Airfield Operations Specialists
SOC code 53-2022 · O*NET-SOC 53-2022.00 · Medium preparation needed · Transportation
Airfield Operations Specialists pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$56,850
a year
Hourly
$27.33
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$63,610
$30.58 per hour
Middle 50%
$42,000 – $77,340
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$35,870 – $102,120
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
15,190
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $35,870
- $17.25/hr
- 25th percentile
- $42,000
- $20.19/hr
- Median percentile
- $56,850
- $27.33/hr
- 75th percentile
- $77,340
- $37.18/hr
- 90th percentile
- $102,120
- $49.10/hr
What does an airfield operations specialist do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
- Coordinate with agencies to meet aircrew requirements for billeting, messing, refueling, ground transportation, and transient aircraft maintenance.
How to become an airfield operations specialist
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 51% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree51%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)34%
- Some College Courses15%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree1%
Common questions
How much does an airfield operations specialist earn?
The national median is $56,850 a year. The full range runs from $35,870 at the 10th percentile to $102,120 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become an airfield operations specialist without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening4.0/5
- Monitoring4.0/5
- Reading Comprehension3.8/5
- Speaking3.8/5
- Critical Thinking3.8/5
- Writing3.4/5
- Active Learning3.3/5
Knowledge areas
- Public Safety and Security4.5/5
- Transportation4.3/5
- English Language4.2/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
- Education and Training3.7/5
- Telecommunications3.6/5
- Administration and Management3.6/5
- Law and Government3.4/5
Transferable strengths: Coordination, Complex Problem Solving, Instructing.