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Salary

How much does a Airport Operations Specialist make?

The average salary for a Airport Operations Specialist is $49,813 per year in the US.

Airport Operations Specialists enjoy a rewarding career with a competitive salary. The average yearly salary for this role stands at $49,813, which is a solid figure for many. This number takes into account a range of salaries, from lower-level positions to more senior roles.

Here is a closer look at the salary distribution:

  • 10% of Airport Operations Specialists earn $32,620 or less.
  • 25% earn between $32,620 and $39,972.
  • 50% earn between $39,972 and $62,031.
  • 75% earn between $62,031 and $91,442.
  • 90% earn less than $106,147.
  • The top 10% earn $113,500 or more annually.
Understanding these figures can help job seekers set realistic expectations and goals for their careers.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Airport Operations Specialist?

Seattle, WA, offers one of the highest average salaries for Airport Operations Specialists. Professionals in this city can expect to earn around $88,049 annually. San Francisco, CA, and Los Angeles, CA, follow closely, with salaries near $87,000 and $85,000, respectively. Other top-paying cities include Boston, MA, and Atlanta, GA. Specialists in these cities can anticipate average salaries above $83,000. For those considering relocation, these cities present strong financial incentives.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Airport Operations Specialist jobs, highlighting Seattle, WA with the highest at $88,049 and Chicago, IL with the lowest at $68,729.
  1. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $88,049
    In Seattle, you'll manage airport traffic smoothly, ensuring flights take off and land safely. Key employers include Alaska Airlines and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
    Find Airport Operations Specialist jobs in Seattle, WA


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $86,667
    San Francisco offers a dynamic environment where you coordinate airport services efficiently. Companies like United Airlines and San Francisco International Airport look for skilled professionals.
    Find Airport Operations Specialist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $84,869
    Los Angeles provides a bustling atmosphere with major airlines such as American Airlines. Here, you'll play a key role in managing one of the world's busiest airports.
    Find Airport Operations Specialist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  4. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $84,081
    Boston offers a chance to work in a historic city, coordinating airport operations. Logan International Airport and Delta Air Lines are prominent employers.
    Find Airport Operations Specialist jobs in Boston, MA


  5. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $83,449
    Atlanta is known for its aviation industry, making it a prime location for airport specialists. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a major employer.
    Find Airport Operations Specialist jobs in Atlanta, GA


  6. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $78,407
    In Portland, you'll enjoy a balance of urban and natural settings while ensuring smooth airport operations. Portland International Airport is a key employer.
    Find Airport Operations Specialist jobs in Portland, OR


  7. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $77,444
    Denver's high-altitude airport provides a unique experience. Here, you'll manage operations with companies like Southwest Airlines and Denver International Airport.
    Find Airport Operations Specialist jobs in Denver, CO


  8. Tampa, FL
    Average Salary: $73,845
    Tampa offers a warm climate and sunny days, perfect for managing airport services. Tampa International Airport is a significant employer in the area.
    Find Airport Operations Specialist jobs in Tampa, FL


  9. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $72,390
    San Diego combines beautiful beaches with a vibrant airport scene. Companies such as Alaska Airlines and San Diego International Airport offer exciting opportunities.
    Find Airport Operations Specialist jobs in San Diego, CA


  10. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $68,729
    Chicago provides a bustling urban environment, ideal for managing airport operations. Major employers include United Airlines and Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
    Find Airport Operations Specialist jobs in Chicago, IL

What are the best companies a Airport Operations Specialist can work for?

Job seekers looking for airport operations specialist roles may find attractive salaries at American Airlines, Menzies Aviation, and AvPORTS. American Airlines offers the highest average salary at $106,659. Menzies Aviation follows closely with an average salary of $74,603, while AvPORTS provides $63,122. Each of these companies can offer a lucrative career in airport operations. Other companies like G2 Secure Staff, OUTAGAMIE COUNTY, Nuffield Health, and Premier Inn also offer roles in this field. G2 Secure Staff provides an average salary of $54,530, while OUTAGAMIE COUNTY offers $43,056. Nuffield Health and Premier Inn have average salaries of $37,531 and $36,505, respectively. These salaries can vary based on experience and location, but they still provide valuable opportunities.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Airport Operations Specialist jobs, highlighting American Airlines with the highest at $106,659 and Premier Inn with the lowest at $36,505.
  1. American Airlines
    Average Salary: $106,659
    American Airlines offers rewarding opportunities for Airport Operations Specialists. These roles involve managing passenger services, ensuring safety, and coordinating flights at major hubs like Dallas/Fort Worth, Charlotte, and Miami. Specialists can expect comprehensive benefits and the chance to work in diverse environments.


  2. Menzies Aviation
    Average Salary: $74,603
    Menzies Aviation is a global player in airport services. Airport Operations Specialists here focus on ground handling and passenger services at airports like Heathrow and Gatwick. The role demands strong communication and teamwork, providing a dynamic work environment.


  3. AvPORTS
    Average Salary: $63,122
    At AvPORTS, Airport Operations Specialists support various airport functions. They work at locations such as JFK and LaGuardia, ensuring smooth airport operations. The company values innovation and efficiency, offering competitive salaries and career growth opportunities.


  4. G2 Secure Staff
    Average Salary: $54,530
    G2 Secure Staff provides essential services to airports. Specialists here may handle security and passenger flow management. They work at key airports such as O'Hare and San Francisco. The role is demanding, with a focus on safety and customer service.


  5. OUTAGAMIE COUNTY
    Average Salary: $43,056
    Outagamie County offers roles for Airport Operations Specialists at airports like Austin Straubel International. The positions focus on customer service and safety. Working in a smaller airport setting can be a great chance for hands-on experience and community engagement.


  6. Nuffield Health
    Average Salary: $37,531
    Nuffield Health provides support services for airports, including operations roles. Specialists can find work at Heathrow and other major UK airports. The role is about ensuring health and safety for passengers and staff, with a focus on creating a positive airport experience.


  7. Premier Inn
    Average Salary: $36,505
    Premier Inn offers roles for Airport Operations Specialists near major airports such as Manchester and Birmingham. These roles focus on customer service and ensuring comfort for travelers. The company values teamwork and hospitality, making it a welcoming place to work.

How to earn more as a Airport Operations Specialist?

Working as an Airport Operations Specialist can be a rewarding career. It involves managing the smooth operation of airports to ensure safety and efficiency. To earn more in this role, consider the following factors that can help boost your salary.

First, gaining additional certifications can increase your value in the job market. Certifications such as the Certified Airport Operations Professional (CAOP) can demonstrate your expertise and dedication to the field. These credentials can lead to higher paying positions. Second, gaining experience in related areas like air traffic control or logistics can make you a more versatile candidate. Employers often value candidates who can handle multiple roles. Third, advancing to a managerial role can significantly increase earnings. Managers oversee operations and make key decisions, which come with higher responsibilities and pay.

Another way to earn more is by relocating to areas with higher demand for Airport Operations Specialists. Certain regions may offer better pay due to higher operational costs or more significant airport traffic. Lastly, continuing education can open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Pursuing a degree in aviation management or a related field can make you more competitive in the job market.

Focusing on these factors can help increase your earning potential as an Airport Operations Specialist.

Consider the following list of factors for earning more:

  • Obtain additional certifications
  • Gain experience in related areas
  • Advance to a managerial role
  • Relocate to higher-paying regions
  • Pursue continuing education

Currently 496 Airport Operations Specialist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Airport Operations Specialist in the US?

Learn what a Airport Operations Specialist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Airport Operations Specialist today.
Position
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Airport Operations Specialist
496 Job Openings