ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Airport Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Village of Lake in the Hills, IL

Airport Manager

IL · On-site

$71K - $79K/yr

Responsibilities include ensuring safe and efficient airport operations; managing aviation fueling services; administering airport leases, agreements, and regulatory compliance; overseeing the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAirport Operations JobsAirport Operations Manager Jobs

Airport Operations Manager information

See salary details

$36.5K

$72.9K

$108.5K

How much do airport operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for airport operations manager in the United States is $72,858.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $86,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Airport Operations Manager Do?

An airport operations manager plans and coordinates airport operations and safety programs. As an airport operations manager, your duties are to assist in maintaining compliance with local, state, and federal regulations; developing and implementing airport operational policies and procedures for efficient and safe operations; and managing noise abatement programs. You work directly with air traffic control, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), command posts, and other airport personnel to ensure efficiency throughout airport operations. Airport operations managers also oversee inspections of the runways and work with civil engineers to maintain safety and operations.

What does an operations manager do at an airport?

An airport operations manager oversees daily airport activities, ensuring safety, security, and efficiency. They coordinate between departments such as security, maintenance, and customer service, and often manage staff schedules and compliance with regulations. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential for this role.

What is the highest paid position at an airport?

The highest paid position at an airport is typically the Airport Director or Airport CEO, who oversees all operations and strategic planning. These roles often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and advanced certifications, and they can earn salaries exceeding six figures depending on the airport's size and location.

How much does an airline operations manager make?

An airline operations manager typically earns between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the airline. They oversee daily airport and airline activities, requiring strong organizational and communication skills, often supported by relevant certifications.

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

To thrive as an Airport Operations Manager, you need strong leadership skills, in-depth knowledge of airport procedures, safety regulations, and a relevant degree, often in aviation management or a related field. Familiarity with airport management systems, FAA regulations, and certifications such as AAAE accreditation are highly valuable. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and crisis management skills help you handle emergencies and coordinate teams effectively. These skills ensure smooth airport operations, compliance with safety standards, and the ability to respond swiftly to operational challenges.

What are some common challenges faced by Airport Operations Managers on a daily basis?

Airport Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as coordinating multiple teams to ensure smooth daily airport functions, managing unexpected situations like flight delays or weather disruptions, and maintaining compliance with strict safety and security regulations. They must also balance passenger experience with operational efficiency, which can involve quick decision-making and effective communication across departments. Additionally, adapting to evolving technology and regulatory requirements keeps the role dynamic and requires continuous learning.

What is the salary of an airport operations manager?

The average salary of an airport operations manager typically ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the airport. Senior managers or those at major airports may earn higher salaries, often supplemented with benefits and bonuses.

What does an Airport Operations Manager do?

An Airport Operations Manager oversees the daily functioning of airport facilities to ensure safety, security, and efficiency. Their responsibilities include coordinating ground staff, managing emergency responses, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations, and maintaining communication between airlines, security personnel, and airport authorities. They play a crucial role in handling disruptions, such as weather delays or security incidents, and work to provide a seamless experience for passengers and staff.

What is the difference between Airport Operations Manager vs Airport Supervisor?

AspectAirport Operations ManagerAirport Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees overall airport operations, manages staff, ensures safety compliance, and coordinates with airlines and vendors.Supervises daily ground operations, assists in staff management, and enforces safety procedures.
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in aviation, transportation, or related field; certifications like Airport Certified Employee (ACE) are common.Often requires relevant experience in airport operations; certifications may include safety or ground handling training.
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with frequent site visits; interacts with multiple departments and external agencies.Primarily on-site, overseeing ground operations and staff directly.

The Airport Operations Manager holds a broader, strategic role overseeing entire airport functions, while the Airport Supervisor focuses on daily ground operations and staff supervision. Both roles require safety certifications and industry experience, but the manager typically has more responsibilities and a higher level of oversight.

More about Airport Operations Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Airport Operations Manager jobs? Cities with the most Airport Operations Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Airport Operations jobs? The most popular types of Airport Operations jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Airport Operations Manager jobs? The top employers for Airport Operations Manager jobs are:
What states have the most Airport Operations Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Airport Operations Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Airport Operations Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Airport Operations Manager jobs are:
Airport Operations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Airport Operations Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,858 per year, or $35 per hour.
Airport Plane Train Operations Manager

Airport Plane Train Operations Manager

A-Action Inc

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
A-Action Facility Services Inc. is seeking a Plane Train Cleaner Operations Manager is responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing all plane train cleaning operations within an airport. This role ensures high standards of cleanliness, safety, and operational efficiency by managing supervisors and cleaning staff, maintaining regulatory compliance, and coordinating with airport stakeholders to provide a clean and safe environment for passengers.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Oversee all daily plane train cleaning operations across multiple shifts.
  • Lead, coach, and develop shift supervisors and cleaning personnel.
  • Establish cleaning schedules, staffing plans, and operational priorities.
  • Monitor performance through inspections, audits, and quality assurance programs.
  • Ensure compliance with airport security requirements, OSHA regulations, and company policies.
  • Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to improve efficiency and service quality.
  • Manage departmental budgets, labor costs, equipment, and cleaning supply inventory.
  • Coordinate with airport operations, maintenance, and security teams to support uninterrupted train service.
  • Investigate and resolve operational issues, customer complaints, and safety incidents.
  • Prepare operational reports, performance metrics, and staffing analyses for senior management.
  • Lead employee recruitment, training, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions.
  • Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Facilities Management, or a related field preferred (or equivalent work experience).
  • 5–7 years of custodial, facilities, transportation, or airport operations experience.
  • 3–5 years of management or supervisory experience.
  • Strong knowledge of OSHA standards, workplace safety, and quality control practices.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain airport security clearance.
  • Proficiency with scheduling, reporting, and Microsoft Office applications.

Required Skills:

  • Leadership and team development.
  • Operations and workforce management.
  • Strategic planning and decision-making.
  • Budgeting and cost control.
  • Quality assurance and performance management.
  • Strong communication and conflict resolution skills.
  • Problem-solving and analytical thinking.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, 24/7 airport environment.
  • Customer service focus and commitment to operational excellence.

This role is responsible for ensuring that airport plane train cleaning operations are safe, efficient, compliant, and consistently meet service and cleanliness standards while supporting uninterrupted transportation for passengers.

Apply