U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) / Department of Transportation / Aviation Safety

Job-title file

Aviation Safety

Carry out the duties of this position in support of the agency's public mission.

4,127 employees hold this title in Department of Transportation. Median total compensation for the role is $142,063, above the department median of $137,624.

Employees: 4,127
Total payroll: $586.6M
Role median: $142,063
Agency median: $137,624
Comparison: Above

What the records show

Role pay distribution

Pay distribution for this role

$59,966$209,625+

Hover a bar for its range; click to filter the list below.

How total compensation varies among the 4,127 people in this role. Even for one job title, pay differs with seniority, step, overtime, and tenure. Each bar is a pay range; the far-right bar collects the highest earners.

Compared with the local labor market

Aviation Safety pay vs. the United States

Across all employers in the United States, the median wage for Transportation Inspectors — about 24,500 people — is $92,100. Department of Transportation pays a median base salary of $141,812 for this role, 54% above that figure — above the 90th percentile of local pay for the occupation.

Where Department of Transportation sits in the local pay range

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$40,330

$58,780

$92,100

$108,890

$138,670

Department of Transportation median · $141,812

The bar is the range of annual wages for Transportation Inspectors across every employer in the United States, from the 10th to the 90th percentile, with the middle 50% highlighted. The marker shows Department of Transportation’s median base salary for this role. Both figures are base pay only.

Computed over the 4,088 of 4,127 people in this role paid at least $25,000 in base salary. The rest are part-year or part-time records, whose actual pay isn’t comparable to a full-time annual wage.

Median total compensation for this role at Department of Transportation is $142,063, which includes overtime and employer-paid benefits. The benchmark above excludes both, so total compensation is deliberately not compared against it.

Benchmark: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) covers all employers in the area — private, non-profit, and government alike — so this is a comparison against the whole local labor market for the occupation, not against private-sector pay. OEWS wages are straight-time pay and exclude overtime, shift differentials, and employer-paid benefits, so the government figure shown here is base pay on the same basis. Total compensation is not comparable to it. Job titles are matched to the closest standard occupation, so the comparison is between similar work rather than an identical job classification.

Compare departments

This role across U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)

Aviation Safety is held in 7 U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) departments. In Department of Transportation, the median of $142,063 ranks #4 of 7.

Highest-paying departments for this role

Department of Energy

$197,482 · 1

Nat Aeronautics and Space Administration

$169,861 · 2

Department of State

$156,051 · 2

Department of Interior

$136,912 · 27

Department of Commerce

$110,447 · 1

Department of Agriculture

$106,856 · 31

Median total compensation for the Aviation Safety role in other U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)departments (highest first). Each bar links to that department’s page for this role.

Record list

Employees with this title

Page 10

John Pless

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$120,207

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $120,207
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $120,207
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Hapeville
Work county: Fulton
Work state: Georgia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $120,207
Basic Pay (before locality): $97,373
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 132570121
Length of Service (Years): 11
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

At Department of Transportation, John Pless serves as a Aviation Safety based in Hapeville, Georgia. Their 2024 pay totaled $120,207. They are classified at grade 13.

Jason Shabdue

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$120,207

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $120,207
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $120,207
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Hapeville
Work county: Fulton
Work state: Georgia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $120,207
Basic Pay (before locality): $97,373
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 132570121
Length of Service (Years): 13
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

Jason Shabdue is a Aviation Safety at Department of Transportation based in Hapeville, Georgia. 2024 total compensation came to $120,207. They are classified at grade 13.

William Ellerbee

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$120,207

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $120,207
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $120,207
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Hapeville
Work county: Fulton
Work state: Georgia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $120,207
Basic Pay (before locality): $97,373
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 132570121
Length of Service (Years): 4
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

William Ellerbee is a Aviation Safety at Department of Transportation based in Hapeville, Georgia. 2024 total compensation came to $120,207. They are classified at grade 13.

Jeffrey Mays

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$120,207

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $120,207
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $120,207
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Hapeville
Work county: Fulton
Work state: Georgia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $120,207
Basic Pay (before locality): $97,373
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 132570121
Length of Service (Years): 4
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

Jeffrey Mays works as a Aviation Safety for Department of Transportation based in Hapeville, Georgia. Jeffrey earned $120,207 in 2024. Their pay grade is 13.

Scott Ustafinski

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$120,207

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $120,207
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $120,207
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Hapeville
Work county: Fulton
Work state: Georgia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $120,207
Basic Pay (before locality): $97,373
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 132570121
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

Scott Ustafinski holds the role of Aviation Safety at Department of Transportation based in Hapeville, Georgia. In 2024, their total compensation was $120,207. Their pay grade is 13.

Steven Charles

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$120,207

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $120,207
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $120,207
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Hapeville
Work county: Fulton
Work state: Georgia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $120,207
Basic Pay (before locality): $97,373
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 132570121
Length of Service (Years): 17
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

Steven Charles works as a Aviation Safety for Department of Transportation based in Hapeville, Georgia. Steven earned $120,207 in 2024. Their pay grade is 13.

Christopher Gorski

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$120,147

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $119,173
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $974
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $120,147
Pay grade: J
Work city: Louisville
Work county: Jefferson
Work state: Kentucky

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $119,173
Basic Pay (before locality): $102,014
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 212090111
Length of Service (Years): 3
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FV

Christopher Gorski holds the role of Aviation Safety at Department of Transportation based in Louisville, Kentucky. In 2024, their total compensation was $120,147. Their pay grade is J.

Lance Broadbent

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$120,058

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $120,058
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $120,058
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Minneapolis
Work county: Hennepin
Work state: Minnesota

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $120,058
Basic Pay (before locality): $94,422
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 274760053
Length of Service (Years): 2
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

Lance Broadbent works as a Aviation Safety for Department of Transportation based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Lance earned $120,058 in 2024. Their pay grade is 13.

Daniel Sindt

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$120,058

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $120,058
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $120,058
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Minneapolis
Work county: Hennepin
Work state: Minnesota

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $120,058
Basic Pay (before locality): $94,422
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 274760053
Length of Service (Years): 2
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

Daniel Sindt holds the role of Aviation Safety at Department of Transportation based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In 2024, their total compensation was $120,058. Their pay grade is 13.

David Mcgonigal

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$120,018

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $120,018
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $120,018
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Troy
Work county: Madison
Work state: Illinois

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $120,018
Basic Pay (before locality): $100,324
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 178730119
Length of Service (Years): 6
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

David Mcgonigal holds the role of Aviation Safety at Department of Transportation based in Troy, Illinois. In 2024, their total compensation was $120,018. Their pay grade is 13.

Keith Clarry

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$119,831

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $119,831
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $119,831
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Irving
Work county: Dallas
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $119,831
Basic Pay (before locality): $94,422
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 483420113
Length of Service (Years): 6
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

At Department of Transportation, Keith Clarry serves as a Aviation Safety based in Irving, Texas. Their 2024 pay totaled $119,831. They are classified at grade 13.

Kevin Langford

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$119,831

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $119,831
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $119,831
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Fort Worth
Work county: Tarrant
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $119,831
Basic Pay (before locality): $94,422
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 482450439
Length of Service (Years): 6
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

Kevin Langford holds the role of Aviation Safety at Department of Transportation based in Fort Worth, Texas. In 2024, their total compensation was $119,831. Their pay grade is 13.

Curtis Voiles

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$119,831

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $119,831
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $119,831
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Irving
Work county: Dallas
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $119,831
Basic Pay (before locality): $94,422
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 483420113
Length of Service (Years): 3
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

Curtis Voiles works as a Aviation Safety for Department of Transportation based in Irving, Texas. Curtis earned $119,831 in 2024. Their pay grade is 13.

Gifford Beuker

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$119,831

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $119,831
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $119,831
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Irving
Work county: Dallas
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $119,831
Basic Pay (before locality): $94,422
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 483420113
Length of Service (Years): 3
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

At Department of Transportation, Gifford Beuker serves as a Aviation Safety based in Irving, Texas. Their 2024 pay totaled $119,831. They are classified at grade 13.

Steven Curton

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$119,831

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $119,831
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $119,831
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Irving
Work county: Dallas
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $119,831
Basic Pay (before locality): $94,422
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 483420113
Length of Service (Years): 3
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

At Department of Transportation, Steven Curton serves as a Aviation Safety based in Irving, Texas. Their 2024 pay totaled $119,831. They are classified at grade 13.

Douglas Hare

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$119,831

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $119,831
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $119,831
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Irving
Work county: Dallas
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $119,831
Basic Pay (before locality): $94,422
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 483420113
Length of Service (Years): 2
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

Douglas Hare works as a Aviation Safety for Department of Transportation based in Irving, Texas. Douglas earned $119,831 in 2024. Their pay grade is 13.

Gerry Holmes

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$119,831

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $119,831
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $119,831
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Irving
Work county: Dallas
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $119,831
Basic Pay (before locality): $94,422
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 483420113
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

Gerry Holmes works as a Aviation Safety for Department of Transportation based in Irving, Texas. Gerry earned $119,831 in 2024. Their pay grade is 13.

Michael Kimball

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$119,831

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $119,831
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $119,831
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Irving
Work county: Dallas
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $119,831
Basic Pay (before locality): $94,422
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 483420113
Length of Service (Years): 2
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

Michael Kimball holds the role of Aviation Safety at Department of Transportation based in Irving, Texas. In 2024, their total compensation was $119,831. Their pay grade is 13.

Clayton Taylor

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$119,831

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $119,831
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $119,831
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Irving
Work county: Dallas
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $119,831
Basic Pay (before locality): $94,422
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 483420113
Length of Service (Years): 4
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

At Department of Transportation, Clayton Taylor serves as a Aviation Safety based in Irving, Texas. Their 2024 pay totaled $119,831. They are classified at grade 13.