by our College Data Analytics TeamAre you fascinated with the science of flight? A program in Air Transportation will educate students in the study of aviation, in addition to the business and technical side of the aviation industry. You will study the many factors and manpower that go into executing a single flight.
You may have the ability to choose a concentration in this major. Some of the specializations available are Aerospace Science and Technology, Professional Pilot and Flight Crew, Airways Management and Operations, Air Traffic Controller, Airline Flight Attendant, and Flight Instructor.
In addition to taking classes in your chosen concentration, you will also take courses in flight theory, business administration, aviation safety, air traffic control, meteorology, ad federal aviation regulations. This major is typically offered as an Associate's degree; however this can vary depending on the concentration.
A degree in Air Transportation covers Air Transportation. Continue reading for the essential details every air transportation student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering air transportation programs.
Nationwide, air transportation is a popular field of study, with 11,070 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Air Transportation Schools ranking analyzes these 204 schools to determine the best overall colleges for air transportation students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of air transportation programs later in this article.
Studies in Air Transportation build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations air transportation graduates commonly enter.
The airline industry is constantly being updated with new technology and regulations. Those who work in this field will always be learning in order to stay up to date. Clear and careful communication is necessary to prevent devastating accidents and mistakes. Problem-solving and decision-making skills are also important in this field, as is the ability to stay calm in tense situations.
Students might need to pursue additional education, depending on which concentrations they pursue; for example airline pilots need to obtain a commercial pilot's license.
The skill set developed in a air transportation program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a air transportation major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several air transportation degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 158 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 1,812 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 6,865 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 2,083 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 28 |
People currently working in careers related to air transportation tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 46.1% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 23.8% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 8.9% |
| Some college courses | 6.7% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 5.5% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 4.8% |
| Master’s degree | 2.6% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.6% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in air transportation careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
There are many different career paths in the airline industry. Air traffic controllers organize and direct the movement of air traffic and make sure the planes are safe distances apart. Another job is that of aircraft mechanic or technician. These professionals work long hours in order to maintain and repair airplanes and helicopters. Other jobs include becoming an pilot or flight attendant. Some of these careers may require additional training. The demand in this field varies depending on your chosen profession. For example, there is an increased demand for air traffic controllers, but less of a demand for aircraft mechanics. Salary varies depending on career choice and any additional training received.
A degree in air transportation can lead to a variety of career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to air transportation.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to air transportation.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Airfield Operations Specialists | 1,262,439 | 12.9% |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | 1,094,880 | -1.9% |
| Air Traffic Controllers | 512,501 | 1.9% |
| Supply Chain Managers | 421,849 | 12.7% |
| Commercial Pilots | 368,702 | -1.8% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants | 311,580 | 3.7% |
| Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | 227,314 | 11.6% |
| Flight Attendants | 195,404 | 0.0% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of air transportation graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $54,735 |
| 4 years | $69,369 |
| 5 years | $80,156 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for air transportation graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers air transportation grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Supply Chain Managers | $138,103 |
| Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | $76,615 |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | $58,648 |
| Airfield Operations Specialists | $54,884 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants | $52,658 |
| Air Traffic Controllers | $46,187 |
| Commercial Pilots | $43,713 |
| Flight Attendants | $36,135 |
With 204 different air transportation programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased air transportation school rankings to help you.
Students interested in air transportation, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Ground Transportation | 22,968 |
| Marine Transportation | 1,158 |
| Transportation and Materials Moving, Other | 34 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
