For Educators: Military Resources
Military Air Crew Members
Median Salary
72,443
Workforce Count
103,267
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
Air crew members perform in-flight duties to ensure the successful completion of combat, reconnaissance, transport, and search and rescue missions. They perform inspections to ensure equipment is in working order and are responsible for properly storing cargo for flight. They operate, monitor, and perform limited maintenance on mission-critical systems. Their responsibilities may vary by type of aircraft, and include such tasks as operating mine sweeping, refueling, photography, and electronic warfare systems.
What is the work environment like?
Air crew members work inside all sizes and types of aircraft based on land or aboard ships. They fly in all types of weather and in both hot and cold climates. Some air crew members, such as flight attendants, work on land and in airplanes.
How many people have this role in the Military?
103,267
Compensation
Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Always fixed based on rank and service time.
- Distributed monthly.
What is the typical salary range?
Salary by Years of Service
$103,730
2 Years
$79,964
6 Years
$103,730
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
What Service Branches offer this role?
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Enlisted service members execute vital tasks, support operations alongside officers and develop role-specific skills to achieve mission success.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Air crew members will gain skills through classes and on-the-job experience, including practical experience in aircraft systems operation and maintenance. Further training occurs on the job through actual flying time. There are additional courses covering air crew survival, scuba diving, parachuting, aircraft maneuvering, and combat crew training. Training content varies by specialty and may include:
- Operation of aircraft gunnery systems
- Operation of aircraft in-flight refueling systems
- Cargo, munitions, and fuel load planning
- Rescue and recovery operations
Education
Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree
The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For CollegeSkills and Interest
What personality traits help people thrive in this role?
RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.
Take the RIASEC TestRelated Military Occupations
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