SalaryNode

Average Airfield Operations Specialists Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Airfield Operations Specialists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area earn an average annual salary of $56,380. This figure is notably below the national average of $62,030, suggesting that regional economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation for this specialized role within the metro area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $56,380 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $110,220.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 270 Airfield Operations Specialists and a Location Quotient of 0.8, the job market in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria indicates a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. While not indicating a shortage, this suggests a stable, albeit not booming, demand for skilled individuals in airfield operations within this specific metropolitan region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$56,380

The average Airfield Operations Specialists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns-9.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$27.1

Weekly

$1,084

Monthly

$4,698

Airfield Operations Specialists Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Salary progression for Airfield Operations Specialists typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$36,920$17.8
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$42,285$20.3
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$39,880$19.2
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$70,475$33.9
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$110,220$53

Detailed Airfield Operations Specialists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$56,380

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$56,380

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average salary of $56,380 in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Airfield Operations Specialist's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, indicating that while the salary is below the national average, the cost of living does not further diminish its value.

Job Market Context

270

Total Jobs

0.086

Per 1K Jobs

0.8

Location Quotient

Below Average

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 0.80x the national average concentration of Airfield Operations Specialists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

The Location Quotient of 0.8 for Airfield Operations Specialists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria suggests that the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average. This implies that while the role is present and necessary, the market is not saturated, and opportunities may be moderately competitive, requiring skilled candidates to stand out.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Airfield Operations Specialistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Airfield Operations Specialists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?

The median annual salary for a Airfield Operations Specialists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $56,380. This typically ranges from $36,920 for entry-level positions to $110,220 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 9.1% lower than the national median of $62,030.

Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Airfield Operations Specialists?

No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $56,380 is below the national average of $62,030, though the cost of living is on par with the national average, mitigating some of the disparity.

Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Airfield Operations Specialists?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?

A local workforce of 270 indicates a moderate presence of Airfield Operations Specialists, suggesting a stable job market with consistent opportunities rather than rapid expansion.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.8 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient of 0.8 signifies that Airfield Operations Specialists are slightly less concentrated in this region than nationally, implying a balanced job market that is neither overly competitive nor experiencing a significant talent shortage.

How does the cost of living impact the salary of an Airfield Operations Specialist?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $56,380 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average, meaning the lower nominal salary is offset by average living expenses.

What are the typical career paths for Airfield Operations Specialists?

Career paths often involve progressing from entry-level roles to senior specialist positions, potentially moving into supervisory or management roles within airport operations or aviation authorities.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 0.086 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.