Explore career options in aviation management

Here you can find information on the career options and pathways in the field of aviation management

You can also discover where to look for job vacancies, as well as professional associations, mentoring and international opportunities.

Opportunities

Aviation management is for those seeking a diverse range of roles in the aviation industry. These programs will help you advance your career in aviation management and thrive in the constantly changing aviation environment.

The content of these programs focuses on the management underpinning the theory and practice of aviation, and includes courses in economics, airports, leadership and safety management systems in aviation. You will also be able to apply the skills acquired in your program to many areas of the aviation industry such as management and research.

Career fields

  • Airline management
  • Charter operators
  • Defence forces
  • Civil Aviation Safety Authority
  • Air rescue services
  • Air traffic control services
  • Air freight and cargo services
  • Airport operations
  • Aircraft manufacturing

Employment roles


  • Airline manager
  • Aviation planner
  • Airport manager
  • Systems manager
  • Operations controller
  • Simulator instructor
  • Aircraft maintenance planner
  • Operations manager
  • Air freight manager
  • Airworthiness inspector
  • Aviation customer service agent
  • Aircraft safety inspector/officer
  • Air traffic control trainee
  • Network operations coordinator
  • Aviation screening officer
  • Ramp services officer
  • Air transport analyst
  • Airport operations /coordinator/supervisor
  • Aviation security manager
  • Aircraft maintenance planner
  • Airline cargo agent
  • Crew controller
  • Air operations officer
  • Safety manager/officer
  • Air field officer

Occupation snapshot

Employed

11,300

Future growth

Stable

Weekly earnings

$1,446

Part-time share

22%

This data is based on the occupation profile for air transport professionals retrieved from the Government's Jobs and Skills Australia website and YourCareer website October 2024.

Your employability

In addition to knowledge and skills directly related to your program of study, you will also develop a range of other skills such as teamwork, analytical, communication through academic study, employment, voluntary work, sporting and recreational activities and life experience.

Recognising the value employers place on these skills is an important factor in your graduate job search. You can further develop your employability with these resources:

Notable alumna: Captain Jan Becker AM

Captain Jan Becker AM, CEO of Becker Helicopter Services, is a trailblazer in aviation and healthcare, combining her roles as a helicopter pilot and midwife. She co-founded the largest helicopter pilot training academy in the Southern Hemisphere and has been instrumental in emergency response coordination and pilot training. Recognised with an Order of Australia Medal, she also founded a midwifery training clinic in Tanzania, significantly impacting maternal and neonatal health.

Job application resources

Craft a stand-out resume and cover letter, and learn how to prepare for job interviews.

Approach potential employers

Many work opportunities are not advertised, so we recommend approaching potential employers with the aim of researching their needs and how your skills, experience, interests and qualifications could match theirs.

This is called informational interviewing and will benefit you by:

  • clarifying your specific career direction
  • enhancing your professional network
  • increasing your chances of being offered a job.

Informational interviews

Industry outlook

The Your Career website includes helpful information such as job descriptions, employment prospects, average weekly earnings and skills requirements. Every job title in the database has a skills section to help you identify and describe essential skills for your future career.

The My Future website also has job descriptions and a useful career insight section.

The Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching website has up-to-date information on graduate salaries, especially the Graduate Outlook Survey (GOS) National Report, which contains undergraduate salary figures.

More detailed information is available at the Labour Market Insights portal.

Professional associations

Joining a professional association is a great way to interact with people in your field who can assist you to explore your career options and potentially find employment opportunities. These associations hold regular professional development and networking events:

Students are welcome to join and often receive a discount on their membership.

Industry innovation

Aviation Reimagined is an annual webinar series featuring industry leaders, policymakers and researchers sharing their insights about a transition to a low-carbon and climate ready future for the aviation sector. 2023 marked the fourth consecutive year running this successful series, with new speakers and contributors delivering innovative insights from around the world.

See the series

Mentoring

The award-winning Industry Mentoring Program provides an excellent opportunity to further develop your employability and build professional networks.

The program is available to students with more than 80CP as well as recent graduates.

Industry Mentoring Program

Further careers information

Careers counselling

Individual career counselling sessions are available to all current students and recent graduates.

You can book an initial appointment via CareerHub.

Book an appointment

Career planning

Our website has an array of career planning resources you can explore at any stage of your student journey.

Plan your career

Career Readiness

Check out our Career Readiness site in Learning@Griffith for additional information and resources for your career development learning:

Career Readiness

Please note: The content on this webpage is a guide only. Please refer to degree-specific information and accreditation requirements of your profession on the Degree and Course Finder website and with the relevant professional accreditation body for your degree.