Airfield operations specialists
SOC Code: 53-2022Also known as:
Airfield Operations Specialist, Airfield Services Officer, Airline Dispatcher, Airport Agent, Airport Operations Agent
Median Annual Salary
$56,750
+4.2% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
17K
Current Jobs
What Airfield operations specialists Do
Ensure the safe takeoff and landing of commercial and military aircraft. Duties include coordination between air-traffic control and maintenance personnel, dispatching, using airfield landing and navigational aids, implementing airfield safety procedures, monitoring and maintaining flight records, and applying knowledge of weather information.
💰 Salary
$56,750
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.2%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Long-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
16,900
Projected Employment (2034)
17,600
Related Careers
Aircraft cargo handling supervisors
$63,940 •
+5.2% growth
Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers
$226,600 •
+3.9% growth
Commercial pilots
$122,670 •
+5.1% growth
Air traffic controllers
$144,580 •
+1.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Inspect airfield conditions to ensure compliance with federal regulatory requirements.
- Implement airfield safety procedures to ensure a safe operating environment for personnel and aircraft operation.
- Conduct inspections of the airport property and perimeter to maintain controlled access to airfields.
- Assist in responding to aircraft and medical emergencies.
- Initiate or conduct airport-wide coordination of snow removal on runways and taxiways.
- Manage wildlife on and around airport grounds.
- Coordinate communications between air traffic control and maintenance personnel.
- Perform and supervise airfield management activities, including mobile airfield management functions.
- Plan and coordinate airfield construction.
- Monitor the arrival, parking, refueling, loading, and departure of all aircraft.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Airfield operations specialists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a airfield operations specialists:
Air Traffic Controller
189 degrees awarded •
19 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Airfield operations specialists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become airfield operations specialists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do airfield operations specialists make?
The median annual salary for airfield operations specialists is $56,750.
What education do airfield operations specialists need?
Most airfield operations specialists positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Air Traffic Controller.
Is becoming airfield operations specialists a good career choice?
Airfield operations specialists is projected to see +4.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 1,600 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for airfield operations specialists?
Top colleges for aspiring airfield operations specialists include
Tulsa Technology Center, Florida Institute of Technology, University of North Dakota, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, Mt San Antonio College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to airfield operations specialists?
Airfield operations specialists may also be known as: Airfield Operations Specialist, Airfield Services Officer, Airline Dispatcher, Airport Agent, Airport Operations Agent, Airport Operations Coordinator, Airport Operations Crew Member, Airport Operations Officer, Airport Operations Specialist, Airport Ramp Agent, Airport Security Officer, Airport Services Supervisor, Airport Supervisor, Aviation Operations Specialist, Flight Follower, Flight Information Expediter, Flight Operations Agent, Flight Operations Coordinator, Flight Operations Engineer, Flight Operations Planner.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.