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Aviation & Aerospace

Pilots, ATC, mechanics — some of America's highest-paying non-degree careers.

Showing 6 careers
74
Aviation & Aerospace

Commercial Drone Pilot (UAS)

Operate drones for film, surveying, agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and public safety. Fast-growing field with a 2-month cert.

Mid-career pay
$70k
Fastest path
1–3 months
+20% 8,000 open
73
Aviation & Aerospace

Flight Attendant

Travel the world and get paid for it. Major airlines pay $100k+ at the top of seniority. No degree required, training is paid.

Mid-career pay
$65k
Fastest path
6–8 weeks
+11% 17,000 open
71
Aviation & Aerospace

Commercial Airline Pilot

Fly passengers and cargo for major airlines. Captains at major carriers earn $300k+ at the top of seniority. Severe pilot shortage means fast hiring.

Mid-career pay
$175k
Fastest path
2–3 years
+5% 18,000 open
70
Aviation & Aerospace

Air Traffic Controller

Direct aircraft from control towers and radar facilities. Federal job with one of the best pay-to-effort ratios in America — and you can't be older than 31 when you apply.

Mid-career pay
$138k
Fastest path
3–4 months Academy + 2–3 yrs OJT (all paid)
+1% 3,000 open
64
Aviation & Aerospace

Aircraft Mechanic (A&P Certified)

Maintain and repair airplanes. FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certified mechanics are in severe shortage — signing bonuses at major airlines are common.

Mid-career pay
$78k
Fastest path
18–24 months
+4% 13,000 open
30
Aviation & Aerospace

Aerospace Engineer

Design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. Strong defense and commercial-space (SpaceX, Blue Origin) demand.

Mid-career pay
$125k
Fastest path
4 years
+6% 5,800 open

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