Analyze Messages Obtained During Flight Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry‑level Flight Data Analysts earn $70k‑$90k annually. Mid‑level analysts with 3–5 years of ACARS/ADS‑B experience command $90k‑$120k. Senior data scientists or lead aviation analysts can reach $130k‑$170k, especially in major hubs.

Proficiency in Python (pandas, NumPy), SQL, and real‑time streaming with Kafka or Spark. Knowledge of ACARS/ADS‑B protocols and tools like OpenSky Network, FlightAware API, and PyADS is essential. Certifications such as FAA ACAS, ICAO Data Analyst, or SAS Certified Data Scientist boost credibility.

Yes. Most in‑flight message analysis positions support flexible remote setups because data ingestion and model training are cloud‑based. Companies provide VPN access to secure flight data feeds and use collaboration tools like JupyterHub and Teams.

Typical paths: Flight Data Analyst → Senior Analyst → Lead Data Scientist → Aviation Analytics Manager → Director of Flight Operations Analytics. Each step adds responsibility for cross‑functional projects, stakeholder management, and strategy.

Regulators are mandating real‑time flight data reporting, driving demand for real‑time analytics. AI is being used to detect anomalies in ACARS packets, while satellite‑based telemetry is expanding to remote airports. Cloud‑native pipelines (AWS Athena, Azure Synapse) and edge‑computing on aircraft are also reshaping the field.