As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Air Operations Specialist in the United States is $105,626 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.
However, an Air Operations Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Air Operations Specialist'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 Specialist'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 |
|---|---|
| Quality A... Level Air Operations Specialist | $70,513 |
| Quality A... Level Air Operations Specialist | $85,715 |
| Air Opera... Level Air Operations Specialist | $103,745 |
| Quality A... Level Air Operations Specialist | $129,435 |
| Quality A... Level Air Operations Specialist | $156,646 |
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 Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.19% |
| Packaging | 2.11% |
| Product Quality | 1.46% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Process Improvement
|
$109,851 |
4%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$109,851 |
4%
|
|
Project Management
|
$109,851 |
4%
|
|
Quality Management
|
$109,851 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$109,851 |
4%
|
|
Change Control
|
$109,851 |
4%
|
For Air Operations Specialist 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 Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Air Operations Specialist positions in Transportation or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Air Operations Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $116,189 | $56.0 | 10% |
| Business Services | $116,189 | $56.0 | 10% |
| Construction | $116,189 | $56.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $116,189 | $56.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $116,189 | $56.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Air Operations Specialists 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 Specialist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $100,752 and $105,909).
Air Operations Specialist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 12.9% |
| High School | 12.9% |
| Associates | 5.3% |
| Bachelors | 57.6% |
| Masters | 23.5% |
| Doctorate | 0.6% |
Understanding how an Air Operations Specialist'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 Specialist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $90,541 in 2023 to around $90,311 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Air Operations Specialist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $90,541 |
| 2024 | $90,957 |
| 2025 | $90,311 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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