Air Transportation (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at Aviator College of Aeronautical Science and Technology

Median Earnings (1yr)

$32,339

95th percentile

60th percentile in Florida

Median Debt

$16,000

43% above national median

Analysis

Aviator College graduates earn $32,339 their first year out—substantially above the national median of $27,008 for aviation certificate programs, placing them in the 95th percentile nationwide. However, Florida's aviation training landscape tells a different story: this figure sits right at the state median, meaning it's typical rather than exceptional for Florida-based programs.

The $16,000 in median debt is manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49, well below concerning thresholds. Graduates should be able to handle these loans comfortably if they stay in aviation-related work. The key question is career trajectory: many aviation certificate holders use these credentials as stepping stones toward commercial pilot positions or other advanced roles where earnings increase significantly. If your child plans to stop at the certificate level, $32,000 represents a ceiling, not a floor.

The major caveat: fewer than 30 graduates reported data, making these numbers less reliable than programs with larger sample sizes. That said, the combination of controlled debt and above-average starting earnings suggests reasonable value for students committed to aviation careers. Just understand that in Florida's competitive aviation training market, this program performs average rather than exceptional—and success depends heavily on what comes after the certificate.

Where Aviator College of Aeronautical Science and Technology Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all air transportation certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Aviator College of Aeronautical Science and Technology graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Air Transportation certificate's programs at top institutions nationally

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Aviator College of Aeronautical Science and TechnologyFort Pierce	$34,545	$32,339	—	$16,000	0.49
International Air and Hospitality AcademyVancouver	—	$21,676	$23,926	$6,333	0.29
National Median	—	$27,008	—	$11,166	0.41

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with air transportation graduates

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.

$198,100/yrJobs growth:

Commercial Pilots

Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots.

$198,100/yrJobs growth:

Air Traffic Controllers

Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport, and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers, according to established procedures and policies. Authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.

$144,580/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.

$102,010/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Supply Chain Managers

Direct or coordinate production, purchasing, warehousing, distribution, or financial forecasting services or activities to limit costs and improve accuracy, customer service, or safety. Examine existing procedures or opportunities for streamlining activities to meet product distribution needs. Direct the movement, storage, or processing of inventory.

$102,010/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Flight Attendants

Monitor safety of the aircraft cabin. Provide services to airline passengers, explain safety information, serve food and beverages, and respond to emergency incidents.

$67,130/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants

Supervise and coordinate activities of passenger attendants.

Airfield Operations Specialists

Ensure the safe takeoff and landing of commercial and military aircraft. Duties include coordination between air-traffic control and maintenance personnel, dispatching, using airfield landing and navigational aids, implementing airfield safety procedures, monitoring and maintaining flight records, and applying knowledge of weather information.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Aviator College of Aeronautical Science and Technology, approximately 15% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 20 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.