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.
SOC: 53-2022.00
Common Job Titles
Airport Operations Agent
Airport Operations Coordinator
Airport Operations Officer
Airport Operations Specialist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeEvaluate airfield conditions and aircraft operations compliance with safety standards in real-time operational environments, coordinating with air-traffic control and maintenance personnel.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess weather information and environmental hazards under time-critical conditions to ensure safe aircraft takeoff and landing operations.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate airfield lighting, navigational aids, and access control systems following established safety protocols in commercial and military airfield settings.
Proficient
Hands-onPerform routine and emergency airfield inspections using specialized vehicles and equipment to identify potential hazards.
Proficient
MindsetCoordinate multi-team communications between air-traffic control, maintenance crews, and flight operations during high-pressure situations requiring immediate decision-making.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply public safety protocols and emergency response procedures when addressing airfield security incidents, wildlife hazards, or equipment malfunctions.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate customer service principles with operational safety requirements when communicating with pilots, airline personnel, and external stakeholders.
Proficient
KnowledgeJudge the operational readiness of airfield equipment and infrastructure independently making go/no-go decisions that directly impact flight operations.
Proficient
KnowledgeAnalyze flight records, operational data, and incident reports to identify trends and maintain regulatory compliance with aviation authorities.
Developing
Hands-onExecute aircraft dispatching and scheduling activities using ground transportation management and operations scheduling software.
Developing
KnowledgeInterpret telecommunications data and aircraft monitoring information to maintain situational awareness across multiple simultaneous airfield operations.
Developing
MindsetSupport personnel training and development on airfield safety procedures through instruction, coaching, and knowledge transfer to new team members.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Airfield Operations Specialists (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
16,640
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $35,200. 25th percentile: U.S. $41,220. 50th percentile: U.S. $56,750. 75th percentile: U.S. $78,320. 90th percentile: U.S. $111,030. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$35,200
10% of workers earn the following or more
$111,030
Workers on average earn
$67,120
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Public Safety and Security4.5/5
Transportation4.3/5
English Language4.2/5
Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
Education and Training3.7/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
