Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers vs. Airfield Operations Specialists: Who Earns More?
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers out-earn Airfield Operations Specialists by $9K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers land at $65,380 and Airfield Operations Specialists at $56,850. The education gap is real: aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assembler programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while airfield operations specialist programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers is Washington ($110,470); for Airfield Operations Specialists it's Kentucky ($123,290).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers or Airfield Operations Specialists?
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers earn more nationally. The median is $65,380 for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers versus $56,850 for Airfield Operations Specialists, a difference of $9K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers or Airfield Operations Specialists?
Airfield Operations Specialists has the better 10-year outlook at 4.2% projected growth, compared to -14.5% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers or Airfield Operations Specialists?
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Airfield Operations Specialists requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers at $110,470/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers vs. Airfield Operations Specialists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers earn $110,470 vs. $84,050 for Airfield Operations Specialists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.