Air accident investigator | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Air accident investigators search for the causes of accidents and serious incidents, involving civilian aircraft.

Related jobs: Air traffic controller Drone pilot Helicopter engineer
  • Inspect work of aircraft mechanics performing maintenance, modification, or repair and overhaul of aircraft and aircraft mechanical systems to ensure adherence to standards and procedures.  
  • Examine aircraft access plates and doors for security.  
  • Examine landing gear, tires, and exteriors of fuselage, wings, and engines for evidence of damage or corrosion
Read more about Air accident investigator

Air accident investigators typically work around 37 to 45 hours per week.

As a Air accident investigator you will typically work evenings / weekends / bank holidays.

This occupation tends to be:

  • Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely
    • Read more about Air accident investigator
    * from ONETonline
    Average salary
    97,608 GBP *
    per year
    72,500 GBP
    82,000 GBP
    Starting
    5+ Experience
    * data taken from the Office of National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)

    Salary statistics

    Average salary for Air accident investigator
    • 103,798 GBP
    Average salary for full-time Air accident investigator

    Showing:
    Full-time
    • 97,608 GBP
    • 103,798 GBP
    Salary over time for Air accident investigator

    Pay for this role has decreased slightly over time
    • 94,182 GBP
    • 87,447 GBP
    • 87,322 GBP
    • 84,307 GBP
    • 78,221 GBP
    • 86,204 GBP
    • 97,608 GBP
    • 75,903 GBP
    • 53,152 GBP
    Ads

    Similar Courses

    Aviation Assessor Certificate

    ATC Training Limited
    Multiple (2)
    From 150 GBP

    Aviation Safety Management

    Cranfield University
    Online
    From 2,050 GBP

    Aviation Safety Investigation

    Cranfield University
    Multiple (2)
    From 1,975 GBP

    Aviation English (ICAO) Course

    Codrington Language Centre
    Multiple (2)

    Aviation Safety Management

    London Premier Centre
    Multiple (8)
    From 3,750 GBP

    Human Factors in Aviation Maintenance

    Cranfield University
    Cranfield
    From 2,050 GBP

    Aviation Basics - Introduction to Airport Operations

    ATC Training Limited
    Online
    From 35 GBP

    Aviation Safety Management System Investigator (SMS Investigator)

    Cranfield University
    Cranfield
    From 3,600 GBP

    NCFE Level 3 Introductory Diploma/Extended Diploma in Travel And Tourism - Aviation

    HCUC (Harrow College & Uxbridge College)
    Uxbridge
    See all 122 relevant courses

    Future outlook for Air accident investigators

    pointer
    Very good outlook
    8 000+ jobs available
    pointer
    Fair outlook
    -7% yearly wage growth (on average)
    pointer
    Very good outlook
    28% chance of automation in the future

    Air accident investigator - Your future job?


    Which qualifications do I need?

    Find out what you need to know in order to become a Air accident investigator and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

    In terms of people already doing this job:

    • 61% of people in this role have a post-secondary qualification such as a Higher National Diploma
    • 19% of people in this role have GCSEs or equivalent
    • 18% of people in this role have a Diploma of Higher Education or equivalent

    You can apply directly to become an air accident investigator.

    If you want to work as an operations inspector, managing an accident response team, you’ll need a pilot’s licence and flying experience.

    To be an engineering investigator or flight data recorder inspector, you’ll need a relevant degree or postgraduate qualification and several years’ recent experience in aerospace engineering.

    You can also take short courses in accident investigation techniques, which may help broaden your knowledge of the role and skills required.


    Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Air accident investigator

    Aviation

    What soft skills do I need?

    Rise above the competition by brushing up on the 5 most important soft skills you need to become a Air accident investigator.
    Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
    Quality Control Analysis Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance
    Operation Monitoring Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly
    Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively
    Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times

    What technical skills do I need?

    Technical skills are programmes, softwares and things you need to know in order to be a successful Air accident investigator. Check that you know:
    1
    Computer aided design CAD software
    2
    Data base user interface and query software Aircraft regulation databases; Data entry software
    3
    Enterprise resource planning ERP software
    4
    Graphics or photo imaging software Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
    5
    Spreadsheet software Microsoft Excel
    Improve your skills today

    Aviation

    Things to highlight for your Air accident investigator interview

    Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Self Control Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. Initiative Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

    Not sure if you are in the right job?

    Take our career change quiz

    Related jobs

    Aviation

    Air traffic controller

    This job has a good outlook! Job numbers look steady and there is a steady wage increase.
    93,955 GBP
     
    Very good outlook

    Aviation

    Drone pilot

    This job has a good outlook! Job numbers look steady and there is a steady wage increase.
    97,608 GBP
     
    Very good outlook

    Aviation

    Helicopter engineer

    This job has a good outlook! Job numbers look steady and there is a steady wage increase.
    97,608 GBP
     
    Very good outlook

    Aviation

    Helicopter pilot

    This job has a good outlook! Job numbers look steady and there is a steady wage increase.
    97,608 GBP
     
    Very good outlook

    Aviation

    Airline customer service agent

    This job has a balanced outlook, with a fair number of job openings and a stable salary level.
    24,742 GBP
     
    Balanced outlook

    Aviation

    Airport information assistant

    This job has a fair outlook, which could mean that wage growth is not as rapid in this role.
    28,784 GBP
     
    Fair outlook

    Aviation

    Airline pilot

    This job has a good outlook! Job numbers look steady and there is a steady wage increase.
    97,608 GBP
     
    Very good outlook

    Aviation

    Aerospace engineering technician

    This job has a good outlook! Job numbers look steady and there is a steady wage increase.
    38,185 GBP
     
    Very good outlook

    Aviation

    Aerospace engineer

    This job has a good outlook! Job numbers look steady and there is a steady wage increase.
    45,523 GBP
     
    Very good outlook