St. Louis Region’s Aviation Careers Roadmap High School Diploma/GED
If you’re interested in a career in the aviation industry right out of high school, these are the programs and initiatives you should focus on to secure one of the high-paying jobs below.
- STEM Programs
- Aviation Organizations
- Youth Flying Programs
- High School Training Programs
- Employer-Lead Training Programs
Flight | Cabin Attendants
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.
Transportation Security Officers
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.
Cargo | Freight Agents
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.
Reservation | Transportation Ticket Agents | Travel Clerks
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.
Aircraft Service Attendants
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.
Baggage Handlers
Handle baggage for travelers at transportation terminals. Sample positions:
- Baggage Porters
- Ramp Agents
Requires: High School diploma/GED plus on-the-job training.
Outlook: 1-2% job growth expected in the U.S., about 100 openings annually.