Air Transportation at Northwestern Michigan College
a smaller institution with 2,668 students in Traverse City, MI.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $37,988/yr, roughly in line with the $42,988 national median for Air Transportation. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The 37.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 33% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Air Transportation graduates.
With first-year pay of $37,988 far exceeding the $11,737 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #5 out of 10 programs, Northwestern Michigan College's Air Transportation offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
With 5 registered apprenticeships mapped to Air Transportation, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
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.
Compare & Explore
Air Transportation Overview
Air Transportation at Other Schools
Other Majors at Northwestern Michigan College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.