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$36.5K

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How much do space flight operations jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for space flight operations in the United States is $62,063.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $61,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Space Flight Operations, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Space Flight Operations often encounter challenges such as rapid decision-making under pressure, coordinating across multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. These challenges can be addressed by developing strong communication skills, staying current with operational procedures, and participating in regular simulation training. Working closely with engineers, mission planners, and astronauts also helps foster a collaborative environment where issues can be resolved efficiently and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Space Flight Operations Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Space Flight Operations Specialist, you need expertise in aerospace engineering, systems analysis, and mission planning, typically supported by a relevant degree and specialized training. Familiarity with spacecraft control software, telemetry systems, and mission simulation tools is essential, along with certifications like NASA's Flight Controller certification. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork under pressure are critical soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the safe, efficient execution of space missions and the ability to respond quickly to complex technical challenges.

What are Space Flight Operations?

Space Flight Operations refers to the planning, coordination, and management of spacecraft missions, including launch, on-orbit activities, and re-entry or landing. Professionals in this field ensure that all mission procedures are executed safely and efficiently, monitor spacecraft systems, and respond to anomalies. Their work is critical for both crewed and uncrewed missions, supporting communication between the spacecraft and ground control. Space Flight Operations specialists typically work for space agencies, commercial space companies, or defense organizations.
More about Space Flight Operations jobs
What cities are hiring for Space Flight Operations jobs? Cities with the most Space Flight Operations job openings:
What states have the most Space Flight Operations jobs? States with the most job openings for Space Flight Operations jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Space Flight Operations jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Space Flight Operations jobs are:
Space Flight Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Space Flight Operations job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,063 per year, or $29.8 per hour.
Flight Ops Flight Instructor - HDQ

Flight Ops Flight Instructor - HDQ

Southwest Airlines

Dallas, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Southwest Airlines rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 245 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 26 rated airlines

Job description

Department:
Flight Operations
Our Company Promise
We are committed to provide our Employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. Above all, Employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer.
Job Description:
All of Southwest's People come together to deliver on our Purpose; Connecting People to what's important in their lives through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel. The Flight Operations Flight Instructor supports the Flight Operations Department by providing training to Pilots in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), Advanced Qualification Program Manual (AQPM), Flight Operations Training Manual (FOTM), and Company requirements/agreements. This role conducts training in the classroom and in simulators to ensure Pilots have the knowledge and hands-on experience to provide our Customers with a safe and reliable flight. The Flight Operations Flight Instructor has great interpersonal and communication skills which help them facilitate proper flight instructions.
Additional details
  • The culture of Southwest Airlines means we value the camaraderie, collaboration, and innovation that occurs when we come together and interact face-to-face at our vibrant Corporate Campus. Due to the nature of this role, you would be required to work from our Dallas, TX headquarters facility during business hours.
  • U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.

We're committed to fair hiring practices and to making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics.
Responsibilities
  • Prepare and conduct classroom and simulator training in accordance with FARs, Training Policies / Manuals, and Company requirements.
  • Facilitate pilot learning
  • Develop and create instructional and evaluation media/materials for support of training programs
  • Maintain course material and procedural integrity through self-study, skills practice, critique review, and instructor meetings
  • May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Knowledge and experience in the operation of training equipment that includes computer based training workstations
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs
  • Knowledge of flight training instructional duties along with a good working knowledge of FAR training requirements
  • Must possess excellent English verbal communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to read technical aircraft documents, follow technical instructions, learn and understand new technical concepts and prepare written technical documents that will convey information or guidance to others in an understandable manner
  • Ability to accomplish accurate work under tight time constraints while maintaining a high degree of flexibility
  • Ability to work various assigned hours as necessary, which may include evenings, weekends, holidays, with a rotating assigned work schedule to cover the operational hours (which includes 365 day a year up to 24 hours a day)

Education
  • Required: High School Diploma or GED

Experience
  • Required: Flying experience operating an aircraft

Licensing/Certification
  • Required: USA DOT/FAA Unrestricted Airline Transport Pilot Certificate. The certificate must display the following:
    • "Airplane Multiengine Land" Category and Class Ratings
    • "English Proficient" limitation
  • Required: Paper or electronic logbook with at least the last 500 hours of flight time recorded
  • Required: Must possess a valid United States Driver's License
  • Required: Must meet all regulatory criteria to obtain and maintain Flight Deck Jumpseat Access; this position requires successful and continuous enrollment in Rap Back

Physical Abilities
  • Must have vision ability to view and read computer/video/flight deck displays on a frequent basis
  • Must be able to participate in the FAR directed Line Observation Program and be able to enter and exit the aircraft under normal and emergency conditions
  • Must be able to enter and exit the flight simulator, cabin simulator or mock-up, briefing rooms under normal and emergency conditions
  • Must be able to sit in the simulator uninterrupted for up to 4 hours
  • Ability to perform work duties from limited space work station/desk/office area for extended periods of time
  • Ability to communicate and interact with others in the English language to meet the demands of the job
  • Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed and accuracy to meet the demands of the job
  • Ability to move/transport 25 lbs on an occasional basis (under 50%)
  • Ability to work at elevated heights and operate a Flight Simulator
  • Ability to manipulate applicable flight controls at full deflection
  • Ability to pass annual flight evaluation
  • Ability to converse/present/facilitate for up to 8 hours
  • Ability to make/receive audible call outs in classroom and/or simulator settings

Other Qualifications
  • Must maintain a well-groomed appearance per Company appearance standards as described in established guidelines
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986
  • Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines
  • Must be at least 23 years of age
  • Must have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, without requiring sponsorship now or in the future
  • Must have a professional behavior on and after Company hours and at Company events
  • Must be able to work rotating shifts, holidays, and overtime
  • Must meet confidentiality expectations as to confidential, proprietary and sensitive Company information
  • Air travel with overnight stays required
  • Ability to work extended hours as needed

Pay & Benefits
Pay of $78.94 per hour*, with the opportunity for future increase per applicable collective bargaining agreement wage scale based on time in position. Opportunities for overtime and shift premiums.
Benefits you'll love:
  • Fly for free, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights (your eligible dependents too)
  • Southwest will help fund your Retirement Savings Plan, which includes a dollar for-dollar 401(k) Company match contribution up to 10% of your eligible earnings**
  • Potential for annual profit-sharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan-when Southwest profits, you profit***
  • Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents
  • Southwest offers health plan coverage options that start from the first day of employment. You'll have 30 days to select and enroll in your health plan, and coverage will be retroactively available to your first day of employment.
  • Explore more benefits you'll love: https://careers.southwestair.com/benefits

*The pay amount doesn't guarantee employment for any particular period.
**401(k) Company match contributions are subject to the plan's vesting schedule. Match contributions may vary based on the position.
***Profit-sharing contributions are subject to the Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.
Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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