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Air Operations Center Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leverage Joint Air Operations Center experience to inform planning, tasking, and real-time coordination. Mentor and train operational personnel on best practices for complex, multi-domain airspace ...

IL ยท On-site

$128K - $167K/yr

Plans, organizes, and directs the activities of the AMC's Global Mobility Air Operations Center, to meet customer's needs and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. * Represents ...

Military Air Operations Planner

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Operating as a white cell Air Operations Center (AOC) Combat Plans Division (CPD) during Distributed Training Exercises, to include coordinating with USAF, naval units and Strike Groups for required ...

Manager, Air Operations

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Call Center Engagement (30%) * Own reporting and analysis related to call center air-related errors and operational performance. * Facilitate recurring reviews with call center leadership to drive ...

Military Air Operations Planner

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Operating as a white cell Air Operations Center (AOC) Combat Plans Division (CPD) during Distributed Training Exercises, to include coordinating with USAF, naval units and Strike Groups for required ...

Military Air Operations Planner

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Operating as a white cell Air Operations Center (AOC) Combat Plans Division (CPD) during Distributed Training Exercises, to include coordinating with USAF, naval units and Strike Groups for required ...

ISR/Air Current Operations Planner Job Category: Intelligence Time Type: Full time Minimum ... You will play a key role in establishing and supporting the Joint Reconnaissance Center (JRC ...

... Center (AOC), and/or Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) tasking during FST events. In addition, he/she will have excellent public speaking, presentation, and time management skills, as well as at ...

... Center (AOC), and/or Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) tasking during FST events. In addition, he/she will have excellent public speaking, presentation, and time management skills, as well as at ...

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Air Operations Center information

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How much do air operations center jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for air operations center in the United States is $24.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Air Operations Center?

An Air Operations Center (AOC) is a command and control facility used by the military, particularly the Air Force, to plan, direct, and coordinate air and space operations. It serves as the central hub for managing air missions, monitoring airspace, and integrating information from various sources to ensure effective execution of operations. AOCs play a crucial role in both peacetime and combat scenarios, supporting joint and coalition forces by providing real-time situational awareness and decision-making support.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an Air Operations Center, and why are they important?

To thrive in an Air Operations Center, you need strong analytical skills, situational awareness, and a background in military operations or air traffic management, often supported by relevant security clearances and specialized military training. Familiarity with command and control systems, mission planning software, and communication platforms is typically required. Exceptional teamwork, decision-making under pressure, and clear communication are vital soft skills for success in this environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring mission effectiveness, operational safety, and seamless coordination in dynamic and high-stakes scenarios.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in an Air Operations Center, and how can they be effectively managed?

Professionals in an Air Operations Center (AOC) often face challenges such as managing rapidly changing mission priorities, handling high volumes of information, and coordinating across multiple teams and agencies under tight timelines. Effective management relies on strong communication skills, adaptability, and proficiency with advanced command and control technologies. Regular training, clear standard operating procedures, and fostering a collaborative environment are key strategies for overcoming these challenges and ensuring mission success.

What is the difference between Air Operations Center vs Air Traffic Controller?

AspectAir Operations CenterAir Traffic Controller
Primary RoleOversees military or large-scale air operations, coordinating strategic and tactical missionsManages aircraft movement within controlled airspace to ensure safety and efficiency
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, command centers, or large airfieldsAirports, control towers, and radar facilities
CredentialsMilitary or specialized certifications, security clearancesFAA certification, radar and communication training

While both roles involve air traffic management, the Air Operations Center focuses on strategic military or large-scale air missions, whereas the Air Traffic Controller manages daily aircraft movements at airports to ensure safety and efficiency.

Who controls the air operations center?

The Air Operations Center is typically controlled by senior military officers or commanders responsible for air operations. They oversee planning, coordination, and execution of air missions, often working with specialized personnel and using command and control systems to ensure effective operations.
More about Air Operations Center jobs

What states have the most Air Operations Center jobs?

States with the most job openings for Air Operations Center jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Air Operations Center jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Air Operations Center jobs are:

Infographic showing various Air Operations Center job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,239 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Senior Air Operations Advisor

Endurion

Tampa, FL โ€ข On-site

Contractor

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Senior Air Operations Advisor – Special Operations Focus (Independent Consultant)


Endurion is a mission integrator built by and for the Special Operations community, providing end-to-end solutions across intelligence, operations, and technology. Founded and led by former Special Operations Forces operators and mission experts, the organization is rooted in firsthand experience with complex operational environments and high-stakes missions. Endurion partners closely with its customers to understand their unique challenges and deliver tailored, mission-focused capabilities. Team members join a culture that values adaptability, operational excellence, and innovation in support of critical national security objectives. Endurion is looking for a qualified person to support our multi-year contract with the Joint Special Operations University (JSOU) mission in support of USSOCOM.


Employment Type: Independent Contractor (1099)


Location: Episodic courses to be taught in locations worldwide.


Endurion is seeking a recently retired fixed-wing or rotary-wing pilot with approximately twenty years of operational experience to serve as a senior advisor and instructional consultant in a special operations environment. The ideal candidate brings a rare combination of tactical aviation expertise and joint staff experience, with deep knowledge of modern airspace deconfliction involving manned and unmanned systems. This role focuses on delivering episodic joint air operations integration courses at various global locations. 

Key Responsibilities: Deliver episodic joint air operations integration courses at locations worldwide. Provide expert guidance on air deconfliction and airspace management across multiple asset types, including fighters, helicopters, UAVs, and ISR platforms. Advise on integration of armed UAV operations, particularly MQ-9 Reaper, and similar systems, within special operations frameworks. Support counter-UAV tactics and procedures, both defensive protection of friendly forces and offensive engagement against inbound enemy drones. Leverage Joint Air Operations Center experience to inform planning, tasking, and real-time coordination. Mentor and train operational personnel on best practices for complex, multi-domain airspace operations. 

Required Qualifications: Minimum of twenty years of aviation experience as a fixed-wing or helicopter pilot. Recent retirement within the past five years. Demonstrated tactical flight experience in contested or high-threat environments. Prior staff experience in a Joint Air Operations Center. Strong understanding of air deconfliction involving UAVs, ISR assets, fighters, and helicopters. Knowledge of armed UAV operations and counter-UAV tactics from both protective and offensive perspectives. Special operations forces experience or alignment.

Desired Qualifications: Experience as an MQ-9 Reaper or similar armed UAV pilot. Advanced joint or combined staff qualifications. Prior deployment experience in support of special operations missions. Security clearance: Active Top Secret / SCI or ability to obtain.


Endurion complies with all Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) requirements. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. Endurion will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at recruiting@endurion.com.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management retains the discretion to add to or modify the duties of the position at any time. Employment with Endurion is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or advance notice, provided it does not violate applicable law.