Traveling during the holiday season is the Aviation industry’s busiest time. Some airports, like Hartfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, gain almost  45.4 million passengers annually (held the record for busiest airport since 1998).  Among the millions of passengers, the staff members help ensure the safety of passengers and also work effortlessly to make sure they get to their destination on time. Here are the Top 5 careers in the aviation industry.

1. Ramp Agent (Avg. Salary: 38,000 /yr and min. Education requirement high school graduate or equivalent)

Ever find yourself looking outside a plane’s window seat at bags being loaded onto the plane and wondering if your bags got on? Ramp agents are why your baggage makes it to your final destination in one piece. Although it is a physically demanding job being a ramp agent is not just about loading and offloading bags, ramp agents also have to look out for aircraft safety.

2. Aerospace Engineer (Avg. Salary: 160k/yr and min. education requirement Bachelor in Engineers or a related field)

The queen of the skies did not just magically come together, it was built was a group of engineers who worked hard to ensure the plane was safe to fly. As an aerospace engineer you develop and test to make sure they function to the design. These engineers also work on spacecraft, missiles, and satellites.

3. Flight Attendant ( Avg. Salary: 46k  and minimum requirements high school diploma or equivalent and customer service experience

Flight attendants are the superheroes of the sky. They ensure that all passengers are comfortable the moment the door closes. They serve food and drinks while making sure everything is smooth. On top of that they are also emergency trained for any emergency that may occur.

4. Airline Pilot (Avg. Salary; 90k per year and minimum requirements 1,500 flight hours at a flight school)
Airline pilots are the controllers of the planes. They are in control from the moment you depart to your destination. As an airline pilot, you are required to get tons of flight hours and aircraft-specific training. From seeing sunrises to thunderstorms, they are prepared to land the plane safely in any condition.

5. Air Traffic Controller ( Avg. 96k per year and minimum requirements be 30 years or under at the time of applying)

Air traffic controllers are the reason that the aviation community runs smoothly.  They work 24/7 to make sure that aircraft maintain separation in the air and also on the ground. Situational awareness and stress management are essential skills needed to thrive in that environment.