Aviation Careers Are All Over the Map

When you fly the friendly skies, you know it takes more than pilots and flight attendants to keep planes aloft. In fact, two-thirds of all air transportation employees keep their feet on the ground. That includes aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians, reservation and transportation ticket agents, airplane cargo agents, baggage handlers, and aircraft cleaners.

Since aviation is one of today's most popular modes of transportation, aviation careers should be high on your list of careers to consider. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), air transportation in the United States expanded from 172 million passengers in 1970 to nearly 642 million in 2003. As of 2004, there were 15 major airlines -- 12 passenger and three all-cargo. The largest of these, often referred to as the "Big Six," are American, Continental, Delta, Northwest, United, and US Airways.

Need more convincing before you take a flying leap? Here's a checklist for those considering aviation careers: Do you excel in science and math? Are you open to change? Do you like to travel? Are you in good physical condition? Can you multitask? Do you possess customer service skills? Are you self-motivated? Do you have plenty of patience? Are you detail-oriented? Are you able to perform under pressure? If you answered "yes" to more than half of these questions, aviation careers may be in your future forecast.

And you'll be in good company. According to the BLS, the aviation industry provided 515,000 wage and salary jobs in 2004. Aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians held about 142,000 of these jobs, and reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks held about 163,000.

Salary-wise, median annual earnings of reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks were $27,750 in May 2004, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $45,100. Median hourly earnings of avionics technicians were about $21.30, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $27.85. And median hourly earnings of aircraft mechanics and service technicians were about $21.77, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $33.84.

Aside from a satisfying salary, aviation careers offer unique benefits. When aviation employees work away from home, airlines provide hotel accommodations, transportation, and an allowance for meals and other expenses. Plus, most airlines offer free or discounted transportation for aviation employees and their families.

Explore aviation careers, and watch your future take flight.

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