Aerospace Careers
Who keeps the planes on the move?
Corporate Jet Pilot
- Description: Flies private business aircraft, managing flight planning, safety, and passenger experience.
- Min Requirements: ATP or Commercial Pilot Certificate, multi-engine rating, 3,000–5,000 flight hours.
- 2025 Salary: $130,000–$200,000
Commercial Airline Pilot
- Description: Operates scheduled passenger or cargo flights under FAA and airline procedures.
- Min Requirements: ATP certificate, 1,500+ flight hours, airline training program.
- 2025 Salary: $110,000–$240,000
Flight Attendant
- Description: Ensures passenger safety, comfort, and regulatory compliance onboard aircraft.
- Min Requirements: High school diploma, FAA certification, airline training.
- 2025 Salary: $45,000–$95,000
Flight Dispatcher
- Description: Plans and monitors flights, sharing legal responsibility for safety and operational decisions with pilots.
- Min Requirements: FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate.
- 2025 Salary: $70,000–$130,000
Aircraft Certification Specialist
Description: Ensures aircraft and components meet FAA airworthiness standards.
Min Requirements: Engineering or aviation background, FAA regulatory experience.
2025 Salary: $85,000–$145,000
Flight Inspector
Description: Conducts in-flight evaluations of pilots, procedures, and aircraft performance.
Min Requirements: ATP certificate, instructor or examiner background.
2025 Salary: $120,000–$180,000
Aircraft Engineer
Description: Designs, analyzes, and improves aircraft systems and structures.
Min Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering.
2025 Salary: $95,000–$165,000
Maintenance Technician
- Description: Inspects, repairs, and maintains aircraft to ensure airworthiness.
- Min Requirements: FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification.
- 2025 Salary: $75,000–$130,000
Aviation Safety Inspector
Description: Enforces FAA regulations by inspecting airlines, aircraft, and personnel.
Min Requirements: Relevant aviation experience (pilot or mechanic), FAA certification.
2025 Salary: $90,000–$160,000
Air Traffic Controller
- Description: Directs aircraft movements on the ground and in airspace to maintain safe separation.
- Min Requirements: FAA ATC training, medical clearance, age limits apply.
- 2025 Salary: $95,000–$185,000
Front Line Manager
- Description: Supervises daily airport or airline operations teams.
- Min Requirements: Operations experience, leadership background.
- 2025 Salary: $65,000–$120,000
Tech Ops Specialist
- Description: Oversees aircraft maintenance operations, reliability, and technical troubleshooting.
- Min Requirements: A&P certification or engineering background.
- 2025 Salary: $85,000–$150,000
Baggage or Cargo Handler
- Description: Loads, unloads, and tracks passenger baggage or freight.
- Min Requirements: High school diploma, ability to lift heavy items.
- 2025 Salary: $38,000–$70,000
Ground Crew
- Description: Marshals aircraft, services equipment, and supports turn-around operations.
- Min Requirements: High school diploma, ramp training.
- 2025 Salary: $40,000–$75,000
IT Support
- Description: Maintains airline and airport technology systems, including operations and scheduling tools.
- Min Requirements: IT certification or degree, systems experience.
- 2025 Salary: $60,000–$115,000
Airport Engineer
- Description: Plans and maintains airport infrastructure such as runways, terminals, and utilities.
- Min Requirements: Civil or electrical engineering degree, PE preferred.
- 2025 Salary: $90,000–$155,000
Airport Security
- Description: Screens passengers, staff, and cargo to protect aviation facilities.
- Min Requirements: TSA certification, background check.
- 2025 Salary: $45,000–$80,000
Staff Support Specialist
- Description: Provides administrative, HR, or operational support to airport or airline teams.
- Min Requirements: High school diploma or associate degree.
- 2025 Salary: $45,000–$75,000
Aviation Management
- Description: Aviation managers oversee airline, airport, or aviation-related operations, balancing safety, efficiency, regulatory compliance, staffing, and financial performance.
- Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Business, Logistics, or related field (experience can substitute in some roles).
- Overall Outlook (2025–2045): Strong and durable demand driven by airport expansion, airline growth, retirements, and increasing operational complexity.
Join Us in Building the Future
Whether you're a student, educator, industry professional, or community supporter, there's a place for you in the ACP Foundation mission.
