Airfield operations specialists
SOC Code: 53-2022
Airfield operations specialists carries a 45% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $56,750 and +4.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 16,900 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Airfield operations specialists (SOC 53-2022) carries an AI exposure score of 45%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 16,900 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.2% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $56,750, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Airfield operations specialists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Inspect airfield conditions to ensure compliance with federal regulatory requirements.
- 2. Implement airfield safety procedures to ensure a safe operating environment for personnel and aircraft operation.
- 3. Conduct inspections of the airport property and perimeter to maintain controlled access to airfields.
- 4. Assist in responding to aircraft and medical emergencies.
- 5. Initiate or conduct airport-wide coordination of snow removal on runways and taxiways.
- 6. Manage wildlife on and around airport grounds.
- 7. Coordinate communications between air traffic control and maintenance personnel.
- 8. Coordinate with agencies to meet aircrew requirements for billeting, messing, refueling, ground transportation, and transient aircraft maintenance.
- 9. Perform and supervise airfield management activities, including mobile airfield management functions.
- 10. Plan and coordinate airfield construction.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Coordination
- Writing
- Complex Problem Solving
- Active Learning
- Instructing
Knowledge Areas
- Public Safety and Security
- Transportation
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- Telecommunications
- Administration and Management
- Law and Government
- Administrative
- Computers and Electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Airfield operations specialists?
Airfield operations specialists has an AI exposure score of 45%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Airfield operations specialists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Airfield operations specialists is projected to grow by 4.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 16,900 workers.
What skills are needed for Airfield operations specialists?
Key skills for Airfield operations specialists include Active Listening, Monitoring, Reading Comprehension, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Airfield operations specialists earn?
The median annual wage for Airfield operations specialists is $56,750, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Airfield operations specialists?
The typical entry-level education for Airfield operations specialists is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Long-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Airfield operations specialists?
Airfield operations specialists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).