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Air Operations Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pae

Control Tower Operator

Waimea, HI · On-site

$50.69/hr

Operates and monitors control tower systems and equipment during Range Operations to assure that Range Control Officer is made aware of air traffic within and about operational areas. * Assists in ...

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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 Sep 3, 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 is an air operations officer?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an air operations officer?

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 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 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.

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Air Operations Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Air Operations Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,254 per year, or $37.1 per hour.

Military Air Operations Planner with Security Clearance

SAIC

San Diego, CA • On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Other

Posted 20 days ago

SAIC rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 226 rated it services

Job description

Description SAIC is seeking an experienced Military Air Operations Planner (pilot, weapons officer, or flight officer) to provide realistic training as Air Operations Center (AOC), Combat Plans Division (CPD) planner during Fleet Synthetic Trainer (FST) events for Carrier Strike Groups and other Naval forces. This position is for someone who is passionate about tactical training and ensuring our Naval and Joint Forces are fully trained and ready for deployment. Place of performance is San Diego, CA, with occasional travel to Fleet Concentration Areas. JOB DESCRIPTION: Work is in support of complex tactical war games and integrated fleet training. Specific responsibilities include: * 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 exercise air planning. * Responsible for producing exercise Master Air Attack Plans (MAAPs), Exercise Special Instructions (SPINS), and creating the overall Air Tasking Order (ATO) and Airspace Control Order (ACO) using Theater Battle Management Core Systems (TBMCS). * Provide classroom instruction on subjects ranging from TBMCS, to Weapon and Aircraft capabilities, limitations, employment considerations, Airspace descriptions, and Dynamic Targeting Fires processes. * Liaison with Navy and Joint centers of excellence to provide Subject Matter Expertise in support of the latest USN doctrine, tactics, techniques and procedures for TACAIR employment Qualifications REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND CLEARANCE: * Bachelor's degree and 10 or more years of military aviation experience * Thorough knowledge of U.S. military aircraft capabilities, limitations, systems, and tactical employment * Thorough understanding of employment, force planning, C2 and coordination requirements between aircraft, TACAIR components, warfare commanders, naval units, and joint components * Good understanding of US military weapons inventory, weapon to target pairing, and employment considerations * Strong understanding of how a USAF AOC executes an Air Tasking Cycle, with knowledge of the SPINS, MAAP, ACO, and ATO products. * Experience briefing to audiences ranging from E-4 through O-6 * Candidate must be a US Citizen * Active Secret clearance required DESIRED EXPERIENCE: * Experience with the Theater Battle Management Core System (TBMCS) or MAAPTK system experience. TBMCS is heavily used in this position. * Experience with C2Core Air, the USAF replacement for TBMCS. Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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