SOC 55-1011.00
Perform and direct in-flight duties to ensure the successful completion of combat, reconnaissance, transport, and search and rescue missions.
Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition
Annual pay range
Not reported in the latest federal data
In short
Air crew officers direct and perform critical in-flight duties to complete military transport, combat, search and rescue, and reconnaissance missions. While specific median pay and job growth rates for this military role are not reported, these officers hold highly specialized positions within the armed forces.
Written with AI from the BLS, O*NET and CareerOneStop data on this page. Every figure is checked against that data before it is published.
Perform and direct in-flight duties to ensure the successful completion of combat, reconnaissance, transport, and search and rescue missions. Duties include operating aircraft communications and radar equipment, such as establishing satellite linkages and jamming enemy communications capabilities; operating aircraft weapons and defensive systems; conducting preflight, in-flight, and postflight inspections of onboard equipment; and directing cargo and personnel drops.
Air crew officers handle a wide range of high-responsibility tasks while in flight. They operate advanced aircraft communications and radar equipment, which includes securing satellite linkages and jamming the communications of adversaries. These officers are also responsible for operating defensive systems and weapons on the aircraft. Before, during, and after flights, they conduct thorough inspections of all onboard equipment to ensure safety and mission readiness. Additionally, they direct the dropping of cargo and personnel during operations.
This role requires individuals who can lead and direct others under intense pressure. Daily duties demand strong technical skills to manage complex electronic systems, alongside deep knowledge of military operations and safety protocols. Air crew officers must be detail-oriented, highly analytical, and capable of making rapid decisions in dynamic environments. They work closely as a team, coordinating with pilots and ground control to execute missions successfully.
Preparation for this career typically occurs directly through the branches of the military. There are no specific college majors listed in the national database that directly crosswalk to this occupation, and entry paths generally go through military officer commissioning programs.
While some general certifications exist in public databases under this occupational code—such as the Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor, Board Certification in Social Security Disability Law, Certified Agricultural Irrigation Specialist, or various agricultural and culinary certifications—these are not standard requirements for military flight operations. Instead, candidates must meet strict military physical, mental, and security clearance requirements. Once commissioned, officers undergo intensive, specialized military flight and tactical training to prepare for their specific onboard roles, such as electronic warfare, weapons systems, or reconnaissance.
The median annual pay and projected job growth rate for air crew officers are not reported. Because this is a specialized military occupation, compensation is determined by the military pay grade structure, which is based on rank and years of service, rather than traditional civilian market rates. Annual job openings are also not reported, as personnel needs fluctuate based on military recruitment targets and national defense requirements.
Airdrop Systems Technician · Astronaut, Mission Specialist · Helicopter Officer · Naval Flight Officer, Airborne Reconnaissance Officer · Naval Flight Officer, Bombardier/Navigator · Naval Flight Officer, Electronic Warfare Officer · Naval Flight Officer, Qualified Supporting Arms Coordinator (Airborne) · Naval Flight Officer, Radar Intercept Officer · Naval Flight Officer, Weapons Systems Officer · Special Project Airborne Electronics Evaluator
CareerOneStop
What air crew officers may need beyond a degree, where a license is required, and what the work pays in each state.
Core certifications employers recognise for this work. Showing 12 of 50.
Data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor (Employment and Training Administration, with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development). Retrieved November 9, 2026.
Your plan
Courses, majors, colleges, scholarships and a timeline for this career, built from your profile.
Written with AI from the BLS, O*NET and CareerOneStop data on this page. Every figure is checked against that data before it is published.
People in this profession are known by several titles depending on their specific branch and duties. These include Naval Flight Officer, Mission Specialist, Helicopter Officer, Weapons Systems Officer, and Astronaut. Other titles include Airborne Reconnaissance Officer and Airdrop Systems Technician.
Air crew officers perform and direct duties for a variety of military operations. They support combat, reconnaissance, transport, and search and rescue missions. Their work ensures that both personnel and cargo are delivered safely and that tactical objectives are met.
The median annual pay for air crew officers is not reported. Because these are military positions, compensation is set by official military pay scales based on rank, active duty status, and years of service.
Every figure on this page comes from these public datasets. Missing values are shown as not reported, never estimated.
Version 31.0
Version 2025-35 · Data year 2025
Version 2025 · Data year 2025
Version 2020 · Data year 2020
O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. CollegesRef has modified all or some of this information.
Data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor (Employment and Training Administration, with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development). Retrieved November 9, 2026.
Page data updated November 5, 2026.