Career & Industry Breakdown

Aviation

INDUSTRY

Industry Overview

The aviation industry encompasses almost all aspects of air travel and the activities that help to facilitate it, including the airline industry, aircraft manufacturing, research companies, military aviation, and many more. So, if you want to earn your wings, there are numerous opportunities to do so.

Quite often, people use the terms ‘aviation industry’ and ‘airline industry’ interchangeably, but they have different meanings. The airline industry refers to companies that offer air transport services to paying customers, whereas the aviation industry includes all aviation-related businesses.

In Guilford County, there are loads of employers directly related to the aviation industry — including major manufacturers, airline companies, and service centers. The Triad region also contains several airfields, including Piedmont Triad International, which serves as a regional hub for FedEx and is the third busiest airport in North Carolina averaging 280 takeoffs and landings each day. There are also several businesses indirectly related to the industry, such as travel agencies, hotels, and ancillary service providers.

The Triad offers several training options, from community colleges, universities, and private institutions to get involved in this exciting industry. And, we have educational and training resources available through our NCWorks Career Centers to help your career take off.

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Aviation Industry Careers

Careers in the aviation industry run the gamut, from mechanics to mechanical engineers. This Sector is dedicated to manufacturing and operating all types of aircraft.

Aircraft Structures Assembly and Repair

Responsibilities
Assemble, fit, fasten, and install parts of airplanes, space vehicles, or missiles, such as tails, wings, fuselage, bulkheads, stabilizers, landing gear, rigging, and control equipment, or heating and ventilating systems.

Common Job Titles

A&P Technician (Airframe and Powerplant Technician)
Aircraft Line Assembler
Assembler
Assembly Riveter
Fabricator
Helicopter Technician
Sheet Metal Assembler and Riveter (SMAR)
Sheet Metal Mechanic
Structures Mechanic
Structures Technician
Aircraft Structure
Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers

Education/Credentials Preferred

High school/GED + On-the-job training
Certificate

Median Hourly Earnings

$17.13

Aviation Manufacturing (Aircraft Mechanics & Service Technicians)

Responsibilities
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Includes helicopter and aircraft engine specialists.

Common Job Titles

Aircraft Maintenance Director
Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor
Aircraft Maintenance Technician (Aircraft Maintenance Tech)
Aircraft Mechanic
Aircraft Restorer
Aircraft Technician
Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic (A & P Mechanic)
Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT)
Aviation Mechanic, Helicopter Mechanic

Education/Credentials Preferred

Postsecondary Non-Degree Award

Median Hourly Earnings

$25.47

Aviation Electronics (Avionics) Technology

Responsibilities
Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.

Common Job Titles

Aircraft Electrical Systems Specialist
Aircraft Technician
Aviation Electrical Technician
Aviation Electronics Technician
Avionics Electronics Technician
Avionics Installer
Avionics Manager
Avionics Systems Integration Specialist
Avionics Technician, Electronic Technician

Education/Credentials Preferred

Postsecondary Certificate

Median Hourly Earnings

$31.59

Aviation Systems Technology

Responsibilities
Inspect aircraft, maintenance procedures, air navigational aids, air traffic controls, and communications equipment to ensure conformance with Federal safety regulations.

Common Job Titles

Aircraft Inspector
Aircraft Quality Control Inspector
Airworthiness Safety Inspector
Aviation Safety Inspector
Aviation Safety Inspector Manufacturing
Avionics Safety Inspector
Inspector
Quality Control Inspector
Quality Inspector
Technical Inspector

Education/Credentials Preferred

Post-Secondary Certificate

Median Hourly Earnings

$36.45

Aviation Management

Responsibilities
An airport employee who oversees compliance with local, state, and federal rules and regulations, ensuring that an airport or its departments run efficiently and safely while overseeing the hiring and management of airport or department staff.

Common Job Titles

Aviation Management and Operations
Airport Management

Education/Credentials Preferred

Bachelor’s Degree

INDUSTRY Dashboard

Regional Employment

2,022,789 in the nation

%

% of Total Employment

1.3% in the US

%

Avg. Annual % Change Last 10 Years

+1.9% in the US

Avg. Wages Per Worker

$64,779 in the nation

%

Avg. Annual % Change Last 10 Years

+3.2% in the US

Staffing Pattern

Transportation & Material Moving 48.2% 48.2%
Office & Administrative Support 18.8% 18.8%
Installation, Maintenance & Repair 16.3% 16.3%
Management 4.1% 4.1%
Business & Finance 2.8% 2.8%
Other 9.8% 9.8%


Occupation	Employees	Annual Demand	Avg Annual Wages
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers	1,110	134	$49,600
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians	511	49	$50,900
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand	401	61	$31,500
Cargo and Freight Agents	216	23	$44,600
Customer Service Representatives	135	18	$36,100
Commercial Pilots	133	15	$88,500
Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks	132	17	$38,200
Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment	115	19	$27,200
First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors	108	13	$52,600
Office Clerks, General	94	11	$33,900
Remaining Component Occupations	2,039	234	$55,900
Total	5,021