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Air Transportation

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Air Transportation

Air Transportation graduates earn $85,825 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $61,701 and $118,209. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.

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About Air Transportation

Air Transportation is a focused area of study within Transportation. Graduates typically earn around $85,825 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 248 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 10,445 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Training is practical and skills-based, with a fast path from classroom to job site.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $43,044
Median Earnings · 4yr: $85,825
Colleges Offering: 248
Graduates / Year: 10,445
Avg Net Price / yr: $20,308

How Much Do Air Transportation Graduates Earn?

Air Transportation graduates earn $85,825 four years out, well above average for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $61,701 and $118,209. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $43,044 climbs to $85,825 by year four.

$43,044

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$85,825

4-Year National Median

Well above average for college graduates.

$83,283

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a wide earnings spread across Air Transportation graduates. Region and union membership drive the gap more than any other factor. Union jobs in high-cost metros pay significantly more than non-union positions elsewhere.

$61,701 25th pct.

$85,825 Median

$118,209 75th pct.

Why This Program Pays Off Fast

Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $85,825 against an estimated $81,232 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.

Based on outcomes from 121 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 10,445 students who complete Air Transportation programs each year, the majority (70%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

70%

Bachelor's 70%

Associate's 18%

Master's 8%

What Can You Do With an Air Transportation Degree?

Air Transportation connects to 5 occupations in the job market. Airline Pilot leads at $232,140/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +3.9% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Airline Pilot

$232,140

$182K $384K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 11,700 openings/yr 104K employed nationally

Operation and Control Operations Monitoring Monitoring Critical Thinking Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.

Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.
Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.

↗ +1.2% Zone 3: Medium preparation

Air Traffic Controllers

$148,080

$105K $191K 25th–75th pct.

Associate's degree 2,200 openings/yr 23K employed nationally

Active Listening Speaking Judgment and Decision Making Critical Thinking Complex Problem Solving

Day-to-day responsibilities

Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport, and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers, according to established procedures and policies. Authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.

Inform pilots about nearby planes or potentially hazardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of wind, or visibility problems.
Issue landing and take-off authorizations or instructions.
Transfer control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights.

↗ +5.1% Zone 3: Medium preparation

Commercial Pilot

$123,220

$85K $190K 25th–75th pct.

Postsecondary nondegree award 6,600 openings/yr 48K employed nationally

Operation and Control Operations Monitoring Monitoring Critical Thinking Judgment and Decision Making

Day-to-day responsibilities

Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots.

Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.
Co-pilot aircraft or perform captain's duties, as required.
Consider airport altitudes, outside temperatures, plane weights, and wind speeds and directions to calculate the speed needed to become airborne.

↗ +6.1% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Transportation Managers

$107,230

$82K $147K 25th–75th pct.

High school diploma or equivalent 18,500 openings/yr 221K employed nationally

Active Listening Speaking Reading Comprehension Judgment and Decision Making Time Management

Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.

Supervise the activities of workers engaged in receiving, storing, testing, and shipping products or materials.
Plan, develop, or implement warehouse safety and security programs and activities.
Inspect physical conditions of warehouses, vehicle fleets, or equipment and order testing, maintenance, repairs, or replacements.

↗ +4.2% Zone 3: Medium preparation

Airfield Operations Specialists

$56,850

$42K $77K 25th–75th pct.

High school diploma or equivalent 1,600 openings/yr 15K employed nationally

Active Listening Monitoring Coordination Reading Comprehension Speaking

Day-to-day responsibilities

Ensure the safe takeoff and landing of commercial and military aircraft. Duties include coordination between air-traffic control and maintenance personnel, dispatching, using airfield landing and navigational aids, implementing airfield safety procedures, monitoring and maintaining flight records, and applying knowledge of weather information.

Inspect airfield conditions to ensure compliance with federal regulatory requirements.
Implement airfield safety procedures to ensure a safe operating environment for personnel and aircraft operation.
Conduct inspections of the airport property and perimeter to maintain controlled access to airfields.

Top Colleges for Air Transportation

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Air Transportation students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide Daytona Beach, FL · Nonprofit	1,557	57.9%	$18,725	$84,131
2	Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach Daytona Beach, FL · Nonprofit	651	64.8%	$41,272	$84,131
3	Liberty University Lynchburg, VA · Nonprofit	557	99%	$29,357	$44,813
4	University of North Dakota Grand Forks, ND · Public	366	76.9%	$18,551	$63,552
5	Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TN · Public	222	69.1%	$13,359	$48,541
6	Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Carbondale, IL · Public	220	86.9%	$13,297	$53,390
7	Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, IN · Public	219	49.9%	$14,600	$72,424
8	Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MI · Public	207	84.6%	$15,273	$53,562
9	Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott Prescott, AZ · Nonprofit	178	76.6%	$40,287	$84,131
10	Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne, FL · Nonprofit	160	57.7%	$35,639	$43,137
11	Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Stillwater, OK · Public	148	75%	$17,447	$57,413
12	Lewis University Romeoville, IL · Nonprofit	137	71.3%	$17,028	$66,099
13	Auburn University Auburn, AL · Public	131	45.9%	$24,323	$65,337
14	Middle Georgia State University Macon, GA · Public	119	99.7%	$12,361	$40,863
15	Utah State University Logan, UT · Public	106	92.5%	$14,936	$54,022
16	Minnesota State University-Mankato Mankato, MN · Public	105	88.4%	$19,139	$56,922
17	Metropolitan State University of Denver Denver, CO · Public	102	98.8%	$15,327	$52,093
18	Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ · Public	101	89.9%	$14,967	$62,668
19	Indiana State University Terre Haute, IN · Public	94	80.8%	$10,873	$48,387
20	Kansas State University Manhattan, KS · Public	92	81.7%	$19,406	$57,262

View all colleges

Ranked by Air Transportation graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Air Transportation program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Air Transportation degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Air Transportation Degree: Pros & Cons

Strong earnings and positive career growth make Air Transportation a solid option. The 4 strengths and 1 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.

PROS

Strong median salary Graduates earn $85,825 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $43,044 at graduation to $85,825 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Positive job outlook Related careers project up to +6.1% job growth over the next 10 years, a solid signal for long-term demand.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 40,600 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.

CONS

Licensure often required Many positions in this field require trade licenses, certifications, or apprenticeship completion. These add time and cost beyond the academic credential.

Air Transportation Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Air Transportation graduates earn?

Air Transportation graduates earn a national median of $85,825 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $61,701 and $118,209. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Air Transportation degree?

One year after graduation, Air Transportation degree holders earn a median of $43,044. That climbs to $85,825 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Air Transportation degree?

Air Transportation degree holders pursue careers including Airline Pilot, which pays a median of $232,140/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Air Transportation program take?

A Air Transportation bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.

How many colleges offer Air Transportation?

248 colleges and universities in the United States offer Air Transportation programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Air Transportation degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $85,825 and an average net price of roughly $20,308/yr, a Air Transportation degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Air Transportation and Transportation?

Air Transportation is a focused concentration within the broader Transportation field. The Transportation major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Air Transportation-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Air Transportation graduates?

Employers hiring Air Transportation graduates consistently prioritize technical proficiency, safety compliance, and hands-on problem-solving. Certifications, apprenticeships, and demonstrated practical experience typically carry as much weight as academic credentials in this field.

Is graduate school worth it for Air Transportation graduates?

With a median salary of $85,825, graduate study in Air Transportation can meaningfully increase long-term income, particularly for specialized or professional programs aligned with high-demand roles. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.

What is the job outlook for Air Transportation graduates?

The job outlook for Air Transportation graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +4.1% job growth over the next 10 years. Transportation Managers is among the strongest-growth roles at +6.1%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.