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Airport Operation Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Landside Operations over see and manage contracts associated with the airport operations including Parking Management, Ground Transportation, Snow Removal, Shuttle Bus Service, Rental Car Facility ...

... operation of the La Crosse Regional Airport. The Airport Operations Manager oversees day-to-day airfield operations, airport security, and emergency preparedness in a highly regulated setting subject ...

$38 - $44/hr

In this position you will have the opportunity to learn all about airfield management and airport operations, with additional responsibilities and potential growth. Key Responsibilities will include ...

Job Overview The Duty Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day airport ... Ensure that all records of all transactions relating to the operation are maintained * Ensure that ...

General Definition of Work Under the general direction of the Airport Manager, the Operations Manager plans, directs, and inspects the overall Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), Operations, and ...

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Airport Operation Manager information

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$23K

$61.4K

$102.5K

How much do airport operation manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for airport operation manager in the United States is $61,351.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an airport operation manager do?

An Airport Operation Manager oversees the daily operations of an airport, ensuring that all activities run smoothly and safely. Their responsibilities include coordinating with airlines, security, maintenance, and other airport departments to ensure compliance with regulations and efficient passenger flow. They also manage staff, handle emergencies, and work to improve airport services and customer satisfaction. The role requires strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

What are some common challenges faced by airport operation managers and how can they be addressed?

Airport Operation Managers often face challenges such as coordinating between various departments (security, baggage handling, airlines), handling irregular operations like flight delays or weather disruptions, and ensuring compliance with strict safety regulations. Effective communication, adaptability, and strong problem-solving skills are essential to address these issues. Building strong relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders, as well as staying updated on regulatory changes, helps managers respond proactively and ensure smooth airport operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an airport operation manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Airport Operation Manager, you need comprehensive knowledge of airport operations, regulatory compliance, safety protocols, and typically a degree in aviation management or a related field. Familiarity with airport management systems, scheduling software, and certifications like AAAE’s Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) are often required. Exceptional leadership, crisis management, and communication skills help manage teams and coordinate with multiple stakeholders. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and compliant airport operations while maintaining excellent service and quick response to incidents.

What is the difference between Airport Operation Manager vs Airport Operations Coordinator?

AspectAirport Operation ManagerAirport Operations Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in aviation, logistics, or related field; certifications like AOA or FAA licenses are commonOften requires a high school diploma or associate degree; certifications may include airport safety or customer service training
Work EnvironmentLeads airport operations, manages staff, oversees safety and complianceSupports daily operations, coordinates between departments, handles customer service
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by airports, airlines, and aviation authorities for managerial rolesCommon in airport administration, used by airlines and airport authorities for operational support

The Airport Operation Manager holds a higher-level managerial role, overseeing overall airport operations, safety, and staff management. The Airport Operations Coordinator focuses on supporting daily activities, coordinating between teams, and ensuring smooth operations. Both roles are essential but differ in responsibility level and scope.

What cities are hiring for Airport Operation Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Airport Operation Manager job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Airport Operation jobs?

The most popular types of Airport Operation jobs are:

What states have the most Airport Operation Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Airport Operation Manager jobs include:

Infographic showing various Airport Operation Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,351 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

LANDSIDE OPERATION MANAGER

City of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$71K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Landside Operation Manager, BX14
Chicago Department of Aviation
Midway Operations Division
Number of Positions: 1
(Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)
Starting Salary: $71,772.00
Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT on September 4, 2026.
The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), Landside Operations section operates 24 hours 7 days a week on a week basis, including weekends and holidays. The section has 3 members to cover all shifts. The area of operations spans over 1 terminal building (both domestic and international), including the upper and lower-level roadways, 2 parking garages, 1 rental car facility, 5 parking lots, 3 commercial staging lots and surrounding roadways and airport perimeter. Landside Operations over see and manage contracts associated with the airport operations including Parking Management, Ground Transportation, Snow Removal, Shuttle Bus Service, Rental Car Facility Management, Airport Road Striping and Airport Signage, also ensuring contract compliance. Landside Operations Manager is a critical staff member who will help ensure that operations are running efficiently and will assist the General Manager of Operations with tasks in the field and special projects. They also assist with construction coordination, traffic management on roadways, contractor oversight, ground transportation and parking. They will meet regularly with sister and state agencies, contractors, tenants, and customers. They will resolve Ground Transportation disputes and customer service problems.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
• Inspect upper and lower-level roadways, parking lots, garages, rental car facility, surrounding roadways and airport perimeter.
• Oversee contractors that manage ground transportation (orderly movement of public vehicles), snow removal, parking lots, roadway striping, among others.
• Assist with coordination of snow removal.
• Assist with coordination of construction projects.
• Inspect surrounding roadways to identify safety hazards and general physical conditions.
• Work with OEMC to ensure proper placement of TMA's to minimize traffic congestion.
• Resolve problems concerning disputes between the public, contractors' staff and TMAs.
• Enforce rules and regulations set forth by the CDA and Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection.
• Update and maintain records and reports on various landside operations.
• Assist in the preparation of contracts to which the department is a party.
• Assist in drafting department recommendations, status updates or policies
Additional duties may be required for this position.
Location: Chicago Department of Aviation - Chicago Midway Airport
Days: Sunday - Thursday
Hours: 2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
THIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICE
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training, and Experience
• Three (3) years of traffic control work experience, of which one (1) year is in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the positions, OR
• Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate's degree or higher, PLUS one (1) year of traffic control work experience, of which one (1) year is in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the positions
Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications
• A valid driver's license from the State of Illinois is required
NOTE: The candidate selected for hire must pass an airport background check and a Security Threat Assessment (STA).
NOTE: Must be flexible for early and/or late meetings and weekends.
NOTE: This is a 24/7 on-call operation, based on operational needs.
SELECTION REQUIREMENTS: This position requires applicants to complete an interview which will include a written assessment. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected.
For Information on our employees benefits please visit our benefits website at:
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html
For Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at:
https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dhr/supp_info/JobClassification/2025_Classification_and_Pay_Plan.pdf
APPLICATION EVALUATION: Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. The Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY: To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. The ordinances provide a preference for applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA) and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates to be referred to departments for consideration. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders, as Collective Bargaining Agreements define the hiring process for bidders. For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates. To learn more about our hiring practices click here.
ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.
The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.
City of Chicago
Brandon Johnson, Mayor