What are the main factors that influence a Director of Airport Operations's salary?

The primary factors are: 1) Experience Level, 2) Geographic Location, 3) Education/Skills, 4) Company Size & Industry

What industry pays the highest salary for Director of Airport Operations?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Director of Airport Operations roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

How does experience change A Director of Airport Operations's salary?

A Director of Airport Operations's salary grows with experience: starting around $144,105 for beginners, reaching about $149,071 at mid-level, and approach $220,057 for experts.

What are the highest paying states for a Director of Airport Operations?

Director of Airport Operations salary varies significantly by state. The top 3 highest paying states for Director of Airport Operations roles are District of Columbia $270,271, California $269,246, Massachusetts $265,657. These tech hubs typically pay 10-15% above the national average.

How much do different types of Director of Airport Operations roles make?

Salaries for Director of Airport Operations level roles vary by specialization: Operations Director: $200,775; Airport Operations Officer: $196,072; General Manager Airport Operations: $190,464; Airport Operations Coordinator: $114,274; Airport Operations Manager: $91,018.

Director of Airport Operations Salary in South Dakota

How much does a Director of Airport Operations make in South Dakota? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Director of Airport Operations in South Dakota is $221,841 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $107.

However, a Director of Airport Operations's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

Top Earners (90th percentile): $238,194
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $205,810 to $230,401
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $191,214

10% $191,214

50% (Median) $221,841

90% $238,194

Director of Airport Operations Salaries by Percentile

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$230,401	$19,200	$4,431	$111
Average	$221,841	$18,487	$4,266	$107
25th Percentile	$205,810	$17,151	$3,958	$99

Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

For HR & Compensation Team

What should I pay?

See how Salary.com helps teams price roles more accurately.

Benchmark Director of Airport Operations with confidence

Get deeper market data to support decisions.

Work Email

Phone No.

Choose a perfect time to talk with a compensation expert.

Book a Demo

Check out Director of Airport Operations Job Openings in South Dakota

AIRPORT ARFF OPERATIONS MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

CITY OF PIERRE – Pierre, SD

Director of Operations

Anytime Fitness – Sioux Falls, SD

Director of Dining Operations

ARAMARK – Hub, SD

Executive Assistant Operations Director

Jackson Dental Professionals – Belle Fourche, SD

Key Factors That Influence Director of Airport Operations Salaries

A Director of Airport Operations's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Director of Airport Operations Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Director of Airport Operations's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $144,105
Early Career (1-2 years): $102,942
Mid-Level (2-4 years): $149,071
Senior-Level (5-8 years): $177,493
Expert (over 8 years): $220,057

Job Role	Years of Experience	Average Salary
Lead Flight Trainer	less than 1 year	$144,105
Flight Operations Supervisor	1-2 years	$102,942
Flight Operations Manager	2-4 years	$149,071
Flight Operations Senior Manager	5-8 years	$177,493
Director of Airport Operations	over 8 years	$220,057

How Do Director of Airport Operations Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Director of Airport Operations. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

District of Columbia: $270,271.
California: $269,246.
Massachusetts: $265,657.

District of Columbia $270,271 California $269,246 Massachusetts $265,657 Washington $264,681 New Jersey $264,583 Alaska $264,241 Connecticut $260,873 New York $259,506

Hawaii $255,136 Rhode Island $253,086 Maryland $251,695 Minnesota $249,791 Colorado $249,058 Illinois $248,814 Oregon $247,887 Delaware $247,203

New Hampshire $246,773 Virginia $245,812 Pennsylvania $243,005 Nevada $241,589 North Dakota $241,125 Michigan $240,393 Wisconsin $240,124 Vermont $239,587

Texas $238,098 Maine $238,000 Arizona $237,854 Ohio $237,683 Georgia $235,437 Indiana $234,314 Wyoming $234,095 Utah $233,753

Iowa $233,607 Kansas $232,435 Louisiana $232,093 North Carolina $231,971 Missouri $231,922 Florida $230,970 Montana $230,458 Nebraska $229,969

Kentucky $229,701 South Carolina $228,725 Tennessee $228,114 Idaho $227,870 New Mexico $226,088 Oklahoma $225,698 Alabama $224,257 South Dakota $221,841

Arkansas $220,523 West Virginia $219,815 Mississippi $217,691

Top Paying Cities for Director of Airport Operations

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

Alcester: $224,152
Aurora: $225,344
Baltic: $222,920

Alcester, SD $224,152

Aurora, SD $225,344

Baltic, SD $222,920

Beresford, SD $223,579

Brandon, SD $222,463

Brookings, SD $225,759

Burbank, SD $223,354

Canistota, SD $223,686

Canton, SD $223,052

Centerville, SD $223,593

Chancellor, SD $223,025

Chester, SD $223,576

Colman, SD $224,306

Colton, SD $223,374

Crooks, SD $222,798

Davis, SD $223,320

Dell Rapids, SD $223,330

Egan, SD $223,928

Elk Point, SD $222,649

Elkton, SD $225,483

Fairview, SD $223,379

Flandreau, SD $224,655

Freeman, SD $224,411

Garretson, SD $222,961

Gayville, SD $224,787

Harrisburg, SD $222,605

Hartford, SD $222,947

Hudson, SD $223,557

Humboldt, SD $223,264

Hurley, SD $223,601

Irene, SD $224,228

Jefferson, SD $221,816

Lennox, SD $223,027

Lesterville, SD $224,621

Lyons, SD $223,005

Madison, SD $224,748

Marion, SD $223,752

Menno, SD $224,504

Mission Hill, SD $224,672

Monroe, SD $223,510

Belle Fourche, SD $224,375

Black Hawk, SD $217,510

Box Elder, SD $217,791

Buffalo, SD $223,967

Buffalo Gap, SD $222,205

Camp Crook, SD $224,182

Caputa, SD $218,843

Custer, SD $221,729

Deadwood, SD $220,362

Edgemont, SD $223,855

Enning, SD $222,107

Fairburn, SD $219,678

Fort Meade, SD $219,656

Hermosa, SD $218,799

Hill City, SD $220,281

Hot Springs, SD $223,684

Howes, SD $222,600

Interior, SD $222,956

Keystone, SD $218,582

Kyle, SD $223,432

Lead, SD $222,380

Ludlow, SD $224,848

Manderson, SD $223,794

Mud Butte, SD $222,737

Nemo, SD $218,890

Newell, SD $223,169

New Underwood, SD $218,853

Nisland, SD $223,662

Oelrichs, SD $223,222

Oglala, SD $223,611

Oral, SD $223,017

Owanka, SD $219,929

Piedmont, SD $217,672

Pine Ridge, SD $224,028

Porcupine, SD $223,354

Pringle, SD $222,417

Quinn, SD $222,634

Redig, SD $222,371

Saint Onge, SD $223,003

Scenic, SD $221,421

Smithwick, SD $223,298

Spearfish, SD $224,008

Sturgis, SD $218,958

Union Center, SD $222,256

Vale, SD $221,555

Wall, SD $222,312

Wasta, SD $221,187

White Owl, SD $222,702

Whitewood, SD $222,063

Wounded Knee, SD $223,806

Leola, SD $225,131

Long Lake, SD $225,476

Mansfield, SD $224,999

Mellette, SD $225,209

Northville, SD $224,968

Onaka, SD $224,094

Orient, SD $224,433

Pierpont, SD $225,195

Redfield, SD $225,558

Rockham, SD $224,699

Roscoe, SD $224,301

Selby, SD $223,913

Seneca, SD $223,952

Stratford, SD $225,222

Tolstoy, SD $223,967

Tulare, SD $225,246

Turton, SD $225,258

Warner, SD $225,483

Westport, SD $225,173

Pierre, SD $205,657

Agar, SD $211,008

Belvidere, SD $222,629

Blunt, SD $205,657

Burke, SD $224,372

Colome, SD $224,099

Dallas, SD $224,030

Draper, SD $217,115

Fort Pierre, SD $206,260

Gregory, SD $224,270

Hamill, SD $223,713

Harrold, SD $206,858

Hayes, SD $220,337

Herrick, SD $224,245

Holabird, SD $211,523

Ideal, SD $223,654

Kadoka, SD $222,886

Kennebec, SD $220,388

Long Valley, SD $222,876

Lower Brule, SD $220,098

Martin, SD $223,413

Midland, SD $222,153

Milesville, SD $222,297

Mission, SD $223,891

Murdo, SD $220,779

Norris, SD $223,222

Okaton, SD $222,659

Okreek, SD $223,764

Onida, SD $207,676

Parmelee, SD $223,623

Philip, SD $222,622

Presho, SD $218,741

Reliance, SD $223,840

Rosebud, SD $224,135

Saint Charles, SD $224,489

Saint Francis, SD $223,706

Tuthill, SD $223,144

Vivian, SD $217,791

Wanblee, SD $223,293

White River, SD $223,193

Winner, SD $223,891

Witten, SD $223,491

Wood, SD $223,166

Mobridge, SD $223,960

Bison, SD $223,401

Bullhead, SD $225,112

Cherry Creek, SD $222,822

Dupree, SD $222,871

Eagle Butte, SD $223,103

Faith, SD $222,803

Glencross, SD $222,993

Glenham, SD $224,040

Herreid, SD $224,897

Isabel, SD $222,949

Keldron, SD $224,026

Lantry, SD $223,208

Lemmon, SD $224,863

Little Eagle, SD $225,078

Lodgepole, SD $224,257

Mc Intosh, SD $224,362

Mc Laughlin, SD $224,165

Meadow, SD $222,888

Morristown, SD $224,592

Mound City, SD $224,494

Pollock, SD $225,339

Prairie City, SD $223,691

Ralph, SD $224,421

Reva, SD $223,703

Ridgeview, SD $223,213

Timber Lake, SD $223,325

Trail City, SD $223,254

Wakpala, SD $224,170

Walker, SD $224,526

Watauga, SD $224,018

Whitehorse, SD $223,449

Rapid City, SD $217,471

Ellsworth Afb, SD $217,471

Allen, SD $223,410

Batesland, SD $223,503

Montrose, SD $223,689

North Sioux City, SD $221,467

Nunda, SD $224,638

Oldham, SD $225,134

Olivet, SD $224,606

Parker, SD $223,388

Ramona, SD $224,736

Renner, SD $222,659

Rowena, SD $222,507

Rutland, SD $224,441

Salem, SD $224,455

Scotland, SD $224,958

Sinai, SD $225,847

Springfield, SD $225,227

Tabor, SD $225,078

Tea, SD $222,781

Trent, SD $223,628

Tyndall, SD $225,014

Utica, SD $224,624

Valley Springs, SD $222,641

Vermillion, SD $224,675

Viborg, SD $224,170

Volga, SD $225,319

Volin, SD $224,419

Wakonda, SD $224,189

Wentworth, SD $224,360

Winfred, SD $224,470

Worthing, SD $222,993

Yankton, SD $225,534

Sioux Falls, SD $222,451

Vienna, SD $225,724

Wallace, SD $225,588

Waubay, SD $225,483

Webster, SD $225,537

White, SD $225,886

Willow Lake, SD $225,978

Wilmot, SD $225,703

Mitchell, SD $225,739

Alexandria, SD $224,909

Alpena, SD $225,290

Armour, SD $224,826

Artesian, SD $225,256

Avon, SD $224,887

Bonesteel, SD $224,450

Bridgewater, SD $224,306

Canova, SD $224,609

Carpenter, SD $225,812

Carthage, SD $225,307

Cavour, SD $225,605

Chamberlain, SD $224,587

Corsica, SD $224,868

Dante, SD $224,755

Delmont, SD $224,765

Dimock, SD $225,014

Emery, SD $224,677

Ethan, SD $225,134

Fairfax, SD $224,489

Fedora, SD $225,061

Fort Thompson, SD $221,951

Fulton, SD $225,090

Gann Valley, SD $224,123

Geddes, SD $224,543

Harrison, SD $224,711

Highmore, SD $220,388

Stephan, SD $221,365

Hitchcock, SD $225,424

Howard, SD $225,173

Huron, SD $226,193

Iroquois, SD $225,656

Kaylor, SD $225,258

Kimball, SD $224,577

Lake Andes, SD $224,904

Lane, SD $225,761

Letcher, SD $225,153

Marty, SD $225,624

Miller, SD $224,787

Mount Vernon, SD $225,007

New Holland, SD $225,341

Oacoma, SD $224,387

Parkston, SD $225,104

Pickstown, SD $225,248

Plankinton, SD $224,970

Platte, SD $224,587

Pukwana, SD $224,428

Ree Heights, SD $223,308

Saint Lawrence, SD $224,797

Spencer, SD $224,580

Stickney, SD $224,824

Tripp, SD $224,887

Virgil, SD $225,100

Wagner, SD $224,931

Wessington, SD $224,931

Wessington Springs, SD $224,897

White Lake, SD $224,675

Wolsey, SD $225,375

Woonsocket, SD $225,273

Yale, SD $225,788

Aberdeen, SD $225,810

Akaska, SD $223,794

Amherst, SD $225,463

Andover, SD $225,139

Ashton, SD $225,097

Barnard, SD $225,407

Bath, SD $225,336

Bowdle, SD $224,216

Brentford, SD $225,505

Britton, SD $226,098

Claremont, SD $225,273

Columbia, SD $225,002

Conde, SD $225,244

Cresbard, SD $224,687

Doland, SD $225,724

Eureka, SD $225,009

Faulkton, SD $224,668

Ferney, SD $226,064

Frankfort, SD $225,710

Frederick, SD $225,466

Gettysburg, SD $222,558

Groton, SD $225,361

Hecla, SD $225,788

Hosmer, SD $224,650

Houghton, SD $224,834

Hoven, SD $224,035

Ipswich, SD $224,882

Java, SD $223,896

Langford, SD $225,161

Lebanon, SD $222,932

Watertown, SD $226,193

Arlington, SD $225,593

Astoria, SD $225,952

Badger, SD $225,988

Big Stone City, SD $226,315

Bradley, SD $225,517

Brandt, SD $225,800

Bristol, SD $225,336

Bruce, SD $225,554

Bryant, SD $225,878

Castlewood, SD $225,739

Claire City, SD $226,081

Clark, SD $225,905

Clear Lake, SD $225,820

Corona, SD $226,086

De Smet, SD $225,788

Eden, SD $225,388

Erwin, SD $225,646

Estelline, SD $225,703

Florence, SD $225,629

Garden City, SD $225,668

Gary, SD $225,964

Goodwin, SD $225,534

Grenville, SD $225,329

Hayti, SD $225,825

Hazel, SD $225,722

Henry, SD $225,727

Kranzburg, SD $226,567

Labolt, SD $225,556

Lake City, SD $225,764

Lake Norden, SD $225,932

Lake Preston, SD $225,715

Marvin, SD $225,314

Milbank, SD $226,279

New Effington, SD $226,562

Ortley, SD $225,363

Peever, SD $225,666

Raymond, SD $225,778

Revillo, SD $225,693

Rosholt, SD $226,508

Roslyn, SD $225,285

Sisseton, SD $225,803

South Shore, SD $225,383

Stockholm, SD $225,385

Strandburg, SD $225,361

Summit, SD $225,375

Toronto, SD $225,712

Twin Brooks, SD $225,300

Veblen, SD $226,193

Director of Airport Operations Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Director of Airport Operations roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Director of Airport Operations positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Director of Airport Operations as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Director of Airport Operations

Industry Sector	Average Annual Salary	Average Hourly Rate	Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense	$244,025	$117.0	10%
Biotechnology	$244,025	$117.0	10%
Energy & Utilities	$244,025	$117.0	10%
Financial Services	$244,025	$117.0	10%
Healthcare	$244,025	$117.0	10%

Director of Airport Operations Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Director of Airport Operations's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

$205,810

Average $221,841/year

$230,401

$17,151

Average $18,487/month

$19,200

$3,958

Average $4,266/week

$4,431

$99

Average $107/hour

$111

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$230,401	$19,200	$4,431	$111
Average	$221,841	$18,487	$4,266	$107
25th Percentile	$205,810	$17,151	$3,958	$99

Find Your Next Director of Airport Operations Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Director of Airport Operations job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

Jaybird Senior Living | Sioux Falls, SD

Regional Director of Clinical Operations

Jaybird Senior Living | Sioux Falls, SD

Job Description. Job Description. Regional Director of Clinical Operations (RN). Wage Range: $80,000 - $110,000. The Regional Director of Clinical Operatio... more

6 Days Ago
Prime Physicians | North Sioux City, SD

Director of Healthcare Staffing Operations

Prime Physicians | North Sioux City, SD

Director of Healthcare Staffing Operations (Remote)Prime Physicians is seeking a Director of Healthcare Staffing Operations to lead end-to-end operations a... more

7 Days Ago
ARAMARK | AUBURN, AL

Director of Operations

ARAMARK | AUBURN, AL

As Director of Operations at ARAMARK, you will lead multi-site food and facilities services, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality operations. You wil... more

3 Days Ago
Sodexo | INTERNATIONAL, WA

Director Operations

Sodexo | INTERNATIONAL, WA

Sodexo is seeking a Director of Operations to lead multi-site food service operations within the accommodation and food services sector. In this leadership... more

3 Days Ago
MEDSTAR HEALTH | LEONARDTOWN, MD

Senior Director Nursing Operations

MEDSTAR HEALTH | LEONARDTOWN, MD

MedStar Health, a leading not-for-profit healthcare organization in the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia region, is seeking a Senior Director, Nursing Operations. Th... more

3 Days Ago

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
Job and employee pricing reports
Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.

Learn about

Salary Search

Salary Calculator Tools

Know Your Worth

Advance at Work

Explore Career Path

Land Your Next Role

Software + AI

Data

Survey Catalogue

Director of Airport Operations Salary in South Dakota

Check out Director of Airport Operations Job Openings in South Dakota

Key Factors That Influence Director of Airport Operations Salaries

How Experience Level Affects Director of Airport Operations Salaries?

How Do Director of Airport Operations Salaries Vary from State to State?

Top Paying Cities for Director of Airport Operations

Director of Airport Operations Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

The top paying industries for a Director of Airport Operations

Director of Airport Operations Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Find Your Next Director of Airport Operations Job

For Employees

For Employers

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Director of Airport Operations Salary in South Dakota

Check out Director of Airport Operations Job Openings in South Dakota

Key Factors That Influence Director of Airport Operations Salaries

How Experience Level Affects Director of Airport Operations Salaries?

How Do Director of Airport Operations Salaries Vary from State to State?

Top Paying Cities for Director of Airport Operations

Director of Airport Operations Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

The top paying industries for a Director of Airport Operations

Director of Airport Operations Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Salaries of jobs related to Director of Airport Operations

Find Your Next Director of Airport Operations Job

For Employees

For Employers

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?