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Independent Contractor Aviation Consultant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ricondo & Associates, Inc.

Aviation Consultant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$62K - $88K/yr

As a Consultant, you will work both independently and in collaboration with our diverse team of aviation professionals. You will also have the opportunity to expand your knowledge and expertise by ...

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Independent Contractor Aviation Consultant information

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$18

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$36

How much do independent contractor aviation consultant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent contractor aviation consultant in the United States is $27.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.60 and $36.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor Aviation Consultant vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectIndependent Contractor Aviation ConsultantAircraft Maintenance Technician
CredentialsIndustry experience, certifications like FAA Part 107 or equivalent, specialized knowledgeFAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification, technical training
Work EnvironmentConsulting settings, client sites, remote workAircraft hangars, maintenance facilities, repair stations
Employer & Industry UsageSelf-employed, contracted with airlines, private owners, consulting firmsEmployers include airlines, maintenance companies, repair stations
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

The main difference is that an Independent Contractor Aviation Consultant provides expert advice and strategic guidance on aviation projects, often working independently or with clients, while an Aircraft Maintenance Technician performs hands-on repairs and maintenance on aircraft. Both roles require industry-specific certifications but differ significantly in work environment and job functions.

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

To thrive as an Independent Contractor Aviation Consultant, you need extensive aviation industry knowledge, analytical skills, and usually a degree in aviation management or a related field. Familiarity with aviation regulations, safety management systems (SMS), and common industry software like flight planning tools or maintenance tracking systems is crucial. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and client relationship skills set top consultants apart in this field. These competencies ensure effective guidance, regulatory compliance, and strong client trust in a complex and dynamic industry.

What is an independent contractor aviation consultant?

An Independent Contractor Aviation Consultant is a professional who provides expert advice and services to clients in the aviation industry on a freelance or contractual basis, rather than as a full-time employee. Their work can include regulatory compliance, safety management, operational efficiency, training, and strategic planning. They are typically hired by airlines, airports, government agencies, or private aviation companies to solve specific problems or improve operations. These consultants leverage their industry experience and knowledge to deliver specialized solutions. As independent contractors, they manage their own business operations, taxes, and client relationships.

What are some common challenges independent contractor aviation consultants face when working with multiple clients simultaneously?

Independent Contractor Aviation Consultants often juggle multiple clients, each with unique needs and deadlines. Balancing these projects requires excellent time management, clear communication, and the ability to quickly adapt to various organizational cultures and regulatory requirements. Additionally, consultants must stay current with industry regulations and maintain strong relationships across different aviation sectors. To succeed, it's important to set clear expectations, prioritize tasks, and leverage digital tools for project tracking and collaboration.
More about Independent Contractor Aviation Consultant jobs
What cities are hiring for Independent Contractor Aviation Consultant jobs? Cities with the most Independent Contractor Aviation Consultant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aviation Consultant jobs? The most popular types of Aviation Consultant jobs are:
What states have the most Independent Contractor Aviation Consultant jobs? States with the most job openings for Independent Contractor Aviation Consultant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Aviation Consultant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Aviation Consultant jobs are:
Independent Contractor Aviation Consultant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Aviation Consultant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,689 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Aviation Consultant

Ricondo & Associates, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a Consultant to join Ricondo's team of talented aviation consultants in one of our offices located in Chicago, Denver, Dallas, Seattle, Miami, or Orlando. Ricondo team members are passionate about working alongside airport management to solve the complex issues facing the aviation industry today. Our firm provides strategic planning services to airports across the United States and around the world, including operational and physical planning, master planning, environmental reviews, and business advisory services.
As a Consultant, you will work both independently and in collaboration with our diverse team of aviation professionals. You will also have the opportunity to expand your knowledge and expertise by participating in diverse aviation projects. No two airports are the same and no two projects are alike, so if you are a problem solver and lifelong learner, join our team and grow with us!
The Aviation Consultant will be responsible for performing entry-level professional planning research, development, and implementation of aviation projects and studies. The ideal candidate will have a familiarity with the aviation industry or a desire to learn and grow in the aviation industry.
Core Responsibilities
  • Conduct field surveys, investigations, and collect data in support of airport planning studies.
  • Consults with fellow employees and senior staff concerning the compilation, interpretation, and presentation of research data for airport planning studies.
  • Prepares draft sections of reports and deliverables based on verbal and written input from others as well as individual efforts.
  • Assists in developing, formatting, publishing, and distributing tables, charts, manuals, and maps that deal with existing and proposed airport planning studies.
  • Provides advice, technical assistance, and written recommendations on airport planning studies.
  • Develops and maintains electronic data sets, files, runs, and troubleshoots existing programs.
  • Responds to requests for data and information from internal staff and external clients, organizations, various agencies, and the public.
  • Performs related work as required.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in a field that provides a solid foundation for aviation consulting, such as Civil Engineering, Architecture, Planning, Aviation Management, Mathematics, Statistics, Finance, or Economics
  • 0-3 years of increasingly responsible experience in airport planning or related field
  • Possesses a familiarity with the aviation industry or a desire to learn and grow in the aviation industry
  • Familiarity with FAA Advisory Circulars, Engineering Briefs, and other industry planning/design guidance documents
  • Excellent analytical skills
  • Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communications skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)

Additional Preferred Technical Skills
  • Master's degree in a field that provides a strong foundation for aviation consulting, such as Engineering, Architecture, Planning, Aviation Management, Mathematics, Statistics, Business Administration, Finance, or Economics
  • Working knowledge of best practices, methods, and principles utilized in strategic planning, infrastructure and facilities planning, and operational research for airports
  • Ability to apply principles of management, business, marketing, and administration in supporting large and complex airport planning projects
  • Knowledge and experience with analytical techniques and related tools including statistical, spreadsheet, database, simulation, spatial/graphical analysis applications (AutoCAD, REVIT, GIS, 3DS Max, etc.), or modelling tools such as VISSIM, SketchUp, and/or AviPlan.

Soft Skills
  • Self-motivated: initiative to identify creative and technically sound solutions, and ability to work well with staff both in-person and remotely in other locations.
  • Detail-oriented: in analytic and technical writing assignments, the ability to communicate technical information to nontechnical audiences and to edit for consistency and grammar.
  • Proactive and effective communicator: excellent verbal and interpersonal communication skills to coordinate with teams and clients.
  • Highly organized: plan and prioritize work assignments and demonstrate ability to manage concurrent assignments with different teams.

Competitive Benefits Package
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match depending on company performance
  • 100% Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
  • Generous paid time-off program for sick leave and vacation time
  • Company-paid holidays
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Professional certification, licensure, and association membership funding
  • Professional conferences and seminars
  • On-demand access to training
  • Internal workshops and webinars
  • Short- and long-term disability insurance coverage
  • Life insurance (survivor benefits)
  • Team member referral bonus program
  • Flexible spend accounts (medical and dependent care)

The base pay range for this role is $62,000 to $88,000. 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 30 years. Our team of nearly 160 consultants represent 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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