Home
Majors
Transportation
Air Transportation

TRADES Specialization

Air Transportation

Air Transportation graduates earn $85,825 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 8.3%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Airline Pilot is among the highest-growth roles in the field.

Explore Program

About Air Transportation

This page covers Air Transportation as a course of study: what it costs, where it is taught, and what graduates go on to earn. It sits inside the wider field of Transportation and how it pays overall, which is the better comparison if you are still choosing between subjects.

Air Transportation is a focused area of study within Transportation. Pick this and you can expect to earn around $85,825 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. You will not have trouble finding it: 248 colleges offer this program, from community colleges to research universities. About 10,445 students complete it each year, most walking away with a bachelor's. Training is practical and skills-based, with a fast path from classroom to job site.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $42,917
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?

Four years after finishing Air Transportation, a typical graduate earns $85,825, well above average for college graduates. Half of earners land somewhere between $61,701 and $118,209, so where you end up depends on the job and the employer. Do not judge the field on a starting paycheck alone: pay tends to jump in the first few years, climbing from $42,917 at one year out to $85,825 by year four. Source: College Scorecard.

What that figure means in practice depends on what the degree cost to get, which is a matter of lifetime earnings against total outlay.

$42,917

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.

$83,323

4-Year Institutional Median

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

Earnings Range

Not every Air Transportation graduate ends up in the same place. Earnings spread out widely, so know what pushes people to one end or the other. 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 120 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?

This degree does not lock you into one job. Air Transportation graduates show up in 5 different occupations, and Airline Pilot pays the most at $232,140/yr median. Expand any card below to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

The best-paid of these is what an Airline Pilot earns and how fast the role is growing, though entry requirements vary across the list.

↗ +8.3% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Airline Pilot

$232,140

$182K $384K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 11,200 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.

↗ +1.7% Zone 3: Medium preparation

Air Traffic Controllers

$148,080

$105K $191K 25th–75th pct.

Associate's degree 2,100 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.

↗ +5.2% Zone 3: Medium preparation

Commercial Pilot

$123,220

$85K $190K 25th–75th pct.

Postsecondary nondegree award 5,200 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 18,300 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.

↗ +7.8% Zone 3: Medium preparation

Airfield Operations Specialists

$56,850

$42K $77K 25th–75th pct.

High school diploma or equivalent 1,500 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

Not sure where to study Air Transportation? These 20 colleges graduate the most students in it each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

Ranked by score, that list starts with the cost and outcomes at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide, and the rest follow the same measures.

#	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 an 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 an 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 $42,917 at graduation to $85,825 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Fast-growing field Related careers are projected to grow up to +8.3% over the next decade, with Airline Pilot among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 38,300 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?

$85,825 four years after finishing the program. Half of graduates land between $61,701 and $118,209, so employer, role, and location move that number more than the degree itself. Source: College Scorecard.

What is the starting salary for an Air Transportation degree?

$42,917 in the first year out. That grows to $85,825 by year four, so do not judge this field on the entry-level number alone. Most of the gain shows up once you clear the first few years and move past entry-level roles. Source: College Scorecard.

What jobs can you get with an Air Transportation degree?

Airline Pilot is one path, and it pays a median of $232,140 a year. It is not the only one: the Career Paths section below lists every occupation graduates actually go into, with wages and 10-year growth for each.

How long does an Air Transportation program take?

Four years of full-time study for an Air Transportation bachelor's degree, the standard timeline for this field. If you want a faster route into the workforce, community colleges offer a two-year associate option instead.

How many colleges offer Air Transportation?

248 colleges and universities, so you are not short on options. That range runs from community colleges granting certificates and associate degrees to research universities with full doctoral tracks. Source: IPEDS.

Is an Air Transportation degree worth it?

$85,825 median earnings four years out against $20,308 a year in average net price. That is a fast payback, and it holds up especially well at lower-cost schools. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific schools before deciding. Source: College Scorecard.

What is the difference between Air Transportation and Transportation?

Air Transportation is the narrower of the two: Transportation covers the full discipline, while this program limits the curriculum to Air Transportation-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. Pick the specialization once you already know this is the direction you want; it gets you a more targeted credential, not a broader one.

What skills do employers look for in Air Transportation graduates?

Coursework alone will not get you hired. Employers hiring Air Transportation graduates consistently look for 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. Build those into your coursework and internships now, and the job search later gets easier.

Is graduate school worth it for Air Transportation graduates?

It can be. At a median salary of $85,825, graduate study in Air Transportation tends to meaningfully raise long-term income, particularly through specialized or professional programs tied to high-demand roles. Weigh that against your own career goals, the program's cost, and whether your target role actually rewards the advanced credential.

What is the job outlook for Air Transportation graduates?

Outlook is moderate overall: related occupations average +5.8% projected job growth over the next 10 years. Airline Pilot is among the strongest-growth roles at +8.3%. That average hides real differences by role and location, so check the Career Paths section below for the projection on each specific occupation before you count on any single number.