Air Transportation, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
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Debt to Income Ratio
Why Air Transportation, Other. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 47.2%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Air Transportation, Other. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $46956 and average student debt of $22158, the financial outlook for Air Transportation, Other. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
If you’re thinking about Air Transportation, Other., you’re looking at a field that’s both challenging and rewarding. Typical starting salaries are around $46956, with grads carrying about $22158 in student loans and a debt-to-income ratio of 0.47—which is excellent for paying off loans quickly.
Each year, over 10445 students complete this major, so you’ll have plenty of peers to connect with. Whether you’re motivated by salary, job outlook, or the chance to build something meaningful, Air Transportation, Other. can help you get there. Make the most of your college years by seeking out hands-on experiences and building your network.
Degree Overview
Air Transportation, Other (CIP 49.0199) is a specialized aviation and transportation field focused on the operation, coordination, support, and management of air transportation systems that fall outside traditional pilot or aircraft maintenance programs. This classification includes emerging, hybrid, and support-oriented aviation programs that prepare professionals to work behind the scenes of modern air travel—ensuring safety, efficiency, logistics, and regulatory compliance across civilian, commercial, and government aviation environments.
For a degree search site, Air Transportation, Other represents responsibility, systems thinking, and global connectivity. Air travel is one of the most complex transportation systems in the world, relying on precise coordination between aircraft, crews, airports, airspace, logistics, and regulations. This degree appeals to students who want a career in aviation without being a pilot or mechanic, offering stable demand, strong career pathways, and exposure to a globally essential industry.
What Is an Air Transportation Degree?
An Air Transportation, Other degree or certificate is a workforce-focused program designed to prepare students for aviation roles that support, manage, or coordinate air transportation systems. Programs under the “Other” designation typically emphasize aviation operations, logistics, safety oversight, dispatch, planning, or emerging aviation services rather than flight training alone.
This degree typically focuses on:
- Air transportation systems and operations
- Aviation safety and regulatory compliance
- Airport and airline coordination
- Logistics, scheduling, and traffic flow
- Communication and documentation procedures
Community colleges, aviation institutes, universities, and technical schools offer this degree to:
- Prepare students for non-pilot aviation and air transport careers
- Support airline, airport, and aviation service workforce needs
- Address growing complexity in air transportation systems
- Train professionals for evolving aviation technologies and regulations
Air transportation programs emphasize systems awareness, safety culture, and operational reliability.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how air transportation functions as an interconnected system involving aircraft, airspace, airports, personnel, and regulations. You’ll study how flights are planned, scheduled, monitored, and supported from departure to arrival.
The curriculum emphasizes applied operational knowledge rather than flight control. Students learn how to interpret aviation regulations, coordinate schedules, manage documentation, support safety protocols, and communicate effectively in time-sensitive environments. Because aviation safety depends on strict procedures and accountability, programs strongly emphasize attention to detail and compliance.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Aviation operations coordination—flight and ground support
- Safety management and compliance—regulations and procedures
- Logistics and scheduling—aircraft and crew coordination
- Aviation communication protocols—clear, precise information flow
- Documentation and recordkeeping—flight and operational records
- Situational awareness and decision support—dynamic environments
- Problem-solving under time pressure—operational disruptions
- Teamwork across departments—airlines, airports, and agencies
These skills are critical for maintaining safe and efficient air transportation.
Topics You May Explore
Because this is an “Other” classification, coursework varies by program but often includes:
- Introduction to Air Transportation Systems: aviation industry overview
- Aviation Safety and Regulations: FAA and international standards
- Airport Operations and Management: ground and terminal systems
- Airline Operations and Dispatch Concepts: flight coordination
- Aviation Weather and Its Impact: operational decision-making
- Air Traffic Systems Awareness: airspace structure and flow
- Aviation Logistics and Scheduling: efficiency and planning
- Emergency and Irregular Operations: disruption management
- Applied Aviation Operations Project: real-world scenarios
Programs may also introduce emerging areas such as unmanned aircraft systems support or advanced air mobility.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
An Air Transportation, Other degree prepares students for operational, coordination, and support roles within aviation organizations. Advancement is based on experience, certifications, and regulatory knowledge.
Common career paths include:
- Airline or Aviation Operations Specialist: flight coordination
- Airport Operations or Duty Officer: terminal and airfield oversight
- Flight Operations or Dispatch Support Staff: planning assistance
- Aviation Safety or Compliance Coordinator: regulatory support
- Air Cargo or Logistics Coordinator: freight and transport systems
- Ground Operations or Ramp Management Staff: aircraft servicing
- Long-Term Path: operations manager, safety manager, or director
These roles are essential to keeping flights safe, on time, and compliant.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in organizations that operate or support air transportation:
- Commercial airlines and regional carriers
- Airports and airport authorities
- Air cargo and logistics companies
- Aviation service providers and contractors
- Government and regulatory agencies
- Corporate or private aviation operations
- Defense and public-sector aviation organizations
Air transportation professionals support both passenger and cargo aviation worldwide.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary by role, organization, and experience level.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level aviation operations roles: often $45,000–$60,000
- Experienced operations or coordination professionals: commonly $60,000–$85,000
- Supervisors, managers, or safety specialists: can reach $90,000–$120,000+
Airports, major airlines, and management roles often offer strong benefits and long-term stability.
Is This Degree Hard?
Air Transportation, Other is considered mentally demanding and detail-intensive. While it is not physically strenuous like some trades, it requires strong focus, procedural discipline, and comfort working in fast-paced, high-responsibility environments.
The challenge lies in managing complex systems, following strict regulations, and making sound decisions under time pressure.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Are fascinated by aviation and air travel systems
- Like structured, rule-based environments
- Enjoy coordination, planning, and logistics
- Want an aviation career without flight training
- Prefer operational responsibility over mechanical work
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for an air transportation program:
- Take math, geography, physics, and computer-related courses
- Develop strong organization, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Learn basic weather, navigation, or aviation concepts if available
- Participate in aviation clubs, STEM programs, or leadership activities
- Practice attention to detail and responsibility
Air Transportation, Other (CIP 49.0199) is an excellent degree for students who want to work at the operational core of aviation. It provides access to a global, high-responsibility industry with strong career stability and advancement potential. For those drawn to systems, safety, and coordination rather than the cockpit or hangar, this degree offers a powerful and respected pathway into the world of air transportation.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor