As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Air Operations Officer in the United States is $77,026 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, an Air Operations Officer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Air Operations Officer'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Air Operations Officer'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Air Operations Officer | $74,816 |
| Intermediate Level Air Operations Officer | $75,581 |
| Senior Level Air Operations Officer | $76,775 |
| Specialist Level Air Operations Officer | $77,443 |
| Expert Level Air Operations Officer | $77,611 |
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 Air Operations Officers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 3.91% |
| Marketing Plans | 3.12% |
| Customer Interaction | 1.56% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Alignment
|
$113,998 |
48%
|
|
Business Analytics
|
$108,606 |
41%
|
|
Sales Strategy
|
$99,363 |
29%
|
|
Team Management
|
$96,282 |
25%
|
|
Customer Satisfaction
|
$92,431 |
20%
|
|
Credit Risk
|
$87,809 |
14%
|
For Air Operations Officer roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Financial Services, offers compensation 30% above the average. Conversely, Air Operations Officer positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Air Operations Officer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $100,133 | $48.0 | 30% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Air Operations Officers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Air Operations Officer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $72,341 and $76,050).
Air Operations Officer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 10.2% |
| High School | 10.2% |
| Associates | 3.6% |
| Bachelors | 59.9% |
| Masters | 24.8% |
| Doctorate | 1.5% |
Understanding how an Air Operations Officer'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, 2026Salaries for an Air Operations Officer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $75,744 in 2023 to around $74,498 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Air Operations Officer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $75,744 |
| 2024 | $75,382 |
| 2025 | $74,498 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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