As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aviation Operations Manager in the United States is $165,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $79.
However, an Aviation Operations Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Aviation Operations Manager'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 Manager'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 | $159,728 |
| Aviation Operations Supervisor | 10+ years | $129,606 |
| Aviation Operations Manager | 10+ years | $165,139 |
| Aviation Operations Senior Manager | 10+ years | $196,681 |
| Aviation Operations Director | 10+ years | $243,863 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Aviation Operations Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $184,775. While startup companies pay approximate $156,264.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $156,264 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $165,274 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $178,435 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $184,775 |
For Aviation Operations Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Aviation Operations Manager positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Aviation Operations Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $181,720 | $87.0 | 10% |
| Biotechnology | $181,720 | $87.0 | 10% |
| Business Services | $181,720 | $87.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $181,720 | $87.0 | 10% |
| Construction | $181,720 | $87.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an Aviation Operations Manager'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 July 01, 2026For an Aviation Operations Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Aviation Operations Senior Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $196,700 - a projected growth of 19% over your current level.
Salaries for an Aviation Operations Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $112,200 in 2023 to around $111,235 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Aviation Operations Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $112,200 |
| 2024 | $112,090 |
| 2025 | $111,235 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Aviation Operations Manager roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
The highest salary for an Aviation Operations Manager is $205,700 annually. The salary range for this position typically starts at a minimum of $153,100, with a mid-level salary of $180,400. This reflects the competitive nature of aviation management roles and the expertise required in the field.
As an Aviation Operations Manager, you should consider asking for a salary within the range of $153,100 to $205,700 annually. The midpoint of this range is $180,400, which can serve as a strong reference point for your negotiations. Ensure your request reflects your experience and the specific demands of the role.
The highest paid Aviation Operations Managers earn between $153,100 and $205,700 annually, with a mid-salary of $180,400. Top companies in the industry may offer salaries that exceed these figures, with some operations managers at leading firms earning upwards of $210K or more, depending on experience and location.
Yes, being an Operations Manager can be stressful. They are responsible for overseeing various processes and ensuring efficiency, which often comes with high pressure to meet performance targets. The role typically offers a salary range from $153,100 to $205,700, reflecting the level of responsibility and stress involved in managing operations effectively.
An Aviation Operations Manager typically earns between $153,100 and $205,700 annually, with a median salary of $180,400. This reflects a competitive compensation compared to other regions, where salaries can be significantly lower, such as around $71,000 in various states.
An Aviation Operations Manager typically works in various environments such as office spaces, control rooms, airport terminals, hangars, and other aviation facilities. The salary for this role ranges from a minimum of $153,100 to a maximum of $205,700, with a mid-level salary around $180,400, reflecting the responsibilities and expertise required in the aviation industry.
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