How to become an Airport Manager
Also called: Aviation Manager
Manages the daily operations of an airport and ensures its compliance with aviation policies, procedures and regulations.
Main tasks
- Manages the daily operations of an airport and ensures compliance with aviation policies, procedures and regulations
- Plans, manages and monitors the maintenance and development of airport infrastructure
- Manages and improves airport operations and processes, and implements safety protocols to ensure the security and safety of the airport
- Manages emergency operations and addresses problems that arise at the airport or with aircraft
- Reviews aircraft accident reports
Ways in
- TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management (SIT60122); Diploma of Aviation (Aviation Management) (AVI50119); Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management (SIT50122)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $147,940 a year
- About 68,800 people work in this job group now, and about 82,900 are projected by 2035. (+20.4%)
- AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.
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- Correctional Facility Manager
- Emergency Management Officer
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- Commissioned Defence Force Officer
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Questions people ask
How do I become an Airport Manager?
Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management; Diploma of Aviation (Aviation Management).
How much does an Airport Manager earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $147,940 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is an Airport Manager a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 20% by 2035, from about 68,800 to about 82,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become an Airport Manager?
Not always. 53% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management; Diploma of Aviation (Aviation Management).
Will AI change the work of an Airport Manager?
AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04