Agricultural Equipment Operators vs. Airfield Operations Specialists: Who Earns More?
Airfield Operations Specialists out-earn Agricultural Equipment Operators by $15K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Agricultural Equipment Operators land at $41,730 and Airfield Operations Specialists at $56,850. The education gap is real: agricultural equipment operator programs typically require no formal educational credential, while airfield operations specialist programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Agricultural Equipment Operators is Montana ($58,770); for Airfield Operations Specialists it's Kentucky ($123,290).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Agricultural Equipment Operators median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Agricultural Equipment Operators or Airfield Operations Specialists?
Airfield Operations Specialists earn more nationally. The median is $41,730 for Agricultural Equipment Operators versus $56,850 for Airfield Operations Specialists, a difference of $15K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Agricultural Equipment Operators or Airfield Operations Specialists?
Agricultural Equipment Operators has the better 10-year outlook at 7.7% projected growth, compared to 4.2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Agricultural Equipment Operators or Airfield Operations Specialists?
Agricultural Equipment Operators typically requires no formal educational credential. Airfield Operations Specialists requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Agricultural Equipment Operators get paid the most?
Montana is the top-paying state for Agricultural Equipment Operators at $58,770/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Agricultural Equipment Operators vs. Airfield Operations Specialists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Virginia, Agricultural Equipment Operators earn $47,890 vs. $72,250 for Airfield Operations Specialists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.