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Air Operations Officer information

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$31.5K

$77.3K

$136.5K

How much do air operations officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,254 per year, or $37.1 per hour.
Air Operations Squadron - Augmentee Senior Controller

Air Operations Squadron - Augmentee Senior Controller

BLUEFORCE INC

Hampton, VA

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

BlueForce Inc. is seeking for Augmentee Senior Controllers in support of the USAF Air Combat Command (HQ ACC)'s Air Operations Squadron at Langley AFB, VA. 
Are you open to rotating shifts and working a few hours a month? Would you enjoy working up to 12 shifts over a three-month period? Are you a retired military pilot, fighter/tanker pilot, WSO, or navigator? If you have the technical expertise to ensure that military aircrew safely execute worldwide aircraft movement/air refueling missions, then this position is for you.
Duties and Responsibilities

  • Ensure that military aircrew safely executes worldwide aircraft movement/air refueling missions.
  • Ensure mission execution requirements have been identified, coordinated, and finalized.
  • Ensure the Go/No Go mission checklist is completed, and timely and correct mission decisions are made prior to execution.
  • Oversee scheduling, preparing, tracking, and maintaining records on scheduled missions.
  • Develop a comprehensive training program that encompasses all aspects of government provided training objectives.
  • Complete the AOS closing checklist as required.
  • To cover MCC mission requirements in case of scheduled or unscheduled Senior Controller absences and/or during contingency operations.
  • Previous or current DoD Secret clearance
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Minimum 10 years of qualified experience as a military Pilot or Navigator or at least 10 years of qualified experience as a Technical Controller in the Mission Control Center.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
  • Prior CORONET experience either as a delivery control officer or have participated in an overwater aircraft delivery as either a fighter or tanker crew member is highly desirable

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