From pilots to engineers and additional crew, the options are abundant and your world is limitless when you enter into a career in aviation.
Here you will find information on some of the more popular career choices.
If you want to chat more, let’s do it! Please contact us at [email protected] to find out what other careers are available or visit our Mentorship page to get started.
Aerospace Engineers are responsible for developing new systems and aircraft that meet the highest standards for safety and performance. Each year, more than 1 200 new and modified aeronautical products are built or operated in Canada. A day in the life of an aerospace engineer could include developing new aircraft flight systems, designing new propulsion systems, or studying and analyzing aircraft aerodynamics.
Aerospace engineers have experience and education in aerodynamics, stress analysis and structural design, flight mechanics, stability and control, aircraft performance, propulsion, avionics and systems, or mechanical and electrical engineering.
Only 16 percent of the aircraft, spacecraft, and manufacturing subgroup within aerospace are women.
Career Options:
Where Can You Work:
Anywhere in Canada, although the demand will be higher in larger cities.
Prerequisites:
Where to Train:
There are many universities across Canada that offer a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering degrees including Carleton University, Concordia University, Ecole Polytech de Montreal, Royal Military College of Canada, and Ryerson University. Undergraduate degrees can also be earned in various schools in the country.
Length of Training:
4 years
Skills Needed:
Cost of training:
Tuition costs vary dependant on university.
Average Starting Salary:
$50,000 – $65,000 per year
Average Max Salary:
$145,000 per year
Additional Information:
Special provincial licensing may be required.
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is a part of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. It defends and protects Canadian and North American airspace in partnership with the United States. The RCAF also contributes to international peace and security. With a wide variety of different occupations, the RCAF provides amazing career opportunities and personal growth.
As of 2014, the Royal Canadian Air Force is comprised of 18.7% women.
Career Options:
Where You Could Work:
Any military base in Canada, but most commonly on an RCAF Wing. These are located in:
Prerequisites. You must:
For more details, go to www.forces.ca
Process:
Average Salary:
This depends on entry plan. For more details visit www.forces.ca.
Additional Information:
When joining the Regular Force (full time service), a willingness to relocate is required, as you could be posted at any base in Canada. Joining the Reserve Force (part time service), is an option for those who cannot or do not wish to relocate.
For more information, go to www.forces.ca.
A career as an air traffic controller is rewarding, exciting, and dynamic.
In Canada 16% of air traffic controllers are women.
Career Options:
Where Can You Work:
NAV CANADA employs all of the air traffic controllers in Canada. Tower controllers work at one of 41 airports across the country and area controllers work in one of the seven area controller centres.
Training Required:
All training is provided by NAV CANADA.
Where to Train:
You will be completing classroom training in one of the seven ACC’s and then posted to your specific specialty for the on the job training portion.
Length of Training:
Basic training is between 4-6 months, followed by specialty training. The specialty training consists of 4-8 months of classroom and 6-12 months of on-the-job training.
Skills Needed:
Requirements:
Application Process:
Average Starting Salary:
Average Max Salary: $150,000 per year plus premiums
Additional Information:
The application process is extremely competitive. Successfully completing a hurdle does not guarantee that you will be invited to participate in the next step. We will gladly pair you up with a mentor for guidance on getting into this career! Apply online here:
As an AME you will be servicing and repairing all types of aircraft and helicopters.
Only 2% of AME’s are women. This career has the lowest percentage of women in the entire industry.
Career Growth:
Where Can You Work:
Training Required:
Where to Train:
At a vocational, technical, or community college with an accredited Aircraft Maintenance program. Different colleges offer different certifications, so make sure you research which AME certification is offered at your college of choice!
Length of Training:
The average length of college AME programs is two years. Following this, you must work a minimum of 2.5 years as an apprentice before becoming a full-fledged AME.
Skills Needed:
Average Starting Salary: $35,000 – $45,000 per year
Average Max Salary: $65,000 per year
Airport operations specialists work hard to keep Canada’s airports operating safely and effectively.
With a broad training in aviation operations, business management and human resources, airport operations specialists can pursue careers in airspace management, wildlife control, runway operations, airport management, firefighting and emergency response, and security—but these are just a few of the career options available!
Career Options:
Where Can You Work:
Prerequisites:
Where to Train:
Vocational colleges or business programs through a post secondary institution.
Length of Training:
Depending on the particular role, training can range from a few months to a number of years.
Skills Needed:
Cost of training:
Prices can be found at local colleges or training institutions. Depending on career path, on the job training may be available or equivalent experience will be considered in place of education.
Average Starting Salary:
$40,000 – $65,000 per year
Average Max Salary:
$150,000 per year
Additional Information:
A willingness to relocate helps but is not required for all jobs. There are plenty of jobs that allow you to be home most nights and plenty that will have you travelling the world. The path you choose is up to you!
In this energetic, go-getter role you may apply your talents anywhere from monitoring budgets and project pipelines, to reporting rhythms, and even special events planning. You enjoy sharing status reports and liaising with people from diverse backgrounds, roles, and ways of thinking, weaving the details of their assignments into one big picture. These roles even include marketing, law, accounting, human resources, and other common roles as they relate to the aviation industry.
Career Options:
Where Can You Work:
Prerequisites:
Where to Train:
Vocational colleges or business programs through a post secondary institution.
Length of Training:
Depending on the particular role, training can range from a few months to a number of years.
Skills Needed:
Cost of training:
Prices can be found at local colleges or training institutions. Depending on career path, on the job training may be available or equivalent experience will be considered in place of education.
Average Starting Salary:
$40,000 – $65,000 per year
Average Max Salary:
$150,000 per year
Additional Information:
A willingness to relocate helps but is not required for all jobs. There are plenty of jobs that allow you to be home most nights and plenty that will have you travelling the world. The path you choose is up to you!
Also know as flight stewards, this position is key in managing safety, security, and comfort for aircraft passengers. It is perfect for anyone who loves to travel and provide great customer service!
This career is the only one in the aviation industry that is heavily female dominated! About 75% of flight attendants are women in Canada.
Flight attendants check that emergency equipment is working, the cabin is clean, and there is an adequate supply of food and beverages on board. They greet passengers as they board the aircraft, direct them to their seats, and provide assistance as needed.
Career Options:
Where Can You Work:
Flight attendants are employed with any airline and typically based out of larger cities across the country.
Training Required:
All training is provided by the companies.
Where to Train:
Depending on which company you work for will depend on where you will train. In many cases, training takes place in a centralized training program in your region.
Length of Training:
Training is approximately seven weeks long on average.
Skills Needed:
Requirements:
Application Process:
Apply online through the website of airline companies you wish to work for. Normally consists of an online application form and submitting your resume.
Average Salary:
Approximately $30,000 – $40,000 per year
Additional Information:
Another really exciting part of this job? Most companies offer free travel benefits to flight attendants and their immediate families after a probationary employment period!
Flight operations offers a variety of exciting and dynamic positions where no two days are alike. Generally flight operations are responsible for the daily operations of an airlines control centre, and ensuring that delays are minimised by assigning appropriate aircraft and personnelle. The role includes management of technical and operational factors such as weather, landing and overflight permits, route planning, performance, facilities, technical conditions.
Career Options:
Where Can You Work:
Prerequisites:
Training Required:
Where to Train:
Register at any flight school or college. Training consists of a combination of ground school and in-flight training.
Length of Training:
Depending on the program, the average is between 2 weeks to 1 year
Skills Needed:
Ability to make critical decisions with limited information Ability to work shift rotation Communication skills Computer Skills Attention to detail and accuracy
Cost of training:
Dependent upon position, on the job training can be included or you can pursue diploma or degree to further your career.
Average Starting Salary:
$30,000 – $60,000 per year
Average Max Salary:
$110,000 per year
Additional Information:
A willingness to relocate helps but is not required for all jobs. There are plenty of jobs that allow you to be home most nights and plenty that will have you travelling the world. The path you choose is up to you!
A career as a pilot has many opportunities but also several things to consider such as the cost of training, the willingness to relocate and the ranges in salary.
In Canada only 6% of all private pilots and 4.5% of airline pilots are women!
Career Options:
Where Can You Work:
Prerequisites:
Training Required:
Where to Train:
Register at any flight school or college. Training consists of a combination of ground school and in flight training.
Length of Training:
Depending on the program, the average is between 1- 4 years
Skills Needed:
Cost of training:
Varies, but from start to finish averages at a $50,000 minimum. This could be higher depending on how often you can fly. The closer your flights are together, the more hours can be reduced to complete your training. The additional ratings you choose can add to the price as well.
Average Starting Salary: $25,000 – $45,000 per year
Average Max Salary: $125,000 per year
Additional Information:
A willingness to relocate helps but is not required for all jobs. There are plenty of jobs that allow you to be home most nights and plenty that will have you travelling the world. The path you choose is up to you!
