5 aviation-related jobs for flight fanatics

Whether you want to spend the majority of your time traveling from one place to another, or you’re fascinated by the mechanics of airplanes and want to learn about their inner workings, there could be a future for you in aviation. Shortages of pilots and mechanics are creating many openings in these areas, but there are many other opportunities to explore that may cater uniquely to your interests and talents.

5 aviation-related jobs to consider

Here are four aviation-related jobs to consider:

Airline and commercial pilot

If you’ve always wanted to see the world from a cockpit, consider getting your pilot’s license. You can work for commercial or private airlines. Many pilots belong to unions that protect them from layoffs, demotions, pay reductions, and other issues. Plus, there’s a critical shortage of airline pilots, so these types of workers are in high demand. If you’re interested in hearing more about new developments in the job market, consider signing up for email alerts through CareerBuilder.

Airline pilots usually need a bachelor’s degree and also must have the Federal Aviation Administration-issued Airline Transport Pilot certificate. They typically begin their careers as commercial pilots or flight instructors. Commercial pilots need a high school diploma or equivalent and a commercial pilot’s license from the FAA. The median wage for airline and commercial pilots is $40,000.

Flight attendant

Professionals who don’t want to fly a plane — but still want to fly — can become flight attendants. In this role, you’ll answer travelers’ questions, serve food and beverages, remind guests about safety rules, and direct travelers on and off the plane.

This is one of the rare aviation jobs that don’t require a degree — just a high school diploma or equivalent. The most important training takes place with the airline. This typically lasts from three to six weeks. Upon completion of the training program, flight attendants receive the FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency. The median annual wage for flight attendants is $27,500.

Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanic or technician

Aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians handle scheduled maintenance and repairs for aircraft. They evaluate flight data, diagnose problems, repair and replace components as needed, and inspect completed work. These professionals typically attend an Aviation Maintenance Technician School. There are several different certificates and licenses available that may determine the exact position that a mechanic or technician holds.

Boeing estimates nearly 120,000 new technicians will be needed in North America over the next two decades. The median annual wage for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians is $69,500.

“Shortages of pilots and mechanics are creating many openings in these areas, but there are many other opportunities to explore that may cater uniquely to your interests and talents.”

Commercial air traffic controller

Air traffic controllers coordinate air traffic by issuing landing and takeoff instructions, responding to emergencies, and providing pilots with essential information. From runway closures to weather updates, air traffic controllers need to understand everything in their sphere of control. While the most important concern for these professionals is obviously safety, they must also strive to maintain efficient and timely dispatches when all is running smoothly.

Air traffic controllers typically complete the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative. This program is available as part of a two- or four-year degree program. Most newly hired air traffic controllers are trained at the FAA Academy, located in Oklahoma City. The length of training varies with the applicant’s background. The median wage for air traffic controllers is $128,000. This is an incredibly lucrative job, but highly competitive for the same reason.

Aerospace engineer

Aerospace engineers are highly trained professionals responsible for developing new aircraft and spacecraft technologies. These professionals may also convert existing technologies for different applications and design parts for airplanes, helicopters, and spacecraft. Most aerospace engineers specialize in working on particular types of craft like military jets, missiles and rockets, commercial airliners, or satellites. Many also focus on particular technologies, such as navigation systems, communication equipment, propulsion, or structural design.

Aerospace engineering is a highly competitive field that requires extensive training and education. If you want to work in the field, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in aerospace or aeronautics engineering, which will introduce you to the basic concepts involved in aircraft design. Some engineers also enter the field of aerospace design with degrees in electrical, computer, or mechanical engineering. As an aerospace engineer, you’ll have many employment opportunities, including careers with defense contractors and commercial aircraft manufacturers. The median annual wage for aerospace engineers is $123,000.

That’s a brief overview of just some of the jobs you can explore in the field of aviation. Whether you want to fly or you’re interested in the technology that makes flight possible, there’s a career for you in aviation. Jobs in the aviation field provide great pay and can also be incredibly rewarding. If your dream job isn’t on this list, head over to the CareerBuilder job search and explore aviation jobs in your area.

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