Hiring guide · Transportation & Logistics
How to Hire an Airfield Operations Specialist
Pay benchmarks, qualifications, sourcing, screening and interview questions for hiring airfield operations specialists, plus a plan to get them productive fast.
Write a clear job description, offer competitive pay (the national median is $56,850), recruit through CDL schools and trucking academies, verify AAAE Certified Member where applicable, run a structured interview with a practical skills check, and onboard with a 30-60-90 day plan.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
The hiring market for airfield operations specialists
There are about 15,300 airfield operations specialists employed in the U.S., with roughly 1,500 openings each year. Employment is projected to change +7.8% from 2025–35 (much faster than average). Expect competition for qualified candidates: speed and a strong offer matter.
Pay benchmarks for offers
| Candidate level | Annual | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (10th–25th percentile) | $35,870–$42,000 | $17.25–$20.19 |
| Typical / mid-career (median) | $56,850 | $27.33 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $77,340 | $37.18 |
| Top of market (90th percentile) | $102,120 | $49.10 |
*Annual ÷ 2,080 hours except median. National BLS data; adjust for your state and metro area. Many states and cities now require pay ranges in job postings.
What to look for
Must-haves
- High school diploma or equivalent (typical entry level)
- FAA Part 139
- Attention to detail
Nice-to-haves
- AAAE Certified Member
- Part 139 training
- Wildlife hazard training
- Experience with airport radios
Where to find airfield operations specialists
- CDL schools and trucking academies
- Local workforce centers and staffing partners
- Military transition programs
- Referral bonuses for current drivers and associates
- Job postings that use common alternate titles: Airport Operations Agent, Airside Operations Officer, Airfield Manager, Flight Operations Coordinator
Screening checklist
- CDL, endorsements and DOT medical card for drivers
- Motor vehicle record and FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse query for CDL drivers
- Forklift operator training and evaluation, which OSHA requires employers to provide
- Pre-employment drug screening according to policy and law
Follow federal, state and local rules on background checks, drug testing and fair-chance hiring, and apply screening consistently to all candidates for the role.
Interview questions to ask
Ask every candidate the same questions and score answers on a structured scorecard.
1. “Describe aviation experience.”
What a strong answer includes: Share.
2. “How would you handle a runway hazard?”
What a strong answer includes: Explain.
3. “Do you know Part 139?”
What a strong answer includes: Share.
4. “Can you work shifts?”
What a strong answer includes: Answer.
5. “How do you communicate with ATC?”
What a strong answer includes: Explain.
Practical skills checks
A short demonstration beats a perfect resume. Ask candidates to talk you through, or perform under supervision, tasks such as:
- Do a Daily Runway Inspection (see the steps)
- Issue a NOTAM (see the steps)
- Manage a Wildlife Hazard (see the steps)
Red flags
- Can’t describe basic safety practices for the role
- Vague or inconsistent work history with no explanation
- Unfamiliar with core terms such as Part 139, NOTAM, Movement area
- Negative talk about every past employer or coworker
Onboard for retention
The first 90 days decide whether a new hire stays. Use our Airfield Operations Specialist 30-60-90 day onboarding plan and give every new hire the same foundation with Airfield Operations Specialist training. Show them the path forward: Operations Agent → Operations Specialist → Airfield Manager → Director of Operations.
Hiring airfield operations specialists: FAQ
How much should I pay an airfield operations specialist?
The U.S. median wage for airfield operations specialists is $56,850 per year ($27.33/hour), according to BLS May 2025 data. Entry-level offers often fall near the 25th percentile ($42,000), while experienced hires command closer to the 75th percentile ($77,340). Adjust for your local market.
What qualifications should an airfield operations specialist have?
BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education. Look for AAAE Certified Member and Part 139 training where relevant, plus skills such as faa part 139, airfield inspection, and wildlife management.
How long does it take to train a new airfield operations specialist?
Becoming qualified typically takes A year or more of training. After hire, plan for a structured 30-60-90 day onboarding period; BLS classifies on-the-job training for this occupation as “long-term on-the-job training.”