US airports employed over 1.3 million workers directly in 2025, with another 11 million jobs tied to the broader aviation ecosystem. From TSA agents earning $45,000 to air traffic controllers averaging $132,000, airports are one of the largest and most diverse employment hubs in any metro area. The sector added 87,000 net jobs between January 2024 and December 2025, outpacing the national labor market growth rate by nearly three times.
This guide covers every major airport job category available in 2026: what each role pays, what qualifications it requires, which airports are hiring aggressively right now and exactly how to get your application in front of the right people. Whether you are entering the workforce, changing careers or looking for a role that comes with travel benefits, airport employment offers a wider range of paths than most industries.
The Airport Jobs Market in 2026: Key Data
Airport employment in the United States covers a broader range of occupations than most people realize. The sector spans federal government roles, airline direct-hire positions, private contractor jobs, retail and hospitality concessions, ground transportation and IT infrastructure. No single employer controls airport hiring; a major hub like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta has over 63,000 workers employed by more than 300 different organizations operating on-site.
| Metric | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Total direct US airport employment (2025) | 1.3 million workers | Airports Council International |
| FAA Economic Impact Report 2025 | ||
| Net airport jobs added (2024–2025) | 87,000 | BLS Occupational Employment Survey |
| Largest single US airport employer | Delta Airlines ATL (33,000+) | Hartsfield-Jackson ADP 2025 |
| Average airport worker wage (all roles) | $58,400/year | BLS May 2025 OES |
| Fastest-growing airport role (2024–2026) | Cybersecurity & IT | FAA Workforce Plan 2025 |
| Airports with most active hiring (2026) | ATL, LAX, ORD, DFW, JFK | Indeed Hiring Index Q1 2026 |
| Typical time-to-hire for airline ground roles | 3–6 weeks | Airline HR Benchmarking Report |
The aviation sector is also structurally resistant to remote work disruption. Every role covered in this guide requires physical presence at or near an airport facility, which insulates the workforce from the displacement trends affecting office-based employment. In cities like Atlanta, Las Vegas, Chicago and Dallas, airport employment represents between 4 and 9 percent of total metro-area jobs.
Airport Job
| Total aviation ecosystem jobs (US) | 11.5 million jobs |
Categories: The Full Breakdown
Airport jobs fall into six distinct employment categories, each with different hiring authorities, pay structures and career progression paths. Understanding which category a role sits in determines where you apply, what background check is required and what benefits package applies.
| Category | Employer Type | Examples | Hiring Portal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Government | US Government agencies | TSA, FAA, CBP, USPS air freight | USAJobs.gov |
| Airline Direct-Hire | Individual airlines | Flight attendant, gate agent, ramp | Airline careers pages |
| Airport Authority | Local/state authority | Operations, facilities, police | Airport authority HR site |
| Ground Service Cos. | Swissport, Menzies, dnata etc. | Baggage, fueling, towing, cleaning | Company career sites |
| Retail & Hospitality | HMS Host, OTG, SSP, brands | Restaurant, retail, lounge staff | HMS Host, Indeed, LinkedIn |
| Transportation | Uber, Lyft, cab cos., rental cos. | Ground transport, car rental agents | Company sites / apps |
Airport Jobs by Role: Salaries, Requirements and Career Path
1. TSA Transportation Security Officer
TSA Officers are federal employees screening passengers and baggage at airport security checkpoints. They are the most visible federal workforce at every US commercial airport, with approximately 47,000 officers across 430 airports. In 2023, Congress passed legislation that brought TSA officer pay in line with other federal law enforcement, raising base salaries significantly and reducing historically high turnover rates.
| Detail | TSA Officer Information |
|---|---|
| Starting salary | $45,000 – $52,000 (varies by airport location) |
| Experienced pay | $55,000 – $72,000 after 3+ years |
| Federal benefits | Health insurance, pension, paid leave, TSP retirement match |
| Requirements | US citizenship, high school diploma, pass medical/drug/background check |
| Physical demands | Stand 4+ hours, lift up to 70 lbs, work rotating shifts |
| Hiring portal | USAJobs.gov search ‘Transportation Security Officer’ |
| Hiring timeline | 8 to 14 weeks from application to first day |
TSA Officers work rotating shifts including nights, weekends and holidays. The role offers strong federal benefits including the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, Federal Employees Retirement System pension and access to the Thrift Savings Plan with agency matching. Officers in high-cost-of-living airports receive locality pay adjustments that can add $8,000 to $14,000 above base salary.
2. Air Traffic Controller (ATC)
Air traffic controllers are among the highest-paid government employees in the United States. They manage the separation and flow of aircraft in controlled airspace and at airports, working either in towers (ATCT), approach control facilities (TRACON) or en route centers (ARTCC). The FAA projects it needs to hire approximately 1,800 controllers per year through 2027 to replace retiring staff and expand capacity at high-growth airports.
| Detail | Air Traffic Controller Information |
|---|---|
| Starting salary | $51,000 – $67,000 during training (Academy) |
| Certified pay | $96,000 – $132,000 (national average for certified controllers) |
| Top earners | $170,000+ at high-complexity facilities (NY TRACON, Chicago Center) |
| Requirements | US citizenship, age under 31 at hire (exceptions for veterans), pass AT-SAT exam |
| Education | AT-CTI degree OR Air Force/military ATC experience OR open public announcement |
| Training path | FAA Academy (Oklahoma City) → On-the-job training → Certification (2–5 years) |
| Hiring portal | FAA.gov/jobs or USAJobs.gov |
| Hiring volume | FAA hiring ~1,800 controllers/year through 2027 |
Career Note
Air traffic controller hiring is highly competitive and age-restricted. The FAA requires applicants to be hired before their 31st birthday (with exceptions for veterans), making this a time-sensitive career path for younger candidates. The AT-SAT aptitude test and medical standards are rigorous preparation resources are available through the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA).
3. Airline Customer Service Agent / Gate Agent
Gate agents are direct employees of individual airlines. They handle check-in, boarding, rebooking, gate operations and passenger assistance. It is one of the most accessible entry points into airline employment and frequently serves as the first step toward roles in airline management, flight operations or customer experience leadership.
- Salary range: $38,000 to $56,000 depending on airline, airport and seniority
- Top-paying airlines for customer service agents: Delta ($52K avg), United ($49K avg), American ($47K avg)
- Benefits: travel benefits (free or heavily discounted flights) for employee and dependents the most cited reason workers choose airline employment over comparable-wage retail or hospitality roles
- Requirements: high school diploma, customer service experience preferred, must pass background check and obtain SIDA badge
- Shift structure: early mornings, late nights, weekends and holidays are standard schedule preferences typically awarded by seniority
For a detailed look at compensation structures, progression timelines and benefits at one of the largest airline employers in the US, see our full guide on United Airlines customer service jobs including how the hiring process works and what interviewers specifically look for in applicants.
4. Flight Attendant
Flight attendants are among the most recognized airport and aviation workers, but the hiring process, compensation structure and lifestyle tradeoffs are widely misunderstood. In 2026, major US airlines are actively recruiting to staff new routes and replace retiring crew hired in the post-pandemic recovery. Delta, United, American and Southwest each posted 5,000 to 8,000 flight attendant openings in 2025.
| Airline | Starting Pay (per flight hour) | Estimated Year 1 Total | Reserve Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | $33.54/hr | $48,000 – $56,000 | 1 year |
| United | $31.16/hr | $44,000 – $52,000 | 1–2 years |
| American | $30.35/hr | $43,000 – $50,000 | 1–2 years |
| Southwest | $32.88/hr | $46,000 – $54,000 | 1 year |
| JetBlue | $29.22/hr | $41,000 – $48,000 | 1–2 years |
| Alaska | $33.00/hr | $47,000 – $55,000 | 1 year |
Flight attendant pay is calculated per flight hour, not per work hour. The gap between flight hours and total duty time which includes boarding, deplaning, turnaround time and overnight layovers means first-year earnings are often lower than the hourly rate implies. Senior flight attendants at major carriers with 15+ years regularly earn $85,000 to $110,000 once line-holding status provides consistent high-hour schedules.
For a full breakdown of what flight attendants earn at each career stage, the reserve system, commuter agreements and how compensation differs by union contract, our United Airlines flight attendant salary guide covers pay progression from first year through senior status with current contract data.
5. Airport Ramp Agent / Ground Handler
Ramp agents, also called ground handlers or aircraft service agents, perform the physical work of getting aircraft ready for departure and arrival. Duties include loading and unloading baggage, marshaling aircraft, operating ground support equipment (GSE), fueling and aircraft cleaning. The role is physically demanding but offers shift flexibility, overtime opportunity and a clear path into airline operations management.
- Salary range: $36,000 to $52,000 base; significant overtime available during peak travel periods
- Largest ground service employers: Swissport, Menzies Aviation, dnata, Signature Aviation, WFS
- Airline direct-hire ramp agents typically earn more than contractor employees, with stronger benefits packages
- Requirements: valid driver’s license, ability to lift 70 lbs repeatedly, pass background check and drug test, obtain SIDA badge
- Career path: lead ramp agent, operations supervisor, station manager, airport operations director
6. Airport Police / Law Enforcement Officer
Airport police officers are sworn law enforcement personnel employed by the airport authority or local municipality. They patrol terminal areas, respond to security incidents, manage crowd control and coordinate with federal agencies including TSA, CBP and FBI. At major hub airports, airport police departments have hundreds of officers with full arrest authority and dedicated SWAT and K9 units.
| Airport | Dept. Size | Starting Salary | Lateral Hire Incentive |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAX (LAWA Airport Police) | 500+ officers | $77,000 | Yes experienced LEOs earn up to $88K start |
| JFK / LaGuardia (PAPD) | 1,800 officers | $79,000 | Port Authority-wide incentives |
| Chicago O’Hare (CPD Airport) | 350+ officers | $67,000 | CPD lateral process |
| Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW PD) | 420+ officers | $65,000 | DFW authority incentives |
| Atlanta Hartsfield (APD) | 250+ officers | $58,000 | City of Atlanta lateral program |
7. Airport Operations Coordinator
Airport operations coordinators manage the day-to-day functioning of terminal areas, gate assignments, noise abatement compliance, construction coordination and airfield safety. They are employed directly by the airport authority and sit at the intersection of airline scheduling, facility management and regulatory compliance. It is a mid-level professional role that typically requires an aviation management, logistics or related degree.
- Salary range: $55,000 to $82,000; senior operations managers earn $90,000 to $120,000
- Typical requirements: bachelor’s degree in aviation management, business or related field; 2 to 4 years of airport or airline experience
- Career path: operations coordinator, operations manager, deputy director of operations, VP of airport operations
- Key employers: city and county airport authorities, FAA (as Airport Certification Safety Inspector), major hub management organizations
8. Airline IT and Cybersecurity
Aviation IT is the fastest-growing employment category at airports in 2026, driven by SASE network security mandates, biometric boarding system rollouts and the FAA’s NextGen air traffic modernization program. Airlines and airport operators are competing with the broader tech sector for cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, data analytics and software engineering talent which means compensation often exceeds what comparable roles pay outside aviation.
- Cybersecurity analyst (aviation): $85,000 to $125,000
- Network infrastructure engineer: $90,000 to $135,000
- Aviation data scientist: $95,000 to $145,000
- Passenger experience technology lead: $100,000 to $150,000
- Requirements: relevant technical degree or certifications (CISSP, CISM, AWS/Azure); aviation sector experience a plus but not always required
Airport Jobs by City: Where Is the Most Hiring in 2026?
Not all cities offer equal airport employment opportunity. The largest hub airports generate disproportionate job volume, and the specific mix of airlines, ground handlers and government agencies at each hub shapes which roles are most available at any given time.
| Airport / City | Hub Code | 2026 Active Openings (est.) | Top Hiring Roles | Major Employers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hartsfield-Jackson, Atlanta | ATL | 4,200+ | Ramp, gate agent, IT | Delta, TSA, Swissport, HSMSHost |
| LAX, Los Angeles | LAX | 3,900+ | Ground handler, police, ops | United, American, LAWA PD, dnata |
| O’Hare, Chicago | ORD | 3,400+ | Gate agent, ramp, customs | United, American, TSA, CBP |
| DFW, Dallas-Fort Worth | DFW | 3,100+ | Ops coordinator, gate, IT | American Airlines HQ, TSA, DFW PD |
| JFK, New York | JFK | 2,800+ | CBP, ATC, airline customer svc | PAPD, JetBlue, Delta, TSA |
| Las Vegas, Harry Reid | LAS | 2,100+ | Customer service, ramp, hospitality | Southwest, Spirit, HMS Host |
| Miami International | MIA | 1,900+ | Customs, bilingual CSR, ground | American, CBP, Swissport |
| Orlando International | MCO | 1,800+ | Ramp, customer service, retail | Southwest, TSA, OTG Concessions |
Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson remains the single largest airport employment center in the US, with Delta Air Lines operating its global headquarters and technical operations campus on-site. A full-time position with Delta at ATL even in ramp or customer service comes with travel benefits covering the employee, spouse and dependents across the entire Delta and SkyTeam network. For job seekers who value travel perks as part of total compensation, ATL-based airline roles are among the highest-value opportunities in the country.
Airport Job Benefits: What You Are Really Earning
Salary numbers alone do not capture the full value of airport employment. Travel benefits, federal retirement packages, union protections and schedule flexibility add significant value that does not appear in the base wage. For many workers, the non-cash benefits of airport employment represent $15,000 to $40,000 in annual value above the stated salary.
Airline Travel Benefits
- Non-revenue travel (positive space or standby): employees and immediate family can fly free or near-free on the employing airline, and at deeply discounted rates on partner carriers
- Buddy passes: most airlines provide a limited number of passes per year that can be given to friends typically 8 to 24 passes annually depending on tenure and airline
- Interline agreements: airline employees at many carriers can purchase discounted tickets on other airlines, including international carriers Delta alone has interline agreements with 89 airlines
- Zonal Employee Discount (ZED) fares: standardized discounted travel across hundreds of airlines globally through industry agreements
Federal Employee Benefits (Government Roles)
- Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB): access to 200+ health plan options with employer covering 72% of premium on average
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS): defined benefit pension plus Social Security plus Thrift Savings Plan with 5% agency match
- Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI): basic life coverage at low group rates
- 13 to 26 days paid annual leave (depending on years of service) plus 13 sick days per year
- Federal holidays: 11 paid federal holidays per year
| Total Compensation Reality CheckA TSA officer earning $52,000 in base salary with federal FERS pension, FEHB health coverage and 13 paid vacation days receives an effective total compensation package worth approximately $72,000 to $78,000 when benefits are monetized. This context is critical when comparing airport roles to private-sector positions with similar base pay. |
How to Apply for Airport Jobs: Step-by-Step Process
For Federal Roles (TSA, FAA, CBP)
- Create a USAJOBS.gov profile this is the mandatory portal for all federal job applications
- Build your federal resume federal resumes are longer and more detailed than private-sector CVs, often running 3 to 5 pages with specific duties, hours per week and supervisor contact for every role
- Search the specific announcement number for the airport and role you want federal postings are location-specific
- Submit through USAJOBS before the closing date late applications are automatically disqualified
- Complete assessments most federal job applications include self-assessment questionnaires or structured tests; TSA uses a computer-based assessment at an approved testing center
- Await Veterans’ Preference adjudication veterans receive hiring preference in federal scoring; ensure DD-214 and any disability documentation is uploaded
- Background investigation federal roles require National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) or higher clearances; this process takes 4 to 12 weeks
For Airline Direct-Hire Roles
- Apply through the airline’s own careers portal never through a third-party job board, which may show outdated listings
- Tailor your resume to the airline’s stated values Delta emphasizes service culture, United emphasizes teamwork, Southwest emphasizes personality fit over experience
- Prepare for HireVue or video screening most major airlines now use AI-powered video interviews in round one; practice with timed question formats
- Complete the in-person or virtual panel interview focus on behavioral examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
- Pass the drug test and background check airline background checks include 10-year employment verification and criminal history review
- Obtain your SIDA badge the airline initiates this process post-offer; plan for 2 to 4 weeks
For Ground Service and Contract Roles
- Apply through company career portals: Swissport Careers, Menzies Aviation Jobs, dnata Careers, WFS Careers, or Signature Aviation Careers
- Attend job fairs LAX, ATL, ORD, DFW and LAS all host quarterly airport industry hiring events; attendance demonstrates initiative and enables same-day interviews
- Emphasize physical fitness, safety awareness and reliability in your application ground service employers prioritize these over academic credentials
- Get your driver’s license clean record documentation ready operating ground vehicles on the airfield requires a clean driving history
Airport Jobs Salary Comparison: Full Master Table
| Job Title | Employer Type | Entry Salary | Mid-Career | Senior/Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller | Federal (FAA) | $51,000 | $110,000 | $170,000+ |
| Airport Police Officer | Authority/Muni | $58,000 | $82,000 | $110,000 |
| Aviation Cybersecurity Engr. | Airline / OEM | $85,000 | $115,000 | $150,000 |
| Airport Operations Manager | Airport Auth. | $55,000 | $78,000 | $120,000 |
| Flight Attendant | Airline | $41,000 | $65,000 | $110,000 |
| Airline Customer Svc. Agent | Airline | $38,000 | $48,000 | $62,000 |
| TSA Officer | Federal (TSA) | $45,000 | $58,000 | $72,000 |
| Airport Ramp Agent | Airline / GH co. | $36,000 | $46,000 | $60,000 |
| Airline Pilot (First Officer) | Airline | $78,000 | $180,000 | $320,000+ |
| Aircraft Mechanic (AMT) | Airline / MRO | $62,000 | $85,000 | $110,000 |
| Airport Retail / Food Svc. | Concessionaire | $32,000 | $40,000 | $55,000 |
| Car Rental Agent | Hertz/Avis/Natl. | $34,000 | $42,000 | $52,000 |
Salary ranges reflect base pay before overtime, locality adjustments and shift differentials. Federal employees in high-cost markets receive locality pay that can add 15 to 30 percent above base. Airline employees’ effective total compensation is typically 20 to 35 percent higher than base when non-revenue travel benefits are accounted for.
Airport Jobs for Students and Recent Graduates
Airports are one of the strongest first-employment environments for students and new graduates. Entry-level customer service, retail and ground handling roles have minimal academic requirements, offer immediate income and provide an inside track to more specialized aviation careers through internal mobility programs.
Internship and Graduate Programs
- FAA Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI): 36 accredited college programs prepare students directly for ATC hiring; graduates skip the general public application process
- Delta Propel Pilot Career Path Program: accelerates pathway from commercial pilot certificate to regional airline first officer to Delta mainline, with tuition reimbursement up to $15,000
- United Aviate Academy: United’s own flight school partnership offering a structured path from zero experience to United Airlines first officer in 5 to 8 years
- Airport Authority Internships: most major US airport authorities offer paid summer internships in operations, planning, marketing and environmental compliance typically targeted at aviation management and engineering students
- Ground handler trainee programs: Swissport and Menzies run structured trainee programs that pair new hires with experienced agents for the first 90 days, with guaranteed review and pay increase at 90-day mark
For travelers and students interested in what the airport security clearance process looks like from the other side and what TSA agents actually assess during screening our detailed guide on TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry vs CLEAR explains the full background check and enrollment process used to verify trusted traveler status, which mirrors the SIDA badge process airport workers go through.
The Best Resources for Finding Airport Jobs in 2026
Knowing where to look is as important as knowing what to apply for. Airport jobs are spread across dozens of employer types, and the best listings are not always on the platforms most people check first.
| Resource | Best For | URL |
|---|---|---|
| USAJobs.gov | All federal roles: TSA, FAA, CBP, USPS | usajobs.gov |
| Airline career portals | Direct airline hiring (gate, ramp, FA, IT) | [airline].com/careers |
| Indeed / LinkedIn | Contract, concession, ground service roles | indeed.com / linkedin.com |
| Swissport Careers | Ground handling globally and US-wide | swissport.com/careers |
| Menzies Aviation Jobs | Ramp, cargo, fueling at 250+ airports | menziesaviation.com/careers |
| Airport Authority websites | Operations, police, facilities roles | [airportname].com/careers |
| WorkInAviation.com | Niche aviation job board all role types | workinaviation.com |
| Avjobs.com | Aviation-specific listings incl. pilot MRO | avjobs.com |
| Airport job fairs | Same-day interviews, ATL/LAX/ORD/DFW/LAS | Check airport authority events page |
The most underused resource for airport job seekers is the physical job fair. Airlines, ground handlers and concessionaires all conduct same-day interviews at quarterly airport hiring events. Candidates who show up in professional dress with printed resumes regularly receive conditional offers the same day, bypassing the 3 to 6 week online application queue entirely.
For broader labor market data on aviation employment including occupational outlook, median wages and projected hiring volumes through 2033 the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook is the authoritative federal source. It publishes role-by-role employment projections, entry requirements and regional wage variation data updated annually.
Looking for more guides on airline careers, airport navigation and travel industry insights? Explore the full library of expert travel and aviation content at TalkTravel’s travel blog your complete resource for flying smarter, earning more and understanding the industry in 2026.
Final Verdict: Is an Airport Job Worth Pursuing in 2026?
For the right candidate, airport employment is one of the most financially and professionally rewarding career paths available without a four-year degree. The combination of competitive wages, federal benefit packages or airline travel perks, union protections across many roles and genuine internal mobility from entry-level positions makes airports a uniquely valuable employment environment.
The strongest opportunity in 2026 sits in three areas: cybersecurity and IT roles where aviation is competing with tech-sector salaries, air traffic control where the FAA is actively reducing its application backlog, and airline direct-hire customer service and ramp positions where travel benefits alone add $15,000 to $25,000 in non-cash value to the package. Entry-level applicants with no prior aviation experience are competitive for ground handling, customer service and retail roles at every major airport in the country starting today.
The key is knowing which employer to approach, which portal to use and what the hiring timeline actually looks like. For federal roles, plan for 8 to 14 weeks. For airline direct-hire positions, plan for 3 to 6 weeks. For contract and concession roles, a job fair can compress that to a single afternoon. Whichever path you choose, the airport job market in 2026 is hiring at one of its highest rates in a decade.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Airport Jobs
What qualifications do you need to work at an airport?
Requirements vary by role. Most ground-level positions ramp agents, customer service, retail require only a high school diploma, a clean background check and the ability to pass a drug test. Federal roles like TSA and CBP require US citizenship. Air traffic controllers need to be under 31 at hiring and pass the AT-SAT exam. Security-cleared roles require a SIDA badge, which takes 2 to 4 weeks to process through the airport authority.
What is the highest-paying job at an airport?
Senior airline pilots at major carriers are the highest-paid airport workers, earning $250,000 to $380,000+ at peak seniority. Among non-pilot roles, senior air traffic controllers at high-complexity facilities (New York TRACON, Chicago Center) earn $140,000 to $170,000. Aviation cybersecurity directors and airport operations VPs at major hub authorities also regularly earn $130,000 to $180,000.
Do airport workers get free flights?
Airline direct employees receive non-revenue travel benefits that allow free or near-free standby travel on their employing airline and discounted travel on partner carriers. This applies to the employee and typically to immediate family members. Ground handling contractor employees and federal workers do not receive airline travel benefits unless the airline extends courtesy agreements.
How long does it take to get a job at an airport?
Timeline varies significantly by employer type. Federal roles (TSA, FAA) take 8 to 14 weeks from application to start date due to background investigation requirements. Airline direct-hire roles typically take 3 to 6 weeks. Ground handling and concession positions can move in 1 to 3 weeks. All roles require SIDA badge processing, which adds 2 to 4 weeks after the conditional offer.
Are airport jobs good for students?
Yes airport jobs are particularly well-suited for students due to shift flexibility (including nights and weekends), entry-level accessibility and the practical aviation industry exposure they provide. Part-time customer service, retail and ramp roles are available at most airports, and airline internship programs actively recruit students pursuing aviation, logistics and business degrees.
What are the best airports for job opportunities in 2026?
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), Los Angeles International (LAX), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and JFK have the highest volume of active openings in 2026. Las Vegas Harry Reid (LAS), Miami International (MIA) and Orlando International (MCO) are also strong markets with growing airline operations and lower applicant competition than the largest hubs.
What is a SIDA badge and how do you get one?
A Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) badge is the credential required to access restricted airport areas including ramps, gates and baggage rooms. Your employer initiates the badge application after a conditional job offer. The airport authority conducts fingerprinting, a background check and identity verification before issuing the badge. The process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks and cannot be transferred between airports.
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), FAA Workforce Plan 2025, Airports Council International North America Employment Report 2025, BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 2025–2033, Hartsfield-Jackson ADP 2025, NATCA staffing data Q4 2025.
