As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aviation Operations Director in the United States is $243,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $117.
However, an Aviation Operations Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Aviation Operations Director's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Aviation Operations Director's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Flight Instruction Coordinator | 7-10 years | $159,719 |
| Aviation Operations Supervisor | 10+ years | $129,346 |
| Aviation Operations Manager | 10+ years | $164,847 |
| Aviation Operations Senior Manager | 10+ years | $196,503 |
| Aviation Operations Director | 10+ years | $243,691 |
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Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Aviation Operations Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Understanding how an Aviation Operations Director's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Salaries for an Aviation Operations Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $167,055 in 2023 to around $155,767 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Aviation Operations Director salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $167,055 |
| 2024 | $159,927 |
| 2025 | $155,767 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The highest paid job in aviation is the Aviation Operations Director, with a salary range from $218,600 to $268,000. The average salary for this position is approximately $245,300, making it one of the top-paying roles in the industry, alongside other high-paying jobs like airline pilots and aviation lawyers.
Pilots at major airlines can earn competitive salaries, with some positions exceeding $200,000 annually. For instance, Frontier Airlines offers around $200,700, while Hawaiian Airlines pays approximately $234,900 for A321 pilots. Other airlines like JetBlue and Southwest also provide salaries in the range of $227,700 to $233,100, reflecting the high earning potential in aviation.
Airport Aviation Operations Directors typically earn between $218,600 and $268,000 annually, with a median salary of $245,300. This compensation reflects the high level of responsibility and expertise required for the role, which can vary based on location and experience.
The principal role of the Director of Flight Operations is to ensure the overall safety and efficiency of the flight department. This position involves overseeing the performance and supervision of personnel in flight operations and dispatch. The salary for this role typically ranges from $218,600 to $268,000, with a mid-point of $245,300.
The salary for an Aviation Operations Director in the United States ranges from $218,600 to $268,000 annually, with a median salary of $245,300. This reflects the specialized nature of the role and the level of responsibility involved in overseeing aviation operations.
The salary for an Aviation Operations Director in the US ranges from $218,600 to $268,000, with a mid-salary of $245,300. This figure reflects the specialized nature of the role, which often includes additional cash compensation, though specific amounts can vary based on experience and location.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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