The World of Aviation
A career in aviation spans every skill set imaginable. From air traffic controllers who keep our skies safe to mechanics who assemble and repair aircraft, the possibilities are endless. The descriptions listed below highlight some of the more common careers available in aviation. Whichever path you choose, we are excited about your next step in joining our community!
Aviation Careers
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From nose to tail the aircraft has multiple components made by many different industry providers. There are a wide variety of aircraft, powerplant, avionics and component manufacturing companies – and just as many career choices in the industry:
Administrative Assistant
Aeronautical Engineer
Aerospace Engineer
Aircraft Assembler and Installer
Civil Engineer
Corporate Pilot
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Installer and Technician
Information Systems Specialist
Inspector – Quality Control
Machine Tool Operator
Manufacturing Engineer
Marketing / Public Relations
Mechanical Engineer
Operations Supervisor
Quality Control Technician
Secretary
Sheet Metal Fabricator
Technicians (Avionics/Electronics)
Test Pilot
Tool, Jig and Fixture Maker
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The aviation sector most people think about first has a multitude of career paths:
Administrative Assistant
Air Freight / Cargo Agent
Airframe and Powerplant
Airframe or Powerplant Mechanic
Assembler/Installer
Aviation Attorney
Aviation Medical Examiner
Avionics Specialist
Baggage Handler
Cabin Maintenance Mechanic
Cargo Handler
Concession Worker
Customer Service Representative
Electrical Installer/Technician
Flight Attendant
Flight Dispatcher
Flight Physician
Food Preparation Specialist
Ground Attendant
Information Systems Specialist
Line Person
Machine Tool Operator
Major / National Airline Pilot
Manufacturing Engineer
Marketing Analyst
Meteorologist
Operations Supervisor
Passenger Service Agent
Quality Control Technician
Ramp Planner
Ramp Service Personnel
Regional Airline Pilot
Reservation Sales Agent
Scheduling Coordinator
Secretary
Security Officer
Sheet Metal Fabricator
Sky Cap
Station Manager
Technician (Avionics/Electronics)
Test Pilot
Ticket Agent
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A variety of careers are associated directly with airport operations:
Administrative Assistant
Air Freight / Cargo Agent
Air Traffic Reporting Pilot
Airframe and Powerplant inspector
Airframe or Powerplant Mechanic
Airport Manager
Architect
Avionics Technician/Specialist
Cargo Handlers
Concession Worker
Corporate Pilot
Customs Agent
Fire and Crash Rescue
Fixed Base Operator Manager
Flight Instructor
Food Preparation Specialist
Information Systems Specialist
Lineperson/fueler
Marketing / Public Relations
Operations Supervisor
Ramp Service Personnel
Safety Inspector
Secretary
Security Officer
Station Manager
Technician (Avionics/Electronics)
Ticket Agent
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Many opportunities are available in not only with the FAA, NTSB, and NASA, but also with state and local governments:
Accident Investigator
Administrative Assistant
Aeronautical Engineer
Aerospace Engineers
Air Traffic Controller
Astronaut
Aviation Attorney
Aviation Medical Examiner
Cartographer
Civil Engineer
Customs Agent
Drug Enforcement Agent
Electrical Engineer
Flight Physician
Helicopter Pilot
Information Systems Specialist
Marketing / Public Relations
Mechanical Engineer
Meteorologist
Military Pilot
Operations Supervisor
Safety Inspector
Secretary
Security Specialist
Sky Marshal
Technicians (Avionics/Electronics)
Test Pilot
Travel Agents
Law Enforcement
Fish and Game Department
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There are many ways to make a living as a pilot. The list below will give you an idea of the variety of ways to fly as a career.
Keep in mind, almost all paid pilot positions will require a Commercial Pilot certificate, Second Class Medical certificate, and specialized training or additional ratings depending on the job. Some pilot careers will require an Airline Transport Rating (ATP) and a First Class Medical certificate.
Agricultural Pilot
Air Taxi/ Charter Pilot
Air Tour Pilot
Air Traffic Reporting Pilot
Astronaut
Banner Tow Pilot
Cargo Pilot
Corporate Pilot
Fire Fighter Pilot
Flight Instructor
Government Services (FBI, DEA, FAA, National Guard and State Police) Pilot
Helicopter Pilot
Jump Pilot (Sky Dive Operations)
Major / National Airline Pilot
Medical/Air Ambulance Pilot
Military Pilot
Pilot Examiner (DPE)
Regional Airline Pilot
Sailplane/Glider Tow Pilot
Test Pilot
Local jobs
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WAI Jobs Connect
Whether you’re looking to be hired or looking to hire, Jobs Connect is an active marketplace where both sides win. Hiring companies connect with eager, experienced candidates while WAI members browse interesting, diverse positions within the exciting aviation community.