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.

Fly and navigate airplanes, helicopters, and other aircrafts. Sample positions:

• Airline Pilots
• Commercial Pilots
• Agricultural Pilots
• Drone Pilots
• Flight Instructor

Requires: Bachelor’s degree plus experience as a commercial or military pilot. Commercial pilots license takes 250 hours of flight training. Must meet FAA requirements.

Outlook: 5% job growth expected in the U.S., about 18,500 openings annually.

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources. Sample positions:

• Airport Managers
• Business Managers
• Center Managers
• Department Managers
• District Managers
• General Managers
• Operations Managers and Directors
• Operations General Managers
• Plant Superintendents

Requires: Bachelor’s degree. Usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Outlook: 6% job growth expected in the U.S., about 320,800 jobs 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.

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.