Students working on an airplane part
Aviation

High flying careers await you

If you’ve ever dreamed of flying or want to be part of keeping the skies safe, a career in aviation might be for you. Whether you’re interested in becoming a pilot, aviation maintenance technician, drone operator, or aircraft designer, the field offers exciting, fast-paced work with a strong sense of purpose. Aviation is a high-demand industry that’s constantly evolving with new technology, increased commercial air travel, and the growing use of drones across many sectors. From agriculture and conservation to firefighting and law enforcement, drones are powerful tools—but using them effectively requires skill in remote sensing, piloting, and an understanding of the industries they support. People drawn to aviation are often detail-oriented, curious, and driven by the pride of knowing their work keeps others safe and connected.

Airline Pilot

Fly or navigate airplanes or helicopters on scheduled routes.

Median to Top Salary

$183,500 - $306,700

Future Outlook*

1,369 OPENINGS

Commercial Pilot

Fly or navigate airplanes or helicopters on non-scheduled routes.

Median to Top Salary

$132,900 - $222,400

Future Outlook*

798 OPENINGS

Aircraft Maintenance Technician

Repair aircraft engines and other systems.

Median to Top Salary

$84,100 - $137,700

Future Outlook*

775 OPENINGS

Avionics Technicians

Install, inspect and test electronic equipment in aircraft.

Median to Top Salary

$71,700 - $97,000

Future Outlook*

87 OPENINGS

Find the right college for you

Minnesota State has 25 colleges with transportation related program pathways. Below is the list of colleges that support these career pathways. Expand each one to see what each college offers!

Campus Location
851 30th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904
Degrees / Diplomas / Certificates
Visit College Website Schedule Campus Visit
Rochester community and technical college
*All data is from the Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence’s Demand Analysis and Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development Labor Market Information. *Future Outlook is the number of job openings over the next five years.

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