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Aviation Management Consultant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aviation Consultant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$62K - $88K/yr

Ricondo team members are passionate about working alongside airport management to solve the complex ... The Aviation Consultant will be responsible for performing entry-level professional planning ...

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Aviation Management Consultant information

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How much do aviation management consultant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for aviation management consultant in the United States is $39.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.00 and $50.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an aviation management consultant do?

An Aviation Management Consultant provides expert advice and solutions to organizations in the aviation industry, such as airlines, airports, and regulatory bodies. They analyze operational processes, recommend improvements, help implement best practices, and may assist in regulatory compliance, safety management, and strategic planning. Their goal is to enhance efficiency, profitability, and safety in aviation operations. Consultants often work on projects like airport expansions, airline route optimization, and the adoption of new technologies. They use their industry expertise to ensure clients remain competitive and compliant in a highly regulated environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aviation management consultant?

To thrive as an Aviation Management Consultant, you need a solid background in aviation operations, business strategy, and typically a degree in aviation management or a related field. Familiarity with industry software such as flight scheduling systems, safety management systems (SMS), and certifications like PMP or Six Sigma are often required. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and client relationship skills distinguish top consultants in this role. These competencies are crucial for delivering effective solutions to complex aviation challenges and ensuring client satisfaction in a highly regulated industry.

What are some common challenges faced by aviation management consultants when working with airline clients?

Aviation Management Consultants often encounter challenges such as aligning stakeholder interests, navigating complex regulatory environments, and managing projects across multiple departments. These consultants must quickly adapt to changing industry trends and operational disruptions, while ensuring their recommendations are feasible and tailored to the client's unique needs. Success in this role relies heavily on strong communication, analytical skills, and the ability to foster collaboration among diverse teams within airlines, airports, and regulatory bodies.

What is the difference between Aviation Management Consultant vs Airport Operations Specialist?

AspectAviation Management ConsultantAirport Operations Specialist
CredentialsBachelor's degree in aviation, business, or related field; often certifications in aviation managementHigh school diploma or associate degree; relevant certifications in airport operations
Work EnvironmentConsulting firms, corporate offices, airportsAirport facilities, terminals, control towers
Employer & IndustryConsulting companies, airlines, airportsAirport authorities, airlines, government agencies
Primary FocusAdvising on management strategies, efficiency improvements, regulatory complianceManaging daily airport operations, safety procedures, customer service

While both roles are involved in the aviation industry, an Aviation Management Consultant primarily provides strategic advice and management solutions to airports and airlines. In contrast, an Airport Operations Specialist handles the day-to-day operational tasks within an airport. The roles often overlap in industry knowledge but differ in scope and responsibilities.

More about Aviation Management Consultant jobs

What cities are hiring for Aviation Management Consultant jobs?

Cities with the most Aviation Management Consultant job openings:

What states have the most Aviation Management Consultant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Aviation Management Consultant jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Aviation Management Consultant jobs?

For Aviation Management Consultant jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Aviation Management Consultant job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, and 94% Full Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,641 per year, or $39.7 per hour.

Aviation Managing Consultant

Chicago, IL • On-site

Ricondo & Associates, Inc.
Aviation • 51 - 200 employees

$107K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Ricondo is seeking a Managing Consultant to join our team of talented aviation consultants in our Chicago office. Ricondo team members are passionate about working alongside airport management to solve the complex issues facing the aviation industry today. They provide strategic planning services at airports around the world, including operational and physical planning, master planning, environmental reviews, and business advisory services.
We are seeking a self-motivated individual with an intellectual curiosity for technical challenges, strategic and independent thinking, and a desire to work in a team environment across multiple disciplines. Joining our team of aviation consultants provides opportunities for individuals to assist in determining the future of the largest and fastest-growing airports around the world.
As a Managing Consultant, you will work both independently and collaboratively with our diverse team of aviation professionals located in offices across the country to provide project management through the development and implementation of airport planning projects.
Core Responsibilities

  • Perform project management tasks, such as tracking project progress, schedule, budgets, and issues/resolutions.
  • Prepare scopes of work and project budgets.
  • Identify and help manage staff and subconsultants required to accomplish assigned tasks.
  • Define project goals and coordinate with the client/task leader.
  • Formulate preliminary conclusions and identify possible effects to other assignments.
  • Review and coordinate technical progress of junior team members.
  • Develop final report outline and prepare complete reports and deliverables.
  • Prepare and participate in client presentations and technical proposals.
  • Provide advice, technical assistance, and written recommendations on airport planning studies.
  • Perform related work as required.

Requirements

  • bachelor’s degree in a field that provides a solid foundation for aviation consulting, such as architecture, aviation management, civil engineering, and urban planning
  • 5 to 10 years of experience, with demonstrated increasing responsibility in airport consulting, management consulting, or related field
  • familiarity and experience with multiple functional airport planning disciplines, including airfield, airspace, terminal, ground transportation, air cargo, and other airport support facilities
  • high-level understanding of airport capital programs, funding, finance, forecasting, commercial strategy, environmental, and other related disciplines
  • excellent analytical skills
  • excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills
  • willingness to travel to support Ricondo's project portfolio

Technical Skills

  • proficiency in various analytical, production, and visualization software, including AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and other visualization software, and Microsoft 365 products, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
  • thorough knowledge of research techniques, sources of current aviation industry information, and analytical methods
  • experience with computer applications pertaining to planning functions, including statistical and spreadsheet applications and databases

Additional Preferred Technical Skills

  • thorough knowledge of the following: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules, regulations, and guidelines; and general airport facility planning methods, practices, and principles
  • ability to effectively manage and supervise assigned professional planners within the firm, as well as subconsultant firms
  • ability to research, organize, and analyze information to formulate effective recommendations
  • ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with senior executives and staff at client organizations

Soft Skills

  • Highly organized: Plan and prioritize work assignments for yourself and team members, and manage concurrent projects with different teams.
  • Self-motivated: Exhibit initiative to identify creative and technically sound solutions.
  • effective communicator: Possess excellent verbal and interpersonal communication skills to coordinate with teams and clients.

Competitive Benefits Package

  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match, depending on company performance
  • medical, dental, and vision insurance provided at no premium cost to the employee (including dependents)
  • generous paid time-off program for sick leave and vacation time
  • company-paid holidays
  • tuition reimbursement program
  • professional certification, licensure, and association membership 
  • professional conferences and seminars
  • internal workshops and webinars
  • short- and long-term disability insurance coverage
  • life insurance (survivor benefits)
  • team member referral bonus program
  • flexible spending accounts (medical and dependent care)
  • transit commuter benefit (based upon location)

The base pay range for this role is $107,000 to $161,000. The base salary range/hourly rate established for a job offer is dependent on job-related, non-discriminatory factors, such as experience, education, and skills.
Our Team
Ricondo has served the aviation industry for over 35 years. Our team of nearly 160 consultants represents the brightest and most well-respected professionals in aviation today, working together to meet our clients’ needs with ideas, expertise, and transformative solutions. Advance your career with our talented team and help shape the built airport environment.
We strive to be a responsible business—one that adheres to high legal, moral, and ethical professional standards. Our pride is our people, as evidenced by our extremely competitive benefits. We are committed to equality and diversity, cross-disciplinary training, and staff development. We emphasize quality and accountability in a respectful, collaborative, and congenial environment.
                                           Ricondo is an equal opportunity employer.
 

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