Average Airfield Operations Specialists Salary in North Carolina
Airfield Operations Specialists in North Carolina earn an average annual salary of $42,410, which is notably below the national average of $62,030. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific demands of the local aviation industry, and the overall cost of living within the state. While the nominal salary is lower, understanding the local economic context is crucial for a complete picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,410 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $65,110.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 800 Airfield Operations Specialists, North Carolina presents a concentrated market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 1.51 indicates a higher-than-average concentration of these roles compared to the national landscape, suggesting a stable demand and a significant presence of related industries within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Airfield Operations Specialists in North Carolina earns-31.6%below the national average.
$20.4
$816
$3,534
Airfield Operations Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Airfield Operations Specialists in North Carolina is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic recovery and inflation. As the aviation sector continues to evolve, driven by technological advancements and increased travel, salaries for specialized roles like Airfield Operations Specialists are likely to see incremental increases to attract and retain talent.
Airfield Operations Specialists Salary Distribution in North Carolina
Salary progression for Airfield Operations Specialists in North Carolina typically correlates with experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive knowledge of air traffic control, safety protocols, and airfield management can command significantly higher salaries. The gap between entry-level and senior roles, often reflected in salary percentiles, signifies clear career advancement opportunities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $18,320 | $8.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $31,808 | $15.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $36,050 | $17.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $53,013 | $25.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $65,110 | $31.3 |
Detailed Airfield Operations Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,410
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,689
Adjusted for COL (94.9)
The average annual salary of $42,410 in North Carolina needs to be viewed in conjunction with its Cost of Living Index of 94.9. Since this index is below the national average of 100, the nominal salary may offer a slightly better purchasing power locally than it would in a higher cost-of-living area. However, the lower average salary still presents a significant difference compared to national benchmarks.
Job Market Context
800
Total Jobs
0.163
Per 1K Jobs
1.51
Location Quotient
North Carolina has 1.5x the national concentration of Airfield Operations Specialists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 1.51 for Airfield Operations Specialists in North Carolina signifies a robust concentration of these professionals relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market in North Carolina is more specialized and potentially more competitive for these roles, with a greater density of employers seeking this specific skill set compared to other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Airfield Operations Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Airfield Operations Specialists Salary | $47,840↑ 13% | 32 mi |
Comparing salaries near North Carolina
Hiring Airfield Operations Specialistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Airfield Operations Specialists make in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for a Airfield Operations Specialists in North Carolina is $42,410. This typically ranges from $18,320 for entry-level positions to $65,110 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Carolina is 31.6% lower than the national median of $62,030.
Is North Carolina a lucrative place for Airfield Operations Specialists?
No, not when compared to the national average salary.The average salary of $42,410 is substantially lower than the national average of $62,030. While the cost of living is slightly lower, the nominal pay difference is significant.
Is North Carolina a good place to live for Airfield Operations Specialists?
With a Cost of Living Index of 94.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near North Carolina?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($47,840) and others.
How does the number of Airfield Operations Specialists in North Carolina compare nationally?
With 800 specialists locally and 0.163 jobs per 1,000 workers, North Carolina has a notable presence, further emphasized by its Location Quotient of 1.51, indicating a higher concentration than the national average.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in North Carolina?
An LQ of 1.51 means that Airfield Operations Specialists are 51% more concentrated in North Carolina than the national average, suggesting a specialized regional demand for these skills.
How does the cost of living affect the perceived salary of an Airfield Operations Specialist in North Carolina?
With a Cost of Living Index of 94.9, North Carolina is slightly cheaper than the national average. This means the $42,410 salary might stretch a bit further locally than it would in a more expensive state, though it remains below the national pay benchmark.
Are there opportunities for career growth for Airfield Operations Specialists in North Carolina?
Yes, career progression is typically marked by increasing salary levels with experience and specialization, allowing professionals to move from entry-level to senior roles within the field.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 800 employees in the North Carolina area with a job density of 0.163 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Airfield Operations Specialists Salaries by State
Top Jobs in North Carolina
- All Occupations Salary in North Carolina
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in North Carolina
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in North Carolina
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in North Carolina
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in North Carolina
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in North Carolina
- Production Occupations Salary in North Carolina
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in North Carolina
- Management Occupations Salary in North Carolina
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in North Carolina
- Browse All Jobs in North Carolina →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Airfield Operations Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in North Carolina