Some of the world’s most exciting and lucrative careers are in the travel industry, spanning commercial and private aviation, tourism, hospitality, airline tech, and airport operations and logistics.  

This article explores in-demand jobs for professionals interested in aviation careers, and specifically, aviation job opportunities as a pilot, airline network planner, airline revenue manager, airport management and operations specialist, aircraft maintenance specialist, and luxury travel advisor.  

Goodwin Recruiting is a specialist in aviation industry recruiting. If you need exceptional talent for these or other specialty roles, or job opportunities with leading aviation industry employers, I’m just a phone call or email away. 

Here’s a breakdown of those top aviation industry jobs noted above. You’ll see why they attract today’s professionals, along with salary ranges, the biggest pros and cons of each role, and resource links to explore the careers in greater detail.  

Airline Pilot for Commercial and Major Airlines    

• Why it’s a top job: High earning potential, prestige, global travel  

• Requirements: Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certification, 1,500 flight hours (United States and Canada)  

• Salary Range: $80,000–$350,000+   

• Pros: Travel perks, seniority-based growth, job security at major carriers 

• Cons: Demanding schedule, long training path 

• Get more insights. 

Corporate/Charter/Private Pilot   

• Why it’s a top job: Prestige, high earnings, smaller crews 

• Requirements: ATP Certification, often business aviation experience 

• Salary Range: $90,000–$300,000+   

• Pros: Luxurious travel, smaller teams, unique destinations 

• Cons: On-call schedule, fewer protections than airline pilots 

• Get more insights on how these pilots differ from commercial pilots. 

Airline Corporate Roles: Network Planning and Revenue Management   

• Why they’re top jobs: Strategic, data-driven, influential on how airlines operate 

• Requirements: Degree in Aviation Management, Economics, or Data Science 

• Salary Range: $60,000–$150,000+   

• Pros: Strong career growth, influence over major decisions 

• Cons: Can be high-pressure, limited openings 

• Get insights on Network Planning from Scandinavian Airlines (SAS). 

• Get insights on Airline Revenue Management from IATA.  

Airport Management and Operations    

• Why it’s a top job: Leadership role, complex logistics   

• Requirements: Degree in Aviation Management, experience in airport operations 

• Salary Range: $60,000–$180,000+   

• Pros: Dynamic work, strong opportunities in the public and private sectors 

• Cons: High stress, 24/7 working environments 

• Get more insights. 

Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT)    

• Why it’s a top job: High demand, job security  

• Requirements: Airframe and Powerplant License (A&P) Certification/License   

• Salary Range: $50,000–$120,000   

• Pros: Hands-on, high-paying trade, global demand 

• Cons: Shift work, physically demanding 

• Get more insights. 

Private Jet Flight Attendant/VIP Cabin Crew   

• Why it’s a top job: Luxury cabin crew member, fewer passengers, high-end experiences 

• Requirements: Flight Attendant experience with luxury service background  

• Salary Range: $70,000–$150,000+   

• Pros: Exclusive travel, upscale clients  

• Cons: On-call, high expectations 

• Get more insights.  

Luxury Travel Advisor/Concierge    

• Why it’s a top job: Personalized travel planning for high-end clients 

• Requirements: Air travel experience, deep knowledge of destinations and services, strong travel network 

• Salary Range: $50,000–$200,000+ (heavily commission-based)   

• Pros: Flexible working style, travel perks, unique experiences 

• Cons: Client demands, irregular hours 

• Get more insights.  

Work with an expert aviation recruiter for the best talent and jobs 

Airlines and airports need experienced, highly skilled professionals to ensure operational efficiency, maintain aviation safety and regulatory compliance, and deliver excellent customer service.  

Aviation industry professionals want access to right-fit job opportunities in this exciting space to advance their careers and ensure employers and customers achieve their highest goals.  

Connect with me today and let’s get a relationship in place for your aviation talent needs and career goals. My name is Latoya Gibbs and I am a Senior Recruiting Partner with Goodwin Recruiting. As an aviation recruitment specialist, most of my 25 years of professional experience has been in this industry, serving first as a flight attendant and later as a cabin crew instructor conducting regulatory training programs in compliance with international guidelines. 

We also place talent in these and many other aviation industry roles: 

• Aerospace Engineers 

• Mechanical Engineers 

• Electrical Engineers 

• Materials Engineers 

• Software Engineers 

• Test Engineers 

• Client Experience Managers 

• Avionics Technicians 

• Flight Engineers 

• Quality Assurance Inspectors 

• Air Traffic Controllers 

• Aircraft Design Engineers 

• Propulsion Engineers 

• Private Airline Chefs