Many people in the United States work at airports, either directly or as employees of different airlines, franchises or other businesses related to it.
Airport employees enjoy benefits such as exciting workplaces, travel discounts, and generous salaries.
Airports hire staff for a wide variety of roles, from technicians to customer service agents, and therefore require a diversity of skills and competencies.
With millions of passengers around the world every day, airports are diverse and exciting global hubs. Employees keep airlines running smoothly every day, and in return enjoy lucrative careers in a fast-paced industry.
Whether you’re fresh out of school or looking for a career change, working at an airport can offer you an attractive salary and a dynamic and somewhat exciting workplace if you’re an airplane lover. Learn about the highest paying airport jobs in the US below.
Advantages and disadvantages of working in the airport industry
The airport industry is responsible for employing millions of people around the world, many of whom enjoy benefits such as great workplaces, generous salaries and travel discounts.
Airports need a series of professionals, who fulfill a variety of roles, ranging from customer services to technical jobs, so there is a wide range of job offers.
However, flights and airports operate 24 hours a day. This means that employees are likely to work long hours and have difficulty balancing work and personal life. Added to this, airport staff can also deal with negative factors such as poor flight conditions or unhappy passengers.
1. Aviation and Avionics Equipment Mechanic – $65,550 per year
This position is for a variety of mechanics and technicians who install, repair, and maintain aircraft electrical, instrument, and avionics systems to ensure aircraft reliability and safety.
Mechanics inspect aircraft components, such as brakes and wings, and replace damaged components with hand or power tools. They also record all maintenance and repair work and carry out regular inspections to ensure that the necessary standards related to safety are met.
The average salary for aircraft mechanics and avionics mechanics is $65,380. Mechanics and technicians gain skills and certifications through FAA-approved aeronautical engineering schools or through work experience and other training. Most technicians have an associate’s degree, although some may have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or transportation.
2. Flight Attendant – $61,640 per year
Being a flight attendant requires a number of important skills. During long shifts (sometimes 12 hours or more), flight attendants must demonstrate excellent communication and organizational skills while assisting passengers with boarding, onboard service, and other tasks. On the other hand, they enjoy a dynamic work environment and travel to new destinations every day.
The highly competitive flight attendant application process and new employees, or applicants, must complete extensive flight safety training before starting work. They must also be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration.
The average annual salary for flight attendants is $61,640. This position offers the opportunity to become a Senior Flight Attendant by supervising other Flight Attendants.
3. Flight Dispatcher – $58,596 per year
Flight dispatchers, also known as flight operations officers, work with pilots to develop safe flight and operational plans. His job involves extensive calculations and analysis to determine flight requirements, such as fuel requirements and maximum takeoff and landing weights. They take into account weather conditions, en route winds, airspace restrictions, and many other factors that can affect flight plans.
Dispatchers must also comply with government and corporate regulations and have the authority to authorize or cancel flights. During the flight, the officer is responsible for updating the pilot on any significant changes to the flight plan.
The flight operations officer must have a certificate or license that demonstrates her knowledge and experience, such as an Airline Transport Pilot certificate. The average salary is $58,596 per year.
4. Airport inspectors – $45,470 per year
Airport inspectors are also known as transportation inspectors or simply inspectors. These screen passengers and their luggage to ensure compliance with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations. Sometimes they use X-ray machines or hand wands at the various airport security checkpoints.
The average salary for an airport inspector is $45,470 per year. There are few prerequisites to becoming an inspector, and training includes extensive classroom and on-the-job experience to learn TSA protocols and procedures as well as learn how to operate scanning equipment. Airport screeners are subject to comprehensive security testing and training evaluations.
5. Ticket Agent – $39,900 per year
Ticket agents are all those customer service representatives hired by the different airlines that have a presence at an airport. They work at the check-in kiosks, and are often the first to greet passengers who are later to board.
These agents can help passengers book tickets, issue boarding passes, check luggage, or provide other administrative support. Ticketing agents also communicate with other airline personnel, such as dispatchers, pilots, and cabin crew, to ensure accurate passenger lists and other relevant information.
Most airlines only require a high school diploma or equivalent and provide employee training, but customer service skills, computer skills, and other language skills are extremely valuable. On average, ticket agents earn $19.18 per hour or $39,900 per year.
6. Jet Fuels Clerk – $37,935 per year
Sometimes called fuel attendants, they are responsible for fueling aircraft and are members of the airport workforce. Employees are responsible for refueling airport vehicles and aircraft throughout the day.
These attendants must be physically fit, as they often climb stools or ladders to access fuel ports and connect fuel hoses. They also handle hazardous materials like jet fuel and kerosene, so attention to detail and technical expertise are essential.
Most airports offer on-the-job training and may require staff to complete additional training and certification courses. This role offers the opportunity to move into other mechanical positions. Jet fuel handlers earn an average of $37,935 per year.
7. Ramp Agent – $35,230 per year
Ramp agent is a broad term used to refer to ground crew, but can sometimes overlap with baggage handling. These employees are responsible for a variety of external maintenance tasks between flights, such as assisting passengers with boarding or disembarking, conducting security checks, and refueling the aircraft. The ramp agent reports to the ramp supervisor.
The highest-paid ramp agents earn about $47,000 a year, while the median salary is about $35,230. A wide salary range means growth opportunities as employees gain skills and experience.
8. Baggage Handler – $30,409 per year
Baggage handlers at the airport first transport bags from the check-in carousel to the aircraft and then from the aircraft to the baggage carousel at the destination terminal, ensuring that the luggage arrives efficiently. This role is physically demanding and requires frequent lifting and carrying. Baggage handlers must also work quickly to maintain flight schedules and reduce wait times for arriving passengers.
Most baggage handlers only require a high school diploma or equivalent, however they may need a driver’s license to drive airport vehicles. The median hourly wage is $14.62, which works out to about $30,409 a year.
9. Custodian – $29,760/year
The custodian is responsible for the care, maintenance and cleanliness of the airport. Depending on the size of the airport, custodians are tasked with cleaning passenger areas, performing light maintenance on buildings or grounds, and managing various cleaning and maintenance crews.
Custodians earn an average hourly wage of $14.31 per hour, which works out to $29,760 per year. Most employers prefer to hire custodians with experience, but they usually don’t require formal education beyond a high school diploma. This job can be difficult and staff may work overtime, but they work everywhere and view airports differently than customers or other staff.
10. Booth Cleaners – $27,809 per year
A cabin cleaner is a type of cleaning assistant, who is responsible for leaving the cabin of an aircraft spotless. To help keep flights organized and on time, employees clean the cabin between flights, maintain restrooms and crew service areas, refill food and beverages, and perform other housekeeping duties.
The median hourly wage for cabin cleaners is $13.37, which works out to about $27,809 a year. No prior experience is required, and employees generally only need a high school diploma or equivalent. Attention to detail, physical fitness, and time management are important skills to accomplish these tasks.
11. Dealership – $25,980/year
Major airports have many gift shops, restaurants, cafes, and other establishments that offer a variety of products and services to air passengers. These stores are called airport terminal franchises, and the employees who work in them are called franchisees.
These generally earn just above minimum wage, averaging $12.49 per hour or $25,980 per year. However, employees generally do not need formal education or extensive work experience. With the increase in travel and extended work hours, employees have many opportunities to work overtime and meet interesting travelers.