Air Transportation at Central Oregon Community College

Bend, OR · Public · Associate Degree

with a smaller student body of 3,577 in Bend, OR.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $48,594 at Central Oregon Community College come in 13% above the national median of $42,988 for Air Transportation programs.

With a 51.4x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Air Transportation career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

With first-year pay of $48,594 far exceeding the $16,419 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #1 of 10 programs, this Air Transportation program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The 5 apprenticeship pathways connected to Air Transportation reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

60 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
57
Low End
60
Score
61
High End
Earnings $48,594/yr (13% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (67% shielded)
Job Market Large (60,400 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$508K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
51.4x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$9,882
Out-of-state: $26,370
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,419
4.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Air Transportation graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers $226,600 +3.9% 65%
Air traffic controllers $144,580 +1.2% 66%
Commercial pilots $122,670 +5.1% 76%
Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers
$226,600
+3.9% growth 65% AI-proof
Air traffic controllers
$144,580
+1.2% growth 66% AI-proof
Commercial pilots
$122,670
+5.1% growth 76% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

About Air Transportation Careers

Your career in air transportation could take you directly into the cabin or the cockpit. As a flight attendant, your day is centered on safety and service; you’ll conduct pre-flight briefings, secure the cabin, and act as the first responder for any in-flight medical or security issues. In the cockpit, a pilot’s work involves meticulous pre-flight checks on the aircraft, managing complex avionics, and communicating constantly with air traffic control to navigate safely.

Read the full Air Transportation career guide →

Compare & Explore

Air Transportation Overview

Air Transportation at Other Schools

Other Majors at Central Oregon Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Air Transportation at Central Oregon Community College?
A score of 60/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Air Transportation field.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Air Transportation graduates?
Air Transportation connects to 5 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
Is there demand for Air Transportation workers?
With approximately 60,400 annual openings across mapped careers, Air Transportation offers a large employment pool. Physical trades tend to have steady demand driven by infrastructure and construction cycles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →