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Transportation & Logistics career
Airfield Operations Specialist
Also called: Airport Operations Agent · Airside Operations Officer · Airfield Manager · Flight Operations Coordinator
What airfield operations specialists do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an airfield operations specialist do?
Airfield operations specialists ensure the safe takeoff and landing of aircraft by inspecting airfields, coordinating with air traffic control and managing airport operations. The median pay is $56,850 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about A year or more of training, and employment is projected to grow +7.8% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$56,850$27.33/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+7.8%2025–35, much faster than average
- Openings per year1,500Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to trainA year or more of trainingTypical program length
- U.S. jobs15,300Employment, 2025
What airfield operations specialists do
Airfield operations specialists keep airports safe. They inspect runways and lighting, manage wildlife hazards, coordinate snow removal and construction, respond to emergencies, issue NOTAMs and work closely with air traffic control and airlines.
A high school diploma and long-term on-the-job training are typical; many have aviation degrees or military experience. BLS projects faster than average growth.
Typical duties
- Inspect runways and taxiways
- Check airfield lighting
- Manage wildlife hazards
- Coordinate snow removal
- Respond to emergencies
- Issue NOTAMs
- Escort construction crews
Work environment and schedule
Specialists work outdoors on airfields and in operations centers.
Schedule: Shifts cover 24/7 airport operations.
A day in the life
- Morning runway inspection.
- Remove FOD.
- Haze birds near the runway.
- Escort a construction crew.
See a full day in the life of an airfield operations specialist →
Airfield Operations Specialist salary
Half of airfield operations specialists earned more than $56,850 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $35,870 for the lowest 10% to $102,120 for the top 10%.
Full airfield operations specialist pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an airfield operations specialist
- Finish high school
- Gain aviation experience
- Get hired in airport ops
- Complete Part 139 training
- Advance
A high school diploma and long-term on-the-job training are typical; aviation degrees and military experience help.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an airfield operations specialist →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- FAA Part 139
- Airfield inspection
- Wildlife management
- NOTAMs
- Radio communication
People skills
- Attention to detail
- Calm under pressure
- Communication
- Decisiveness
All airfield operations specialist skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Faster-than-average growth
- Aviation career without flying
- Varied work
- Public safety role
Cons
- All weather
- Shift work
- Emergencies
- High responsibility
Certifications and licenses
- AAAE Certified Member: Airport executives credential.
- Part 139 training: FAA airport rules.
- Wildlife hazard training: Required.
- ARFF training: Helpful.
Career path
- Operations Agent: Entry.
- Operations Specialist: Inspect.
- Airfield Manager: Lead.
- Director of Operations: Lead airport ops.
Learn the job before day one
Our Airfield Operations Specialist training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as do a daily runway inspection and issue a NOTAM, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Airfield Operations Specialist vs. Air Traffic Controller · Airfield Operations Specialist vs. Aircraft Cargo Supervisor · Airfield Operations Specialist vs. Airline Pilot · Airfield Operations Specialist vs. Aircraft Mechanic
Airfield Operations Specialist FAQ
Do I need a degree?
Not always; aviation experience helps.
Is the job growing?
Yes, BLS projects faster than average growth.
What is Part 139?
FAA rules for certificated airports.
How much does an airfield operations specialist make?
The median annual wage for airfield operations specialists was $56,850 ($27.33 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $35,870 and the highest 10% earned more than $102,120.
How long does it take to become an airfield operations specialist?
Most people need about A year or more of training of training. A high school diploma and long-term on-the-job training are typical; aviation degrees and military experience help.
Do you need a degree to be an airfield operations specialist?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus long-term on-the-job training.
More airfield operations specialist questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 53-2022 (Airfield operations specialists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Airfield operations specialists (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.