Top 5 Flight Roles

best flight jobs

If flying is your thing, you can easily make a career out of it. There are multiple jobs available in this industry, and some of them are attainable with limited credentials. You don’t need a fancy education to earn a solid salary working in or around airplanes. There are even engineering and skilled trade type positions, so the opportunity and potential is nearly limitless. If you are considering a career in this industry, start by identifying your skills, and figure out the educational background you will need to get a head start. Many jobs won’t require an education, but the higher level positions always will. So, if this sounds interesting to you, then read on for the top jobs in the flight / airport industries. You might find something that suits your interests.

Best Jobs in the Airline Industry

1.)   Avionics Tech

This job will ultimately require certification from a technical school, but it’s an excellent career for the “hands on” worker. Avionics deals with the electrical systems of aircraft, which require constant maintenance and repair. Proper electronic systems are essential for navigation, cabin air pressure, etc. Airplanes require constant maintenance, and it is even legally mandated. In other words, these types of jobs will always exist as long as airplanes are around. The average salary for avionics technicians make around $50,000 per year, and managers can make upwards of $80,000 per year. Not a bad take home pay for a job that requires only a technical degree.

2.)   Commercial Pilot

Being a pilot can be an excellent career. Many pilots start their career in the military, and use the experience they gain flying government aircraft to transition to a role at a commercial airline. It’s obviously a job that will require a great deal of travel, and you will likely be away from home for extended periods of time. It’s not unlikely for pilots to be away for weeks at a time. The average salary for commercial pilots is lower than you might think, at $54,000 per year. However, the earning potential is excellent. Many pilots earn six figures later in their careers. It’s an excellent job.

3.)   Flight Attendant

This job is excellent for those who enjoy frequent travel and excel in a customer service capacity. Having a background in customer service can give you a clear competitive advantage over other applicants. Lack of customer service experience can really hurt your chances of landing a job, but it won’t automatically disqualify you. The average salary for flight attendants is $38,000.

4.)   Air Traffic Control

Although you won’t be working directly with aircraft, this job is one of the best in the airline industry. Air traffic control is a stressful career, and there are multiple regulations in place to help keep you alert and focused. Your actions are directly responsible for the lives of hundreds of people. Air traffic controllers make an average of $120,000 per year, and they earn every penny. Also, it’s a government job, so once you retire you will receive an excellent pension and other federal government retirement benefits. Becoming an air traffic control worker will require an education specifically administered by the federal government. You can forgo a traditional bachelor’s degree program if you are sure this is the job that you would like to pursue.

5.)   Air Marshall

Air Marshalls earn an average of $62,000 per year, which is an excellent salary in the law enforcement side of the industry. They sit on flights and protect passengers from terrorist activity. Also, they may deal with an arrest unruly passengers. Interested applicants should check in with their local airports and check out the requirements because it differs. Typically you’ll want to have a military or law enforcement background. You need to have experience to land this job, but it’s worth the sacrifice.

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Matthew Welch

Jobdiagnosis blog author Matthew Welch is an SEO strategist and content marketer from Boston, MA. Read blog content relating to job search by Matthew Welch.

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