Empathy is important as someone grows in their career-you can't be an effective leader and not have empathy in your skillset.
Anthony McMullen
Associate Professor of Business Law and Director of Forensics, vUniversity of Central Arkansas
Accounting Department
What skills stand out on Operations Specialist resumes?
Anthony McMullen: This will depend on the specific field. Business is an incredibly broad area. Anyone with a business type of degree will at least obtain basic knowledge in accounting, economics, finance, management, and marketing. These skills should be highlighted. But when thinking about a resume, workers should think about (and participate in) experiences that allow them to use these skills. And once they have these experiences, they should be able to articulate how they used these skills on a resume. Don't just say, "I did ______." Say, "I used _________ in order to accomplish __________."
What skills will help Operations Specialists earn the most?
Anthony McMullen: Acquiring a specialty is great, but specialization should not come at the expense of a broad and diverse knowledge base. Within specialized fields, many people will have the training/education to do the job, but what makes a particular person special? What will give that person the chance to branch out or to think about other avenues to accomplish the task? That will help workers maximize opportunities.
What soft skills should all Operations Specialists possess?
Anthony McMullen: Admittedly, I'm not a fan of the phrase "soft skills" v. "hard skills," as some might take such phrases to imply that soft skills are not as important or are easier to obtain. That being said, to answer the question, communication and critical-thinking skills are essential to a successful career. Communication skills (both oral and written) are necessary to convey messages. It does not matter how much technical expertise someone has if that person is unable to convey that expertise to others. Critical-thinking skills are important because skilled workers need to know how to think through problems. The answer will not always be readily apparent. And even when it is, workers need to ensure that they can analyze it to ensure that it is trustworthy. Maybe the information found is outdated, doesn't apply to the situation, or is just flat out wrong, and a skilled worker needs to be able to make that determination.
If the pandemic has taught us anything, adaptability is also necessary to be successful. So many jobs have changed (and will continue to change). Many people left their respective industries during the pandemic because they couldn't (or did not want to) adapt to change. Those who can, or at least try, will find more opportunities in the workplace.
Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Business and Management, MBA Faculty Director, Associate - School Sisters of St. FrancisAlverno College
Business and Management Department
What skills stand out on Operations Specialist resumes?
Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.: The skills or competencies that stand out are those that add value to an organization. They complement the skills of those already working there and advance the organization's products, services, or culture. Transferrable or timeless skills transcend industries and stand out on resumes. They include leadership, teamwork, project management, and collaboration. Of course, individuals who list these skills on their resumes should effectively demonstrate that they have developed and are proficient in these areas. Business specialists should be ready to provide examples in writing/print or audio-video media, such as links to their work.
What soft skills should all Operations Specialists possess?
Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.: Today's business environment is complex and continues to evolve. Creativity, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and the ability to manage or lead in turbulent times are essential twenty-first-century skills. Critical and strategic thinking, organizing, and planning are also salient skills. Business specialists with these skills make important contributions to their organizations. They often lead when no one else can or wants to. Communicating and being visible throughout one's division, department, or organization are important to the well-being and prosperity of the organization and the individuals who work there. Business specialists can develop and practice these leadership skills on-site or remotely. Internal and external relationship-building leads to trustworthy and mutually beneficial relationships and/or partnerships.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Operations Specialists?
Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.: Respectful communication, including email and video conferencing etiquette, is most important across all settings. Different business functions and roles require different skill sets. What is hard for some can be easy or relatively easy for others. Becoming proficient in office productivity software/applications and presentation platforms is vital to one's career development. The ability to effectively network online is also important. I encourage my students to keep their professional profiles on LinkedIn current. If they need to develop their time management skills, I encourage them to use a calendar or scheduling tool.
What skills will help Operations Specialists earn the most?
Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.: My experience has been that it depends on the position, organization, and industry, among other variables. Digital and information literacy are key to researching, analyzing, and evaluating credible information, in this case, skills that are in demand and could lead to well-paying jobs. I would emphasize, however, that there are intrinsic benefits that sometimes eclipse salary as the primary consideration. It depends on the individual and how they want to improve their quality of life, earn incentives, or be compensated. For many, contributing to an organization that promotes humane and positive interactions, allows for flexible work arrangements, and aligns with one's personal values is paramount. I encourage business specialists to stay vigilant and knowledgeable about developing industry or marketplace trends. Embrace continuous learning, upskilling, and workplace training to remain relevant in the post-pandemic world.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Operations Specialists?
Daniel MacDonald Ph.D.: There will be an enduring impact of the pandemic on graduates because of the shift of preferences to remote work in some occupations. This could be a plus. While many jobs are not suitable for remote work, the jobs that graduates are looking for are more likely to be suitable for remote work than jobs that don't require a college degree. As a result of the preference for remote work, graduates might find that they have some options for where they live, and they might choose to live in lower-cost areas, even if it means not earning as much money.
On the other hand, graduates spent the last year or so in remote learning environments, and with the other social and economic changes brought about by the pandemic, this could mean they didn't pick up the same amount of skills they would have with in-person classes. Graduates need to make sure they are still learning the tools and skills that are so important in those senior-level courses - these will make them weather the job market more effectively.
What's a good job out of college for Operations Specialists?
Daniel MacDonald Ph.D.: A good job out of college is one that fits the candidate's skills but which still gives them potential for growth. A computer scientist should not be working as an assistant editor for a newspaper, while a political scientist should not be working on spreadsheets for a bank. Even though students have a lot of debt after graduating college, it's important to keep your mind on the bigger picture and not simply take the first offer that comes across their desk.
What will help Operations Specialists increase their earning potential?
Daniel MacDonald Ph.D.: In my field of economics, data and computer science skills, like advanced skills in Microsoft Excel or Python/R, would make graduates more competitive and will increase their long-run earnings potential.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Operations Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Dorothy Zilic: There are some aspects of COVID-19 that have been eye-opening in terms of exploring options to accomplish tasks and maintain services. From discussions with regional employers and HR professionals, it appears that there may be more virtual/remote opportunities. There has not always been a work-from-home mentality in many industries, but due to COVID-19, many more employers have adapted and been innovative in their practices to open up the format of the work. It does appear that some remote options may continue given the success that they have seen in various areas of work performed. Several companies have begun using virtual trainings with their employees for instance, which I believe will also see a continuation.
Aspects to the recruitment process may continue, such as virtual information sessions from recruiters across the county to virtual interviewing. Virtual and/or video interviews had begun to take off prior to last March and it has been very beneficial to giving the students and alumni opportunities to connect, use technology, and make a positive impression. Many networking opportunities that have been significant in the past have continued in virtual platforms. It is important to make valuable connections and this can be done in different formats. The importance of skills that employers have looked for universally also still appears to be consistent. Some examples include: verbal and written communication, organization, adaptability, leadership, and problem solving. More than ever, familiarity with technology and the ability to be flexible can be helpful within one's work.
Students may also see less of a barrier to their geographic location, if they do not want to move. They may want to explore remote/virtual opportunities where they can utilize technology to help them gain valuable experience and/or enter the workforce.
What soft skills should all Operations Specialists possess?
Dorothy Zilic: This is a time to consider all kinds of opportunities for one's next step. Every opportunity can open a new door. Graduates may want to explore their options. There are many employers hiring. Colleges and universities are working to connect students and especially graduates to employment and opportunities for continuing education. There are virtual and in-person job and internship fairs, graduate school information sessions, prospects for public-service positions, and virtual interview and networking opportunities. Many schools are not only working to connect students with employers, but also with caring and supportive alumni. There are many opportunities to connect for career-related opportunities, service learning, and mentoring.
There are entry-level options both in the private and public sector. Management training programs and rotational leadership programs are both examples of a starting point for business-related students to enter the workforce, enhance their experience, and build skills for success in their current position, as well as to make lateral moves and to ultimately look toward upper-level positions. I encourage students to look into options also within the government to learn what kinds of opportunities exist for your major.
What will help Operations Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dorothy Zilic: Experience continues to be an important factor when entering the workforce in numerous fields. The majority of employers want to see some kind of related experience, such as an internship, part-time employment, volunteer/service and course-related experiences relevant to their major. There are many employers offering internships, both in-person and virtual. There are also numerous volunteer opportunities to explore that are virtual in nature. This can be a time to be creative! Some students and graduates start their own businesses for example.
It is important to look at the requirements of entry-level jobs within the industry to know what experience one should strive for throughout his/her college career. There are several fields, such as Accounting and Public Relations/Marketing, where more than one internship may be advisable. Including a "Related Experience" section on a resume allows the students/candidates to display their most relevant work quickly to an employer.
Skills are also noteworthy and may help someone to be a competitive applicant when applying. Are there skills the employer is seeking, such as needing proficiency with Excel for an Accounting position? In addition to highlighting examples of related experience on a resume, skills are essential to include on a resume, cover letter, and/or in an interview. There may be skills specific to the position and also transferable skills.
Transferrable skills are beneficial to showcase because they transcend the position. These skills may be applicable to any position and often when employers interview, they use behavioral interviewing to determine how someone has reacted/acted in the past to help them to predict how the person will behave in the future. These skills and also one's attitude can show he/she is a capable and enthusiastic candidate.
While in college, students may work in different areas other than their chosen field of study. They may have had part-time positions that are more related to their major, but they might not be as directly related. It is important to think about each position/experience one has had, what has been learned, and what strengths have been brought out or enhanced. When talking to students about their strengths, I often ask the question, "What was the worst day you had on the job?" Thinking about one's most difficult day and how he/she handled it can demonstrate where a person's strengths lie and this is important to remember when talking about skills, abilities, and values. Connecting with the institution's career centers and all the wonderful resources at one's disposal (e.g., faculty, advisors, staff, peers, personal network) can help students not only navigate the job search process, but also to learn how to effectively discuss their experience, skills, and how to market/brand themselves. Each person has so much to give and bring to a position. I encourage students to think about their experiences (e.g., course-related, employment, internship, volunteer, club/organization, public service) and the valuable things they take away from them.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Operations Specialists?
Kenneth Resecker: There is no doubt that the disruption caused by the Coronavirus impact will have, and has already had, a significant impact on students who had to learn through it. While there are many excellent online programs in the world, the program I teach in is not designed for remote or virtual learning. The students who come through the Process Technology program will end up in an industrial or manufacturing career field. The majority of the courses in the program involve hands-on training, and actual operation of the various pieces of equipment they will be working with after graduation. Prior to the Coronavirus pandemic, all but two of the courses in the program were in-person learning only. The other courses involved face-to-face instruction, in an environment that had a multitude of visual aids, and many of them involved lab time that was spent interacting with the equipment. Today, the vast majority of the courses in our program are provided with an online/virtual lecture, with lab time on a separate day. Some courses even utilize pre-recorded lectures that student will watch on their own time, in an attempt to maximize the virtual interaction and lab time expanding on what was seen in the pre-recorded lecture. All that to say, it just isn't the same as being face-to-face with the students. Being able to read their body language and see their facial expressions as you teach is invaluable, and when it isn't there, the quality of instruction diminishes. The students who will graduate thought this pandemic will have lost a lot of the quality instruction they should have received. I wouldn't go so far as to say the impact would be enduring, so to speak, because I believe they can overcome the impact given enough time and on the job training.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Operations Specialists?
Kenneth Resecker: In the Process Technology program, it would be difficult to point to one particular course that would have the biggest impact. The program is designed in such a way that each course builds on the previous course, so the bigger impact would be the quality of instruction received on the previous course as student progresses through. The first courses taken have a lot of information that students need to memorize. The next course requires them to identify equipment and explain how it works. The next gives them multiple pieces of equipment working together, and they have to analyze the system and explain how the system is affected by other parts of the system, and so on. By the end of the program they are actually starting up a small plant and bringing it within normal operating parameters. So, that being said, receiving a quality education throughout the entire program is what will ultimately have the biggest impact on your job prospects. Also, given the hands-on and physical labor aspects of our industry, the individual skill set and aptitude of the student will play a large role in both their success in the program and their ability to find a spot in the industry.
What will help Operations Specialists increase their earning potential?
Kenneth Resecker: In our field, your earning potential is both deep and wide. What I mean by that is, a Process Technician can make a lot of money, and can also fill a lot of different roles within the industry. The Process Technology field is present in a variety of different markets: chemical and petrochemical, pharmaceutical, water treatment, paper production, oil & gas exploration, and many more. There's a wide variety of options to choose from and the amount of money that can be made in any of them depends on the person's drive to excel. Many in the Process Technology field are satisfied with being a technician for their entire career with a 100k salary each year. Others, who may not want to stay in the same role that long, have a variety of different roles they could transition to. Many technicians move in to training roles, become a Technical Advisor, or move up to a supervisor position. So, like I said, the biggest factor to a person's earning potential increasing would be their individual drive to want to do more. The possibilities are near endless if the person wants to pursue them.
What's a good job out of college for 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 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 technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for 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 are the best companies to work for an 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 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 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 Operations Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Cari Ann Kreienhop: I posed this question to our alumni in the field and received the response that GIS (ESRI) and Smart City technologies like Advanced Meter Reading (Xylem/Sensus is a big brand name in the water sector, for example) are the most likely evolving platforms and uses they will encounter. Additionally, it's essential to keep abreast of thematic trends related to technology: an awareness of cybersecurity threats, best practices, and defensive tactics. Understanding the language, concepts, and strategies to manage better, and support IT, and protect the organization is critical.
Beyond specific technology, leaning into logical analysis and data-gathering skills are critical to bringing a well-rounded perspective into an organization. Mastering Excel and R are great for hitting the ground running in an organization, but being versatile and savvy with data analytics will be an asset to any organization.
What experience really stands out on Operations Specialist resumes?
Cari Ann Kreienhop: This is a tricky question because organizations can be focused on very different things in a given hiring search. I think what should be important to applicants in crafting their application materials is that they highlight their experience and achievements and highlight these attributes within the context of the organization's mission and strategic plan. The resume is the blueprint of how an applicant can fit into and contribute to an organization's growth; if the applicant doesn't take the time to match their resume experience to the job posting, hiring managers aren't going to take the extra time to read between the lines.
Dr. Kate Seltzer Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorRowan University
Department of Language, Literacy and Sociocultural education
How would you rate the starting salaries for Operations Specialists, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Dr. Kate Seltzer Ph.D.: Educators are not paid nearly enough. However, working in a state with strong teachers' unions helps to ensure a starting salary that recent graduates can live off of and growth opportunities, albeit modest, over their careers.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Operations Specialists to find work opportunities?
Leah Herner-Patnode: Usually, urban areas of bigger cities and southern states, such as North Carolina, have many openings. Maine, Florida, California, Hawaii, Washington, and Texas are the most open positions.