Air Transport Professionals

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Career Insights

  • Full Time Average
    Weekly Wage

    > $2,460
    Earnings for full-time employees before tax.

    The ranges are for all ages and levels of experience, so they cannot be used to determine what an individual worker will actually earn.
  • Full Time/Part Time
    Split

    74%26%
    This shows the proportion of workers who work part-time.

    The information uses the Australian Bureau of Statistics definition of part-time, which is working less than 35 hours per week.
  • Currently Employed
    Workers

    16,700
    The total number of people employed in Australia in November 2025 for this occupation.

    It includes both full-time and part-time workers.
  • Future Job Openings
    Next Five Years

    < 5k
    An estimate of the number of job opportunities likely to be available over the next five years.

    It does not provide any guidance about the number of job seekers for this occupation.
  • Current
    Unemployment

    Low
    The unemployment rate is the number of unemployed people as a percentage of the labour force (employed plus unemployed).
    An occupation may have high unemployment but may also be experiencing shortages for particular skills.
  • Powered by Australian Jobs 2026

Career Details

Air Transport Professionals fly and navigate aircraft, control and direct air traffic to ensure the safe and efficient operation of aircraft in flight and on the ground, and instruct students in flying aircraft.

Most occupations in this field typically require a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Aeroplane and Helicopter Pilots require a prescribed minimum amount of flying experience in addition to the formal qualification.

Registration or licensing is required.

Tasks Include:

  • preparing and submitting flight plans giving consideration to factors such as weather conditions and aircraft performance
  • flying aircraft in accordance with established air traffic control and aircraft operating procedures
  • providing flight information for flight crews and air traffic services staff
  • controlling aircraft movements, and directing aircraft taxiing, take-offs and landings by radio
  • providing pre-flight briefings and aeronautical information services
  • completing cockpit preparations and external inspections to determine that aircraft are acceptable for flight
  • monitoring aircraft performance and reporting on mechanical condition
  • giving in-flight instruction, supervising solo flights, accompanying students on training flights and demonstrating techniques for controlling aircraft

Occupations:

  • Aeroplane Pilot 
  • Air Traffic Controller 
  • Flying Instructor 
  • Helicopter Pilot 
  • Air Transport Professionals nec


Aeroplane Pilot


Flies aeroplanes to transport passengers, mail and freight, or provide agricultural, aerial surveillance or other aviation services. Registration or licensing is required.


Air Traffic Controller


Ensures the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in controlled airspace and aerodromes by directing aircraft movements. Registration or licensing is required.


Flying Instructor


Teaches the theory and practical skills of flying aircraft. Registration or licensing is required.

Specialisations:

  • Gliding Pilot Instructor 
  • Helicopter Pilot Instructor


Helicopter Pilot


Flies helicopters to transport passengers, mail or freight, or provide agricultural, aviation or aerial surveillance services. Registration or licensing is required.


Air Transport Professionals Nec


This occupation group covers Air Transport Professionals not elsewhere classified. Registration or licensing is required.

Occupations in this group include:

  • Aircraft Navigator 
  • Airworthiness Inspector
  • Balloonist 
  • Flight Engineer Inspector

Find out more

Check out the Good Universities Guide for more information on careers and the courses that can help get you there.


Link - Air Transport Professionals

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