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Aviation Accident Investigation information

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How much do aviation accident investigation jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for aviation accident investigation in the United States is $30.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $38.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is aviation accident investigation?

Aviation accident investigation is the process of examining aircraft accidents and incidents to determine their causes and contributing factors. Investigators collect evidence from crash sites, analyze flight data and maintenance records, interview witnesses, and work with experts to reconstruct the events leading up to the incident. The goal is not to assign blame, but to improve aviation safety by identifying issues and recommending preventive measures. These investigations are typically conducted by government agencies such as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the United States.

What are aviation accident investigation jobs?

Aviation accident investigation jobs determine the cause of a plane crash and how to prevent future incidents. Members of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) arrive on the scene after an accident to investigate crash sites and plane wreckage. In this role, you secure the scene to prevent further injury or accident, collect evidence from the site, interview witnesses and victims, review flight history, and look at plane data to determine additional details about each crash. Your responsibilities may include working outdoors in extreme conditions. Aviation accident investigation positions typically collaborate with law enforcement officials, airport authorities, and medical professionals involved in the case.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aviation accident investigator?

To thrive as an Aviation Accident Investigator, you need a solid background in aviation science, engineering, or a related technical field, often supported by relevant degrees and certifications such as those from the NTSB or ICAO. Familiarity with flight data analysis software, accident reconstruction tools, and regulatory systems is crucial for accurate investigations. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top investigators apart. These skills ensure thorough, objective investigations that enhance aviation safety and prevent future accidents.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in aviation accident investigation roles?

Aviation accident investigators often face challenges such as working under significant time pressure to collect evidence before it's disturbed, navigating complex regulatory requirements, and managing the emotional impact of investigating incidents involving injuries or fatalities. The role requires strong attention to detail and the ability to collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, pilots, and regulatory authorities. Additionally, investigators must communicate findings clearly and impartially, sometimes in high-profile or public settings, which demands professionalism and resilience.

What is the difference between Aviation Accident Investigation vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectAviation Accident InvestigationAircraft Maintenance Technician
Required CredentialsAccredited degree, investigator certifications (e.g., NTSB training)Aircraft maintenance certifications (e.g., FAA A&P license)
Work EnvironmentInvestigations at accident sites, labs, officesMaintenance hangars, repair shops, airports
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, airlines, safety organizationsAirlines, maintenance companies, repair facilities
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

While both roles are vital in aviation safety, Aviation Accident Investigators focus on analyzing accidents to determine causes, often working in investigative agencies. Aircraft Maintenance Technicians perform repairs and inspections to ensure aircraft safety during regular operations. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and industry roles.

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Cities with the most Aviation Accident Investigation job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Aviation Accident Investigation jobs?

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What states have the most Aviation Accident Investigation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Aviation Accident Investigation jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Aviation Accident Investigation jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Aviation Accident Investigation jobs are:

Aviation Accident Investigation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aviation Accident Investigation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,270 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Chief Technical Advisor (International Aviation Safety Affairs)

National Transportation Safety Board

Remote

$151K - $218K/yr

Full-time

Life, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Summary
As Chief Technical Advisor (International Aviation Safety Affairs) of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the incumbent serves as the senior technical advisor to Office of Aviation Safety and NTSB senior leadership on international aviation safety and accident investigation issues. As a globally recognized and respected authority, the incumbent engages with US and international authorities and organizations to identify and resolve issues affecting NTSB protocols and policies.
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Duties
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As a Chief Technical Advisor (International Aviation Safety Affairs), SL-1801-00, you will perform the following major duties:
  • Serve as the definitive, high-level subject matter expert on international aviation safety for NTSB leadership and domestic stakeholders.
  • Manage U.S. participation in foreign aviation investigations and NTSB cases with foreign stakeholders.
  • Act as the U.S. representative to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), thus serving as the primary NTSB representative and liaison to major international bodies, federal agencies, and foreign authorities.
  • Influence, develop, and standardize international accident investigation frameworks and bilateral agreements by refining ICAO Annex 13 protocols, lead global audit readiness (ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme), and evaluate long-term strategic objectives for the Office of Aviation Safety.
  • Brief Board Members and agency senior executives on highly sensitive geopolitical situations; collaborate with U.S. manufacturers (e.g., FAA, operators) to protect U.S. aviation products; and contribute to federal rulemakings or Congressional inquiries.
  • Author technical papers, lead international symposia, train domestic and foreign investigators on NTSB and international protocols, and handle high-profile media or Transportation Disaster Assistance inquiries regarding foreign accidents.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Resume and supporting documents (see "How to Apply" section.)
  • Suitability for Federal employment
  • Financial Interest in transportation enterprises will be evaluated on a case by case basis
  • Direct Deposit is required.
  • A probationary period may be required.
  • You may be required to complete an Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-278, upon entering the position and annually.
  • Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
  • THIS POSITION IS ELIGIBLE FOR REMOTE WORK EXCEPT FOR APPLICANTS IN THE WASHINGTON, DC, COMMUTING AREA, WHO WILL BE ASSIGNED TO NTSB HEADQUARTERS.
  • Position has been designated as Special Sensitive; incumbent is required to be eligible (and maintain eligibility) for a Top Secret with Special Compartmentalized Information (TS/SCI) clearance.
  • Two-Page Resume Limit: Resumes must not be more than two standard single-sided pages (or one page if submitting a front and back, hard-copy).
  • Moving expenses associated with permanent change of station (PCS) ARE NOT authorized for this position. A Relocation or Recruitment Incentive may be offered to highly qualified candidates.
  • Bargaining Unit Position: NO.

Qualifications
To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must possess the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) required of this position which are shown below. These qualifications would typically be acquired through education, experience, and training which reflect progressive development and achievement in leading teams and/or projects for a comprehensive program in a complex organization. Typically, experience of this nature is gained at or above the GS-15 grade level in the Federal service, or its equivalent with state or local government, the private sector or nongovernmental organizations.
Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ's): Applicants should focus on experience within the last 10 years, education, and training. Applicants must reflect superior technical qualifications demonstrated in the following:
1. Demonstrated extensive experience and knowledge of domestic and international aviation accident investigations, including procedures related to the investigation and reporting in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 13 protocols.
2. Experience and demonstrated ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships, including with officials of the U.S. Department of State and other Federal agencies, foreign government representatives, and international aviation safety organizations, and to effectively interpret and present complex international aviation policy issues and analyses, both orally and in writing, to a wide variety of domestic and foreign audiences.
The applicant's 2-page resume must address evidence of necessary level of skills, characteristics, qualities, specialized knowledge, and technical competence which indicate successful performance in this Senior Level position. This resume must include clear and concise results/accomplishments that emphasize the applicant's level of responsibilities, scope, and complexity of assignments, program accomplishments, policy initiatives, and level of contacts. Applicants who fail to show evidence of the MTQs will not be forwarded for further consideration.For more information see link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1800/general-inspection-investigation-enforcement-and-compliance-series-1801/
NOTE: IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your resume must clearly show the specialized experience and competencies related to this position. Failure to demonstrate how you possess the education, specialized experience and/or competencies will result in an "Ineligible" rating.
Education
There is no education substitution at this grade level.
Additional information
  • The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays and various benefits as well as work life amenities such as alternate work schedules, telework, flextime, fitness and transit benefits.
  • If you left Federal Employment and received a buy out and you are selected for this position, you may be required to repay the full amount of the payment.
  • All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. OPM's web site at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications.
  • NTSB uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify.
  • The National Transportation Safety Board provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the National Transportation Safety Board directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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