Coordinate the movement of aircraft to maintain safe distances between them. Sample positions:

• Tower Controllers
• Approach & Departure Controllers
• En Route Controllers

Requires: Associate or bachelor’s degree through FAA-approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative program. Must be a U.S. citizen and pass medical evaluation, background check, and FAA pre-employment tests. Complete on-the-job training for first 12 months.

Outlook: 3% job growth expected in U.S., about 2,200 openings annually.

Install, test, adjust, and repair equipment and systems in aircraft. Sample positions:

• Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanics
• Avionics Technicians
• Designated Airworthiness Representatives (DARs)
• Inspection Authorized (IA) Mechanics & Repairmen

Requires: Certificate from an FAA-approved program. Some enter with an associate’s degree; others have a high school diploma and train on the job or in the military. Typically certified by the FAA.

Outlook: 5% job growth expected in the U.S., about 13,400 openings annually. STL MSA had 60% more jobs than similarly sized markets.

Provide routine services and respond to emergencies to ensure safety and comfort of passengers.

Requires: High school diploma/GED plus work experience in customer service. On-the-job training and FAA certification required.

Outlook: 10% job growth expected in the U.S., about 19,500 openings annually.

Screen people and property and control entry and exit points in airports. Look for security threats and enforce travel regulations. Sample positions:

• Transportation Security Officer
• Security Support Assistants
• Law Enforcement
• Mission Support

Requires: High school diploma/GED plus on-the-job training. Must be a U.S. citizen.

Outlook: 1% job growth expected in the U.S., 4,500 openings annually.

Expedite and route movement of incoming and outgoing cargo and freight shipments in airline, train, and trucking terminals and shipping docks. Sample positions:

• Air Export Specialists
• Air Export Agents
• Air Export Coordinators
• Export Coordinators
• Import Agents

Requires: High school diploma/GED plus on-the-job training.

Outlook: 10% job growth expected in the U.S., about 11,100 openings annually.

Inspect and maintain airfield to ensure the safe takeoff and landing of aircraft. Respond to incidents as needed. Sample positions:

• Airfield/Airport Operations Specialists
• Airport Operations Agents/Coordinators
• Airport Operations Officers

Requires: Training in vocational schools plus related on-the-job experience, or an associate’s degree.

Outlook: 5% job growth expected in the U.S., about 1,800 openings annually.

Make and confirm reservations for transportation or lodging or sell transportation tickets. May check baggage, trace lost, delayed, or misdirected baggage; direct passengers to designated concourse; examine passenger documentation to determine destinations and to assign boarding passes. Sample positions:

• Airline Ticket Agents
• Airport Sales Agents
• Customer Service Agents
• Reservation Agents
• Ticket Agents
• Tour Sales Representatives

Requires: High school diploma/GED

Outlook: 3-5% job growth expected in the U.S., 13,600 openings annually.

Service aircraft with fuel. May de-ice aircraft, refill water and cooling agents, empty sewage tanks, service air and oxygen systems, or clean and polish exterior.

Requires: High school diploma/GED plus on-the-job training.

Outlook: 6% job growth expected in the U.S., about 4,100 openings annually.