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Air Operations Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Air National Guard Units

$140K - $182K/yr

This National Guard position is for a AIR OPERATIONS OFFICER (PILOT/NAVIGATOR), Position Description Number D0307000 and is part of the CO 140 OG, National Guard. Its paramount purpose is to plan ...

Air National Guard Units

$106K - $138K/yr

Open to all Air Force Active Duty, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard. Learn more about this agency Duties Help As an Operations Officer, GS-2101-13 , you will: Manage and direct the ...

Air National Guard Units

$106K - $138K/yr

Open to current members of the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve or Air Force Active Duty component. Learn more about this agency Duties Help As an Operations Officer, GS-2101-13 , you will:

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$31.5K

$77.3K

$136.5K

How much do air operations officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for air operations officer in the United States is $77,254.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $102,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Air Operations Officers in coordinating flight missions?

Air Operations Officers often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, unexpected air traffic restrictions, and the need to adapt to evolving mission requirements. Effective coordination between pilots, ground crews, and air traffic control is crucial, and officers must often make quick decisions to ensure safety and mission success. Additionally, managing multiple flight operations simultaneously and maintaining clear communication across teams requires strong organizational and leadership skills.

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

To thrive as an Air Operations Officer, you need strong organizational, analytical, and leadership skills, typically supported by a bachelor's degree and relevant military or aviation experience. Familiarity with air traffic control systems, mission planning software, and safety protocols is essential, along with possible certifications such as Air Operations certification or equivalent military training. Excellent communication, decision-making, and stress management skills help you effectively coordinate teams and respond to dynamic situations. These skills and qualities are critical for ensuring safe, efficient, and successful air mission planning and execution.

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

AspectAir Operations OfficerAir Traffic Controller
CertificationsTypically requires military or civil aviation certifications, including safety and operational trainingRequires FAA certification and specific training in air traffic control procedures
Work EnvironmentMilitary or civil aviation settings, overseeing flight operations and safety protocolsControl towers, airports, managing aircraft movements and ensuring safe takeoffs and landings
Employer & IndustryAirlines, military, government agencies involved in aviation operationsCommercial airports, air traffic control centers

Both roles involve aviation safety and require specialized certifications. An Air Operations Officer focuses on managing flight operations and safety protocols, often within military or civil aviation organizations. An Air Traffic Controller primarily manages aircraft movements at airports, ensuring safe and efficient traffic flow. While their environments differ, both roles are essential for aviation safety and share overlapping skills in communication and operational oversight.

What are Air Operations Officers?

Air Operations Officers are professionals responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing air operations within military or civilian aviation contexts. They oversee the scheduling and deployment of aircraft, manage airspace usage, and ensure the safe and efficient execution of flight missions. Their role often involves liaising with other military branches or agencies, analyzing mission requirements, and making real-time decisions to adapt to changing situations. Air Operations Officers play a crucial part in achieving operational objectives and maintaining safety standards in aviation environments.
More about Air Operations Officer jobs
What job categories do people searching Air Operations Officer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Air Operations Officer jobs are:
Air Operations Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Air Operations Officer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 45% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,254 per year, or $37.1 per hour.
AIR OPERATIONS OFFICER (PILOT/NAVIGATOR)

AIR OPERATIONS OFFICER (PILOT/NAVIGATOR)

US Department of the Air Force

Aurora, CO • On-site

$140K/yr

Other

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

This National Guard position is for a AIR OPERATIONS OFFICER (PILOT/NAVIGATOR), Position Description Number D0307000 and is part of the CO 140 OG, National Guard.
Its paramount purpose is to plan, organize and supervise all unit flying operations programs required by Air Force, Major Command, and ANS regulations.

Qualifications:Military Grades: O-4 or O-5
Compatible Military Assignment: 11F
1. Specialized experience will be used to determine qualifications for the announced position.
2. An applicant's RESUME must provide, in detail, how they meet each specialized experience listed below. Resume must be two pages or less.
Federal Resume Help
3. It must be documented with "from (mm/yy)" and "to (mm/yy)" dates and description of the specialized experience.
4. If education or a degree is required as part of the "Specialized Experience", you must include transcripts.
DO NOT copy each bullet listed below word for word and place into your resume; you must describe your personal experience as it pertains to each bullet.
You will be immediately disqualified if you fail to include specialized experience in your resume.
Must have at least 36 months of Specialized Experience in each of the following:
Experience, education, or training routine and non-routine preflight, in-flight, post-flight, ground or command and control (C2) duties according to specific transportation functions.
Experience in receiving, interpreting, extracting, and disseminating relevant data for mission planning or execution.
Experience coordinating and negotiating with organizations/personnel both orally and in writing to resolve differences/problems.
Experience in managing the function of the work to be performed.
Experience which includes leading, directing and assigning work of personnel.Education:Substitution of Education for Specialized Experience - Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in fields listed below leading to a bachelor's degree, in an accredited college or university, meets the GS-5 level requirements. Education -Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- accounting, business administration, business or commercial law, commerce, economics, engineering, finance, industrial management, statistics, traffic management, transportation, motor mechanics, or other fields related to the position.Employment Type: OTHER

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