Studying Aviation Technology: Degrees at a Glance
Aviation technology degree programs can prepare you for careers ranging from technician or mechanic to pilot, air traffic controller or airport manager. Aviation technology degree programs vary in focus at both the associate's and bachelor's levels, and you can find programs emphasizing pilot training, maintenance or administration.
A career in aviation may seem like an excellent idea. Aside from the romantic notion of being in the clouds, flying is a main transportation form for travel and cargo shipping. However, employment prospects for some aviation professionals are less than robust. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) 2010-2020 projections, maintenance technicians may see a lower-than-average 6% employment growth, and air traffic controllers may see a 3% decline in employment. However, pilots could see an average 11% job growth during this same decade.
Associate's | Bachelor's | |
---|---|---|
Who is this degree for? | Individuals looking for entry-level employment in the aviation field as technicians, mechanics or pilots | Individuals interested in seeking employment in aviation management |
Common Career Paths (with approximate mean salary) | - Aviation maintenance technician ($55,000)* - Airline pilot ($118,000)* - Commercial pilot ($76,000)* | - Air traffic controller ($114,00)* - Aviation manager ($169,000)** |
Time to Completion | 2 years full-time | 4 years full-time |
Common Graduation Requirements | Flight training (for piloting programs) | Flight training (for piloting programs) |
Prerequisites | - High school diploma - Placement test scores (such as SAT) | - High school diploma - Minimum SAT scores |
Online Availability | Limited availability | Limited availability |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures), **Salary.com (September 2012 figures).