Airfield Operations Specialist Salary Overview in Virginia Beach, VA
Careerclev's modeled 2026 benchmark places Airfield Operations Specialist pay in Virginia Beach, VA at about $35,637.0 per year. On the latest official BLS baseline for this market, the lower local range starts near $26,810.0, while the strongest-paid professionals can reach about $58,920.0.
Salary estimates are based on data from the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, Va-Nc metropolitan area, which includes nearby cities such as Chesapeake, and Norfolk.
If you’re comparing Airfield Operations Specialist salaries in Virginia Beach, VA, the real story isn’t just the headline number. Local employer mix, seniority, specialization, and whether the role is remote, hybrid, or onsite can push compensation well above or below the local median.
Virginia Beach, VA vs. U.S. National Average
Virginia Beach, VA pays -37% vs u.s. for Airfield Operations Specialist roles. The difference is driven by local employer demand, industry mix, cost pressures, and how concentrated this role is in the underlying metro labor market.
| Market | Projected Salary | vs Virginia Beach, VA | Market Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach, VA (this guide) | $35,637.0 | Baseline | Local market |
| United States | $56,750.0 | +59% vs U.S. | National baseline |
Airfield Operations Specialist Salary by Experience Level in Virginia Beach, VA
Experience changes the local salary picture quickly because employers usually pay for independence, specialization, and broader scope, not just years on paper. In Virginia Beach, VA, this breakdown shows how aAirfield Operations Specialist can move from early-career pay into stronger bands as the role becomes more self-directed.
| Level | Experience | Projected Salary | Projected Range | Market Signal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Airfield Operations Specialist | 0-2 years | $34,367.0 | $30,408.0 - $35,637.0 | -39% vs U.S. |
| Mid-Level Airfield Operations Specialist | 3-5 years | $35,637.0 | $34,367.0 - $49,180.0 | -37% vs U.S. |
| Senior Airfield Operations Specialist | 6-10 years | $49,180.0 | $35,637.0 - $66,828.0 | -13% vs U.S. |
| Lead / Principal Airfield Operations Specialist | 10+ years | $66,828.0 | $49,180.0 - $81,530.0 | +18% vs U.S. |
Airfield Operations Specialist Salary by Industry in Virginia Beach, VA
Industry premiums in Virginia Beach, VA usually come from employers that place the Airfield Operations Specialist role close to revenue, infrastructure, compliance, product delivery, or other high-value work. National industry data gives the best available benchmark until local industry slices are available.
| Industry | Modeled Salary | Reference Range | Signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $112,730 | $53,640.0 - $144,460 | Stronger salary |
| Manufacturing | $86,270.0 | $61,190.0 - $105,720 | Stronger salary |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $59,500.0 | $49,030.0 - $113,900 | Stronger salary |
| Administrative, Support, Waste Management, and Remediation Services | $57,710.0 | $26,200.0 - $101,170 | Competitive |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $49,360.0 | $33,430.0 - $94,060.0 | Competitive |
| Educational Services | $43,750.0 | $30,360.0 - $86,940.0 | Competitive |
Entry-Level Airfield Operations Specialist Salary in Virginia Beach, VA
Entry-level Airfield Operations Specialist jobs in Virginia Beach, VA are modeled around the lower local wage percentiles. Candidates who can show practical projects, job-ready tools, and strong fundamentals usually have a better path into the middle of the local salary range.
For a broader starting-pay benchmark beyond this city market, see the entry-level Airfield Operations Specialist salary guide.
Remote vs Onsite Airfield Operations Specialist Pay in Virginia Beach, VA
Remote work can widen the employer pool for Airfield Operations Specialist candidates in Virginia Beach, VA. Onsite and hybrid roles may still pay more when employers need local availability, local clients, regulated work, or team coverage.
| Work Type | Estimated Salary | Experience | Best Fit | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remote | $34,924.3 | Market dependent | National hiring pools | High |
| Hybrid | $36,349.7 | Metro dependent | Virginia Beach, VA employers | Medium |
| Onsite | $35,637.0 | Location dependent | Local teams and operations | Lower |
Cost of Living vs Salary in Virginia Beach, VA
A salary in Virginia Beach, VA should be read alongside housing, commuting, tax, and everyday costs. The same annual pay can feel very different at entry, mid-level, and senior levels.
Top Employers Hiring Airfield Operations Specialists in Virginia Beach, VA
Employer mix is one of the biggest city-level salary drivers. The industries below highlight where Airfield Operations Specialist pay tends to be strongest in Virginia Beach, VA, based on the sectors that create the most hiring demand for this role.
Airfield Operations Specialist Salary Trends in Virginia Beach, VA Over Time
Historical salary trend data for Airfield Operations Specialist in Virginia Beach, VA is available across multiple BLS wage years. The chart below shows how the local salary benchmark has changed over time.
* 2024–2026 values are modeled estimates extending from the last confirmed BLS benchmark. The last confirmed BLS figure ($31.4K, 2024) is extended with recent wage trend history, employment outlook, and tech-market signals where available, then replaced when official data is published.
Career Growth Opportunities in Virginia Beach, VA
Local career growth is strongest when it is read through both the city salary ladder and the broader national demand outlook. The city salary benchmark shows what this market currently pays, while the career path and BLS demand data show how that benchmark can expand with scope and responsibility.
| Metric | 2026 Outlook |
|---|---|
| Projected employment | 16.9k → 17.6k |
| Typical education | Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. |
| Related experience | Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. |
| Local market anchor | 30 jobs with a median of $35,637.0 |
Factors Affecting Airfield Operations Specialist Salary in Virginia Beach, VA
Local pay rarely moves for one reason alone. In city markets, the biggest differences usually come from employer concentration, industry mix, seniority, and whether the role is tied to business-critical work that is harder to staff.
How to Increase Your Airfield Operations Specialist Salary in Virginia Beach, VA
In city markets, salary growth often comes from better positioning as much as from patience. These moves are most useful when you already understand the local benchmark and want a clearer path beyond it.
Airfield Operations Specialist Salary in Virginia Beach, VA: FAQs
These questions usually come up after readers compare the city benchmark, the statewide picture, and the local experience ladder. They help clarify how to read the market and what matters most when you compare this city with other options.
These FAQs focus on how readers searching for "Airfield Operations Specialist" usually compare local pay, employer mix, and market differences in this city.
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Salary figures use BLS OEWS wage facts for 2024. City pages use the BLS metropolitan area as the salary dataset, display the largest city as the public page name, and model experience bands from local wage percentiles.