Top U.S. Cities for Careers in Aviation and Aerospace

The aviation and aerospace industries are two of the most dynamic, fast growing and rewarding industries in the United States. Careers in the aviation and aerospace industries span from pilots, air traffic controllers, and maintenance technicians to aerospace engineers, research, development specialists, and many more continuously expanding the job market. As these industries continue to grow, certain U.S. cities have emerged as prime hot spots for professionals seeking opportunities in aviation and aerospace.

It is important to choose the right city to start or move your career in aviation and aerospace, to ensure long term professional growth and personal well being. With opportunities within airports and aerospace hubs the possibilities are endless. In this blog, we will explore the best U.S. cities for aviation and aerospace careers and highlight what makes each location a unique and exciting place to live and work in.

Top 5 Leading U.S. Cities for Careers in Aviation

Keep reading to learn about the top 5 leading U.S. cities for aviation careers listed in no particular order.

1. Dallas, Texas

Dallas, Texas is home to both Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field, making it a major transportation hub in the state. DFW, which is larger than the island of Manhattan serves as American Airlines‘ primary hub. DFW also has 171 gates and 7 runways making it a large transportation sector. As of August 2025, airport employment at DFW reached 60,000. DFW ranks 2nd in the world in terms of operations and passengers. This shows the abundance of potential employment opportunities the state of Texas has.

According to the Office of the Texas Governor, Texas also has a strong hold in the aircraft MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) sector, which includes major facilities that support aircraft and component services.

Major aviation companies in the Dallas area include Airbus, Bell, Eagle Aviation Services, Gulfstream, Prime Flight, Southwest, Boeing, American Airlines, and Collins Aerospace.

Dallas, Texas is not just a top location for the aviation industry, it is for the aerospace industry as well. According to the Texas Economic Development Corporation, the aerospace industry may exceed 80,000 careers. Major aerospace companies located within the Dallas area include BAE Systems, L3Harris, NASA, Raytheon Technologies, Sikorsky, and Lockheed Martin.

With bountiful opportunities in both aviation and aerospace, Dallas offers a strong environment for professionals to grow their careers.

2. Miami, Florida

Just like Dallas, Texas, Miami Florida is home to another international airport in the United States, the Miami International Airport (MIA). The Miami International Airport is a major hub for airlines also, including American Airlines. Miami additionally, has a thriving aviation training sector, including flight schools and technical training programs for pilots and maintenance staff.

Key aviation and aerospace companies located within Miami, Florida include, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Collins Aerospace, Heico, GA Telesis, General MRO Aerospace, George T. Baker Aviation School, and L3Harris.

Miami’s strategic location makes it a gateway for Latin American aviation operations, creating unique opportunities for career options.

3. Atlanta, Georgia

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of busiest airports in the world and home to the headquarters of Delta Airlines. This creates numerous job opportunities across Delta’s network, from pilots to maintenance support roles.

Atlanta’s aerospace industry sector is also growing with a focus on aviation research and technology innovation. The city also offers a lower cost of living compared to other major aviation hubs.

Major aviation and aerospace companies located within Atlanta, Georgia include Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Pratt & Whitney, Lockheed Martin, Collins Aerospace, Archer Aviation, and Northrop Grumman.

Atlanta, Georgia is a great opportunity space for those searching for new career opportunities or advancing their career in the aviation industry.

4. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, Illinois is home to two major airports O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). Both airports contribute to a robust job market in Chicago for aviation professionals. The O’Hare International Airport is also a major hub for American Airlines and United Airlines.

Additionally, Chicago has comprehensive training programs at the University of Illinois for both pilots and engineers to get them the skills they need to succeed in their careers.

Major aviation and aerospace companies located within and around Chicago are Boeing, United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Jet Support Services, Inc., and AAR.

Chicago’s central location and major air traffic volume makes it an excellent choice for aviation career growth.

5. Seattle, Washington

Seattle, Washington is home to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport which is a major hub for domestic and international flights. The city is also home to Boeing, one of the world’s largest aerospace manufacturers.

Seattle is not just a top location for the aviation industry, it is for the aerospace industry as well. The city is home to companies like Blue Origin, AeroTEC, Alaska Airlines, SpaceX, Rocketdyne, PACCAR, and Aerojet, which help contribute to the aviation job market as well. This region’s demand for aviation technology roles in engineers and specialists remains high.

Aviation industry professionals can find job opportunities in all of these locations and further, in all different types of roles from pilots to maintenance roles. The salaries in the roles depend on the position and experience but major hubs listed above tend to have competitive salaries due to the high demand for skilled professionals in the aviation industry. Keep reading to learn more about the top 5 leading U.S. cities for aerospace careers.

Top 5 Leading U.S. Cities for Careers in Aerospace

1. Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsa, Oklahoma is home to Tulsa International Airport and the American Airlines Maintenance and Engineering Center. According to Oklahoma.gov, the aerospace industry in the state supports over 206,000 jobs and a total $44 billion in annual economic activity for the state of Oklahoma. Additionally, 90% of these roles across more than 1,100 companies in the aerospace industry are positions in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO).

Major aerospace corporations in and around Tulsa include Lufthansa, Spirit AeroSystems, CSI Aerospace, and Helicomb International. These companies open opportunities across various roles such as inspectors, welders, mechanics, and electricians.

2. Hartford, Connecticut

Hartford, Connecticut also known as “Aerospace Alley” is considered a hot hub for the aerospace industry because of the educational opportunities available in the city as well as the companies in the aerospace and defense industry that are located there. The University of Hartford has a strong aerospace engineering program and the CT Aero Tech School for Aviation Maintenance Technicians is a school for maintenance professionals.

This location also is home to aerospace manufacturer Pratt & Whitney and other companies like Sikorsky, Kaman, Collins Aerospace, and General Dynamics Electric Boat.

3. Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon is the leading manufacturing state of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and their parts. Notable companies in Portland are Coradine and Erickson. Coradine is a company specializing in pilot logbooks while Erickson is a company that focuses on civil and military aviation. Portland is also known for its extensive aerospace expertise in titanium manufacturing which is crucial for aerospace parts.

Major aerospace companies in Portland, Oregon include Leidos, Collins Aerospace, Boeing, PCC Structurals, Ericksons, Coradine, and Lockheed Martin.

4. Denver, Colorado / Boulder, Colorado

Denver and Boulder are home to strong and thriving aerospace hubs, due to its research center at the University of Colorado. Ball Aerospace was founded in Boulder, Colorado, and according to the Aerospace Industries Association, in the Aerospace & Defense workforce in Colorado that supports over 30,000 aerospace and defense jobs.

Colorado is home to large aerospace companies including Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace (later bought by BAE Systems), Booz Allen Hamilton, Special Aerospace Services, Blue Canyon Technologies and Northrop Grumman.

5. Los Angeles, California / San Jose, California

Southern California is known as “Space Beach” in the long beach area because of its location for aerospace innovation and start ups. San Jose is home to San Jose State University where degrees of a Bachelor of Science or a Master of Science in aerospace engineering are offered to students. California employs more than 500,000 aerospace professionals in both commercial and defense sectors.

Major aerospace companies in California include Jet Propulsion Laboratory, NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, Boeing, BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and SpaceX.

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Whether you are an experienced professional aiming for your next big career in the aviation or aerospace industry or someone looking to break into the field, choosing the right location can position you for long-term success, competitive pay, and industry leading innovation. Partner with us at CorpGuidance Recruiting to connect directly with top aviation and aerospace employers to take the next step toward your dream career!