Air Transportation Workers Earn $108,460 Median – How to Enter the Field in 2025
The median air transportation worker makes $108,460 per year, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates. That’s well above the U.S. median for all occupations. The top 10% earn over $364,730, while the bottom 10% make $46,910 or less. The mean hourly wage works out to about $52.
How much Air Transportation Workers earn
BLS data shows the median annual wage for air transportation workers is $108,460, with a mean wage of $160,070. The typical range stretches from $46,910 at the 10th percentile to $364,730 at the 90th percentile. That wide spread reflects the diversity of roles: ticket agents and ramp workers earn less, while experienced airline pilots and air traffic controllers earn much more.
Pay varies heavily by experience and specialty. New hires in entry-level ground positions may start near $46,910. Senior captains at major airlines and veteran controllers can exceed $364,730. The mean of $160,070 indicates mid- to senior-level professionals earning solidly six figures.
Pay by state
BLS data for the highest- and lowest-paying states is not available for this occupation. However, states with major airline hubs or high costs of living tend to pay more. For example, California, New York, and Texas employ large numbers of air transportation workers and generally offer higher wages. Rural states with smaller airports often pay less. Check BLS state-by-state profiles for precise numbers.
How to become Air Transportation Worker
The path depends on the specific job. Airline pilots need an FAA commercial pilot’s license, a first-class medical certificate, and at least 1,500 flight hours for an Airline Transport Pilot certificate. Air traffic controllers must take a FAA pre-employment test, pass medical and security checks, and complete academy training. Ground crew roles (e.g., ramp agents) may only require a high school diploma and on-the-job training.
Education varies. A bachelor’s degree is common for pilots and many controller candidates, but not always required. Certifications and licenses are mandatory for safety-sensitive roles. The typical entry point is either a vocational school or direct hire for entry-level positions.
- Get required FAA license (pilot) or pass FAA test (controller)
- Earn necessary flight hours or complete academy training
- Obtain medical certificate and security clearance
- Apply at airlines, airports, or FAA
Job outlook
Projected growth for air transportation workers from 2024 to 2034 is not available from BLS. The broader transportation industry is expected to grow about as fast as average. Demand for pilots is influenced by airline hiring cycles and retirements. Air traffic controller hiring depends on FAA budgets and replacement needs.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the highest-paying air transportation job?
Airline pilots and air traffic controllers typically top the pay scale. The top 10% of all air transportation workers earn more than $364,730 annually.
Do I need a college degree to become an air transportation worker?
Not always. Many ground crew jobs require only a high school diploma. Pilots and controllers often have a bachelor’s degree, but experience and licenses can substitute.
How long does it take to become an airline pilot?
Typically 2 to 5 years. You need a commercial pilot’s license (about 6–12 months of training) then build 1,500 flight hours, which can take 1–3 years.
Is being an air traffic controller stressful?
Yes – it’s considered high-stress due to split-second decisions. However, pay is excellent (average around $130,000) and benefits are strong.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Air Transportation Workers data.