The aviation industry is more than just flying planes, it is a vast and exciting field full of opportunities for people with all kinds of interests and skills.
If you are wondering which careers in aviation offer the best pay, growth, and long-term satisfaction, you’re in the right place.
In this blog post, we will explain the best aviation careers, what they involve, how to get started, and why they’re in demand.
1. Airline Pilot
Average Salary (U.S.): $100,000–$250,000+
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree (preferred), Flight School, Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
Job Outlook: Growing demand, especially for regional and international airlines
Being a commercial airline pilot is one of the most prestigious and high-paying jobs in aviation. Pilots are responsible for flying passengers or cargo across various routes. It requires serious training, responsibility, and quick decision-making skills.
Pros:
- High salary potential
- Travel perks
- Prestige and responsibility
Cons:
- Long hours and irregular schedules
- High upfront training costs
How to Become a Pilot:
- Get a private pilot license (PPL)
- Accumulate flight hours and earn a commercial pilot license (CPL)
- Pass Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) exams
- Start with regional airlines or flight instruction to build experience
2. Air Traffic Controller
Average Salary (U.S.): $80,000–$150,000
Education Required: Associate’s or bachelor’s degree; FAA Academy training
Job Outlook: Competitive, but stable
Air traffic controllers are the unsung heroes of aviation. They manage the safe and orderly flow of aircraft in the sky and at airports. The job is high-pressure and requires intense focus, but it’s also one of the highest-paid non-pilot aviation careers.
Pros:
- Excellent salary
- No need for a 4-year degree (if trained through the FAA)
- Government benefits
Cons:
- High-stress environment
- Rigorous screening and training process
How to Get Started:
- Apply to FAA-approved AT-CTI programs or pass the FAA exam directly
- Attend FAA Academy for training
- Pass medical and psychological evaluations
3. Aircraft Mechanic (A&P Technician)
Average Salary (U.S.): $55,000–$90,000
Education Required: FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school or military training
Job Outlook: Strong and growing due to global aircraft demand
Aircraft mechanics, also known as Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) technicians, inspect, repair, and maintain airplanes. These professionals play a crucial role in aviation safety.
Pros:
- In-demand job
- Hands-on, practical work
- Opportunities to work at airlines, repair stations, or private hangars
Cons:
- Physically demanding
- May involve odd hours or night shifts
Path to This Career:
- Complete an FAA-approved training program
- Pass written, oral, and practical exams
- Earn A&P certification
4. Aerospace Engineer
Average Salary (U.S.): $80,000–$120,000+
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering
Job Outlook: Steady growth, especially in space tech and defense
Aerospace engineers design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. This career combines creativity with science and technology, ideal for people who enjoy innovation.
Pros:
- High salary
- Involved in cutting-edge technology
- Diverse industries (commercial, defense, space)
Cons:
- Requires strong math and science background
- Mostly office-based, less “hands-on” than other aviation roles
Getting Started:
- Earn a degree in aerospace engineering
- Consider internships at aviation companies
- Pass the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam to start licensing
5. Flight Attendant
Average Salary (U.S.): $40,000–$80,000+
Education Required: High school diploma, on-the-job training
Job Outlook: Growing with airline travel demand
Flight attendants ensure passenger safety and comfort during flights. It’s more than just serving drinks, these professionals are trained in emergency procedures and customer service.
Pros:
- Free or discounted travel
- Flexible schedules
- Quick entry (no college degree required)
Cons:
- Physically tiring
- Time away from home
How to Start:
- Apply directly to airlines
- Complete the airline’s training program
- Pass FAA certification
6. Airport Manager
Average Salary (U.S.): $70,000–$150,000
Education Required: Bachelor’s in aviation management, business, or related field
Job Outlook: Strong for larger airports
Airport managers oversee the daily operations of airports, from managing staff and finances to ensuring safety compliance.
Pros:
- Leadership role
- Good pay and benefits
- Vital to airport functioning
Cons:
- Long hours
- High responsibility
Career Path:
- Earn a degree in airport or aviation management
- Gain experience in airport operations
- Move into supervisory and management roles
7. Aviation Safety Inspector
Average Salary (U.S.): $70,000–$120,000
Education Required: Experience as a pilot or aircraft mechanic, FAA certifications
Job Outlook: Strong, especially with FAA and other government bodies
These inspectors ensure that aircraft, flight operations, and maintenance processes meet safety standards. They often work for the FAA or major airlines.
Pros:
- Stable government role
- Important work in aviation safety
Cons:
- Requires years of prior aviation experience
Steps to Take:
- Accumulate experience in aviation (pilot, technician, etc.)
- Apply for safety inspector roles
- Complete FAA or employer training
8. Drone Pilot (Commercial UAV Operator)
Average Salary (U.S.): $50,000–$100,000+
Education Required: High school diploma, FAA Part 107 certification
Job Outlook: Booming, especially in agriculture, construction, real estate, and media
With the rise of drone technology, drone pilots are now in demand for commercial projects like aerial photography, mapping, and surveying.
Pros:
- Low barrier to entry
- Remote/flexible work options
- Growing demand
Cons:
- Dependent on project availability
- Requires specialized equipment
Getting Started:
- Study FAA Part 107 regulations
- Pass the FAA exam
- Build a portfolio and market your services
9. Aviation Dispatcher
Average Salary (U.S.): $40,000–$90,000
Education Required: FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certification
Job Outlook: Steady demand in airlines and charter services
Dispatchers plan flight paths, monitor weather, and communicate with pilots before and during flights. They’re like pilots on the ground.
Pros:
- High responsibility without flying
- Quick training path (6–12 months)
Cons:
- Shift work, including nights and weekends
Pathway:
- Enroll in FAA-approved dispatcher school
- Pass FAA exams and practical assessments
10. Avionics Technician
Average Salary (U.S.): $55,000–$85,000
Education Required: A&P certification or avionics-specific training
Job Outlook: Growing with technology upgrades in aircraft
Avionics technicians focus on the electronic systems of airplanes; radar, GPS, communication systems, and more.
Pros:
- Specialized, high-demand role
- Constant learning with new tech
Cons:
- Must stay updated with new systems
- Technical and precise work
Tips for Choosing the Right Aviation Career
Not sure which path to take? Here are some helpful tips:
- Know your strengths. Love tech? Consider avionics. Like people? Try flight attending.
- Research required training. Some jobs need years of education, others just a few months.
- Consider lifestyle. Pilots and flight attendants travel often; mechanics stay grounded.
- Look at job demand. Roles like drone pilot, mechanic, and air traffic controller are growing fast.
- Think long-term. Choose a role that matches your goals, family needs, and interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best-paying job in aviation?
Commercial airline pilots and aerospace engineers tend to be among the highest earners.
2. Do you need a college degree for an aviation career?
Not always. Flight attendants, aircraft mechanics, and drone pilots can start without a degree.
3. Is the aviation industry growing?
Yes! The demand for air travel, cargo transport, and drone services is driving growth across many roles.
