Getting a job as an airborne sensor operator requires a variety of skills, training, and certifications, starting with over two months of initial training at classes held in Texas. Trainees then move on to an air force base in Nevada to be upgraded to a technician. This is also called 5-level, and the program includes on-the-job training and another class. This portion lasts about 16 months, and students either stay at this base for their first operational assignment or move elsewhere. After this, you may take advanced training to become a craftsman or 7-level operator. At this level, you are eligible for management positions.

If you are interested in a job related to Sensor Operator, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Sensor Operator Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Sensor Operator positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Overnight Airborne Sensor Operator
Salary range: $37,000 - $52,500
Overnight Airborne Sensor Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Overnight Airborne Sensor Operator jobs pay between $37,000 (25th percentile) and $52,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Overnight Airborne Sensor Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Emulsion Operator
Salary range: $35,500 - $47,500
Emulsion Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Emulsion Operator jobs pay between $35,500 (25th percentile) and $47,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Emulsion Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Seasonal Airborne Sensor Operator
Salary range: $42,500 - $62,500
Seasonal Airborne Sensor Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Seasonal Airborne Sensor Operator jobs pay between $42,500 (25th percentile) and $62,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Seasonal Airborne Sensor Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator
Salary range: $33,000 - $51,000
Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator jobs pay between $33,000 (25th percentile) and $51,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Uav Sensor Operator Civilian
Salary range: $30,000 - $39,500
Uav Sensor Operator Civilian is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Uav Sensor Operator Civilian jobs pay between $30,000 (25th percentile) and $39,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Uav Sensor Operator Civilian job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Tufting Operator
Salary range: $29,000 - $44,000
Tufting Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Tufting Operator jobs pay between $29,000 (25th percentile) and $44,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Tufting Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Air Attack Pilot
Salary range: $100,000 - $155,000
Air Attack Pilot is a common job search query. Most salaries for Air Attack Pilot jobs pay between $100,000 (25th percentile) and $155,000 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Air Attack Pilot job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Autoclave Operator
Salary range: $28,500 - $36,000
An autoclave is a powerful heated machine used for chemical reactions using high pressure and temperatures, such as steam sterilization. Autoclave operators operate and monitor this specialized pressure chamber in different settings. They work in hospitals or other healthcare facilities sterilizing surgical devices and other medical instruments. You may also function as an autoclave operator for a manufacturer of rubber products or yarn. In this position, you utilize the machine to vulcanize rubber or cure rubber composites and preset and preshrink yarn.
Rewinder Machine Operator
Salary range: $34,000 - $40,000
Rewinder Machine Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Rewinder Machine Operator jobs pay between $34,000 (25th percentile) and $40,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Rewinder Machine Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Pad Print Operator
Salary range: $34,000 - $41,000
Pad Print Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Pad Print Operator jobs pay between $34,000 (25th percentile) and $41,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Pad Print Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

All Jobs Sensor Operator Jobs 10 of the Most Popular Types of Sensor Operator Jobs in 2026