Airfield Operations Specialists

Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed

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.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $56,850/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$35,870$102,120

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +4.2% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.

About 1,600 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills

MonitoringActive ListeningReading ComprehensionSpeakingCoordinationCritical ThinkingWritingComplex Problem SolvingInstructingActive Learning

Top knowledge areas

Public Safety and SecurityTransportationEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceEducation and TrainingTelecommunicationsAdministration and ManagementLaw and Government

Core tasks

• 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.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Airfield Operations Specialists?

The median pay for Airfield Operations Specialists is $56,850 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Airfield Operations Specialists?

Employment for Airfield Operations Specialists is projected to change +4.2% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.

What education is typically required for Airfield Operations Specialists?

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

How many job openings are there each year for Airfield Operations Specialists?

About 1,600 openings per year, on average, over the decade.