Industry: Air Transportation
- Overview
- Careers in this Industry
- Working in the Industry
- Businesses in this Industry
- Employment
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Employment
Employment
Air transportation is a very small industry nationally, employing about 448,220 people. In Minnesota, it is a small industry, with about 13,247 workers.
Wages
Wages in this industry are above average. Airline pilots earn the highest wages.
The outlook for air transportation changed radically in 2001. Before then, rapid growth was the norm. Pressure had built for airlines and airports to expand in size and service delivery. Economists predicted that the number of jobs would double in the next ten years.
Instead, terrorist events resulted in widespread consumer reluctance to travel by air. Airlines experienced financial emergencies and airports turned their attention to security. When air travel resumed, it did not reach former levels.
In Minnesota, a decline in the number of jobs is expected. The outlook also depends on global relationships and the general economy. Demand usually rises with populations, personal incomes, and lower airfares.
In Minnesota, the great majority of jobs are located at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Air transportation companies serve every state. Most employees work at airports close to large cities. Many work at airports that serve as central hubs for major airlines.
