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$31.5K

$77.3K

$136.5K

How much do air operations officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. 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.
Operations Research Advisor with Security Clearance

Operations Research Advisor with Security Clearance

Advanced Concepts Enterprises

Arlington, VA • On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Operations Research Advisor *Top Secret w/SCI* We are seeking a highly experienced professional to serve as an Operations Research Advisor providing subject matter expertise on USAF and Joint Force Generation and Force Employment principles while performing a wide range of administrative and strategic leadership functions to support the CHECKMATE division. This role involves advising senior USAF and DoD leadership, developing operational and strategic plans, and ensuring mission success through effective coordination and policy implementation. Preferred candidates should possess USAF air operations planning experience and be a graduate of both the USAF Weapons School and a graduate of an ops planning focused Advanced Studies Group school, e.g., SAMS, SAW, or MAWS. Candidates should, at a minimum, have served as a uniformed member of the U.S. military and possess relevant air operations planning experience. Key Responsibilities: Provide expert advisory services to the CSAF, AF/A3, Numbered Air Force Air Component Commanders, Joint Staff, and Combatant Commanders on USAF Force Generation and Force Employment, focusing on near-term (0-24 months) operational challenges and global mission requirements.
Assist in developing, coordinating, and advising on policies to deliver air, space, and cyberspace power expertise, ensuring strategically and operationally sound, logistically feasible, and legally compliant inputs with respect to Title 10, Title 22, Title 32, and Title 50 delineations.
Support operational planning, contingencies, and exercises by providing rapid support and reach-back to Unified Command Headquarters and Joint Force Air Component Command staffs.
Offer operational perspective and advice to CHECKMATE, SECAF, CSAF, AF/A3, and senior leaders, aligning USAF capabilities with National, DoD, and USAF strategy, doctrine, policies, and objectives to achieve Joint Warfighter effects.
Lead and participate in Operational Planning Teams (OPTs), representing the Air Force as an air power strategist and expert.
Develop, revise, and review operational plans, policies, procedures, mission objectives, and organizational designs to eliminate barriers to successful USAF Force Generation and Employment mission accomplishment.
Facilitate high-level decision-making by preparing executive briefings, position papers, and comprehensive reports, coordinating cross-functional initiatives, and managing communications for senior USAF and DoD stakeholders, including Colonel, General Officer, and Senior Executive Service levels.
Act as a liaison between the Prime Contractor, USAF leadership, DoD entities, Partner Nations, and inter-agencies to foster strong relationships and clear communication of objectives and outcomes.
Oversee planning, execution, and evaluation of DoD programs, ensuring deliverables meet mission requirements, timelines, budgets, and comply with Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) standards for handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
Analyze program performance metrics and recommend improvements based on USAF operational frameworks.
Attend weekly directorate-level staff meetings and provide SME-level support during intra-organizational sessions to share information and recommend staff actions related to the USAF Force Generation Model.
Engage with organizations within and outside the USAF, including OSD, JCS, CCMDs, Major Commands, Component Numbered Air Forces, and inter-agencies, to support CHECKMATE’s mission.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): Expertise in USAF and Joint Force Generation and Force Employment principles, with a deep understanding of air power employment and its strategic and operational applications.
Familiarity with Air Staff and Joint administrative and operations instructions/procedures.
Proven success managing complex DoD programs, ideally with joint operations or inter-agency experience.
Expertise in Chief/Director of Staff support roles, including executive-level briefing preparation, strategic planning, and coordination of MAJCOM or Air Staff priorities.
Prior experience using ETMS2 or similar enterprise task management tools.
Qualifications: No less than ten (10) years of USAF experience and at least five (5) years Major Command (MAJCOM) level or higher.
Master’s degree from an accredited university or equivalent (e.g., service academy, Air War College, or Senior Developmental Education) in a relevant field (e.g., Management, Aerospace Studies, Political Science, or Engineering).
Ability to prepare high-level briefings and position papers, including conceptual and untested ideas pending vetting, verification, and operational proof of concept.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills to engage with senior leadership and external stakeholders.
Preferred candidates should possess USAF air operations planning experience and be a graduate of both the USAF Weapons School and a graduate of an ops planning focused Advanced Studies Group school, e.g., SAMS, SAW, or MAWS.
Candidates should, at a minimum, have served as a uniformed member of the U.S. military and possess relevant air operations planning experience.
Candidates will be evaluated by the following Tiers: Tier 1: Former USAF (or current ANG / Reserve member) and a USAF Weapons School graduate (“Patch Wearer”) and an ops planning Advanced Studies Group (ASG) graduate [e.g., School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS), School of Advanced Warfighting (SAW), or Maritime Advanced Warfighting School (MAWS)] and possessing air operations planning experience.
Tier 2: Former USAF (or current ANG / Reserve member) and either a USAF Weapons School graduate or an ops planning ASG graduate and possessing air operations planning experience.
Tier 3: Former U.S. Military (any branch or component) and an ASG graduate [inclusive of the School of Advance Air and Space Studies (SAASS)] and possessing air operations planning experience.
Tier 4: Former U.S. Military (any branch or component) with air operations planning experience.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer: We take affirmative action to ensure all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status or any other applicable federal or state-protected classification. ACEs is committed to providing accessibility to employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

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