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How much do federal aviation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for federal aviation in the United States is $21.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $23.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Does the FAA pay well?

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees' salaries vary by position, experience, and location, but generally, FAA jobs offer competitive pay within the federal government system. Positions such as air traffic controllers and engineers tend to have higher salaries, often supplemented by benefits like retirement and health insurance. Salary scales are publicly available through federal pay tables and can be influenced by certifications and specialized skills.

What are some common challenges federal aviation professionals face when working on regulatory compliance projects?

Federal aviation professionals often encounter challenges such as navigating complex and evolving regulatory frameworks, coordinating across multiple agencies, and ensuring that safety standards are consistently met. Projects frequently require collaboration with engineers, air traffic controllers, and legal teams to address compliance issues efficiently. Staying updated on new regulations and technology advancements is crucial, as is the ability to adapt quickly to policy changes or urgent safety concerns.

What is the highest paid aviation job?

The highest paid aviation jobs are typically airline pilots, especially captains of major airlines, who can earn six-figure salaries. These roles require extensive flight hours, certifications such as an Airline Transport Pilot license, and experience flying large commercial aircraft.

Is the FAA a federal job?

Jobs with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are federal government positions. These roles often require federal employment procedures, security clearances, and adherence to government standards. FAA employees typically work in regulatory, safety, and air traffic control environments.

What is a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employee?

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employee works for the U.S. government agency responsible for regulating and overseeing all aspects of civil aviation in the United States. FAA employees hold various roles, such as air traffic controllers, safety inspectors, engineers, and administrative staff. Their primary goal is to ensure the safety and efficiency of the national airspace system. The FAA sets standards for aircraft, certifies pilots and airports, and enforces aviation laws and regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Federal Aviation career, and why are they important?

To excel in a Federal Aviation career, you generally need a background in aviation management, engineering, or air traffic control, often supported by relevant degrees and FAA certifications. Familiarity with aviation safety regulations, radar and navigation systems, and specialized software like flight tracking or airspace management tools is crucial. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills for ensuring safety and coordinating with diverse teams. These competencies are essential for maintaining efficient, safe, and compliant operations in the highly regulated aviation industry.

What is the difference between Federal Aviation and Federal Aviation Safety Inspector?

AspectFederal AviationFederal Aviation Safety Inspector
Primary RoleOversees and regulates civil aviation operations and policiesInspects and enforces safety standards for aviation facilities and personnel
Required CertificationsCommercial pilot license, air traffic control experience, or related credentialsFAA certifications, such as Airworthiness Inspector or Flight Standards Inspector
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, airports, and regulatory agenciesOn-site inspections at airports, maintenance facilities, and aircraft
Employer & Industry UsageFederal government, aviation industry, airlinesFederal Aviation Administration (FAA), aviation safety sector

Federal Aviation focuses on overall aviation regulation and policy, while Federal Aviation Safety Inspectors specialize in safety compliance and inspections. Both roles are essential within the aviation industry, often working together to ensure safe and efficient air travel.

What federal agencies hire pilots?

Federal agencies that hire pilots include the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Coast Guard. These agencies often require pilots to hold specific certifications, such as an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license, and may involve flying in various environments including military, law enforcement, or regulatory roles.
More about Federal Aviation jobs
What cities are hiring for Federal Aviation jobs? Cities with the most Federal Aviation job openings:
What states have the most Federal Aviation jobs? States with the most job openings for Federal Aviation jobs include:
Federal Aviation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Aviation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,812 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Aviation Safety Inspector (AC-Flight Oversight)

Career Fields | Federal Aviation Administration

San Jose, CA

$107K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

The International Principal Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier - Flight Oversight) functions as the primary interface between assigned foreign operators, agencies, organizations, airmen, designees, and the Federal Aviation Administration. Incumbent has program responsibility to assure that assigned entities meet federal aviation regulations at 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and related direction with respect to operations programs.

Qualifications:

General Requirements for All 1825 Positions:

  1. Not more than two separate incidents involving Federal Aviation regulations violations in the last 5 years
  2. Valid State driver's license
  3. Fluency in the English language
  4. No chemical dependencies or drug abuse that could interfere with job performance, and
  5. High School diploma or equivalent.

Medical Requirements for All Positions:

Applicants must be physically able to perform the duties of the Aviation Safety Inspector position in a safe and efficient manner,with or without a reasonable accommodation.The minimum medical requirements include the following requirements:

  1. Have good distance vision in each eye and be able to read, without strain, printed materials the size of typewritten characters (glasses and contact lenses permitted);
  2. Have the ability to hear the conversational voice (hearing aid permitted); and
  3. Not have any physical conditions that would cause them to be a hazard to themselves or others or that would interfere with their ability to operate/occupy a flight deck observer's seat (jumpseat) or a cabin passenger seat in a variety of aircraft

To qualify for this position, you must meet the Office of Personnel Management Qualification Standards for the 1825 series in theAir Carrier - Flight Oversightspecialty which requires the following:

  1. At least one year of pilot experience in multi-engine aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight.
  2. Three years of experience working in an organization with an air carrier, commercial operator, or air agency certificate, an organization whose work led to the certification of individual airmen, or an organization that operated aircraft. At least one year of this experience must be with an organization that operated multiengine aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds maximum takeoff weight.
  3. Minimum 1,500 total flight hours.
  4. Must hold a valid Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
  5. Not more than two flying accidents during the last five years in which the applicant's pilot error was involved.

In addition, applicants must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-I/FG-13 level. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.

Specialized experience is:Assisting, conducting or performing various technical functions related to certification, surveillance, investigation and compliance recommendation of operational activities for FAR Part 121 air carriers, Part 129 air carrier/air operators, or part 135 air operators.

The recency of specialized experience is waived for current FAA employees in the 1825 series.

Certificate and Ratings:This position requires a certificate and ratings for minimum qualification in the following specialty: Air Carrier Flight Oversight; a copy of the certificate and ratings are required for ALL candidates newly appointed to the FAA in the 1825 specialty of Air Carrier Flight Oversight. Certificate and ratings are not required from applicants who are currently occupying (or previously held) Air Carrier Flight Oversight orAir Carrier Operations 1825 series position.

Applicants should include examples of specialized experience in their Work History.

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered for the job.

Security Requirements:Non-critical sensitive (2): This position requires completion & favorable adjudication of a Tier 3 (T3) background investigation prior to appointment, unless a waiver is obtained and approved.

Education:

Education is not qualifying at this grade level for this position and may not be substituted for experience.

Employment Type: OTHER

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