Cockpit Crew

• The cockpit crew includes pilots, copilots and flight engineers responsible for flying aircraft from one location to another to deliver passengers or cargo. They make a median salary of $106,240 annually, with a range of $56,620 to over $166,400 as of May 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The industry employing the most of this profession is scheduled air transportation, which includes commercial airline pilots. It hires 60,970 individuals and pays $119,520 per year. The industries with the highest salaries are employment services, who use cockpit crew to ferry job applicants and new-hires between destinations. They pay $121,750 annually but only offer 120 positions.
  
  

Aircraft Mechanics

• Aircraft mechanics maintain and repair aircraft systems including engines, landing gears, air-conditioning systems and pressurized sections. They earn a median $52,810 annually, with a range of $33,360 to $71,600. Their biggest employers are support activities for air transportation, which provide aviation maintenance services on a consulting or contract basis. They hire 27,460 workers and pay $45,530 per year. The industries with the best pay for aircraft mechanics are couriers and express delivery services, with compensation at $84,920 per year and employment at 4,160 individuals.
  
  

Flight Attendants

• Flight attendants provide for the comfort and safety of passengers during flight by verifying seats, explaining safety equipment, and serving food and drinks. They are paid a median $40,010 per year, with a range of $25,420 to $71,280. Their biggest employer is scheduled air transportation with 94,120 positions and annual wages at $43,290. The highest paying employers are support activities for air transportation, with salaries at $72,520. However, with only 100 total positions, this workplace is difficult to break into.
  
  

Ticket Agents

• Ticket agents sell tickets to passengers for scheduled airline flights through the phone, online or face-to-face. When selling at the airport, they may confirm reservations and check baggage, while directing passengers to the correct departure gate. They make a median $31,250 yearly, with a range of $19,640 to $47,410. Their largest employer is scheduled air transportation with employment at 90,510 and annual pay at $34,720. The highest-paying employers are freight transportation arrangement, which pays $42,320 but only has 240 jobs.