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 11

James Rhodes

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$150,454

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $150,454
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,454
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Irving
Work county: Dallas
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $150,454
Basic Pay (before locality): $118,552
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 483420113
Length of Service (Years): 28
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

James Rhodes is a Aviation Safety at Department of Transportation based in Irving, Texas. 2024 total compensation came to $150,454. They are classified at grade 14.

Bruce Schemmel

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$150,454

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $150,454
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,454
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Irving
Work county: Dallas
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $150,454
Basic Pay (before locality): $118,552
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 483420113
Length of Service (Years): 17
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

Bruce Schemmel holds the role of Aviation Safety at Department of Transportation based in Irving, Texas. In 2024, their total compensation was $150,454. Their pay grade is 14.

Stephen Spratt

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$150,454

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $150,454
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,454
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Irving
Work county: Dallas
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $150,454
Basic Pay (before locality): $118,552
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 483420113
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

Stephen Spratt works as a Aviation Safety for Department of Transportation based in Irving, Texas. Stephen earned $150,454 in 2024. Their pay grade is 14.

Shari Thomas

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$150,454

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $150,454
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,454
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Irving
Work county: Dallas
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $150,454
Basic Pay (before locality): $118,552
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 483420113
Length of Service (Years): 13
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

Shari Thomas is a Aviation Safety at Department of Transportation based in Irving, Texas. 2024 total compensation came to $150,454. They are classified at grade 14.

Reginald Vessels

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$150,454

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $150,454
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,454
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Irving
Work county: Dallas
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $150,454
Basic Pay (before locality): $118,552
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 483420113
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

Reginald Vessels is a Aviation Safety at Department of Transportation based in Irving, Texas. 2024 total compensation came to $150,454. They are classified at grade 14.

Edward Cardenas

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$150,428

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $150,428
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,428
Pay grade: J
Work city: Miramar
Work county: Broward
Work state: Florida

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $150,428
Basic Pay (before locality): $120,903
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 122083011
Length of Service (Years): 23
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FV

Edward Cardenas holds the role of Aviation Safety at Department of Transportation based in Miramar, Florida. In 2024, their total compensation was $150,428. Their pay grade is J.

Jennifer Curry

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$150,375

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $148,244
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,131
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,375
Pay grade: J
Work city: Des Plaines
Work county: Cook
Work state: Illinois

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $148,244
Basic Pay (before locality): $113,675
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 172330031
Length of Service (Years): 9
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FV

Jennifer Curry is a Aviation Safety at Department of Transportation based in Des Plaines, Illinois. 2024 total compensation came to $150,375. They are classified at grade J.

Rick Bolton

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$150,318

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $150,318
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,318
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Houston
Work county: Harris
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $150,318
Basic Pay (before locality): $111,578
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 483280201
Length of Service (Years): 9
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

Rick Bolton is a Aviation Safety at Department of Transportation based in Houston, Texas. 2024 total compensation came to $150,318. They are classified at grade 14.

Ronald Jacobs

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$150,318

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $150,318
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,318
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Houston
Work county: Harris
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $150,318
Basic Pay (before locality): $111,578
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 483280201
Length of Service (Years): 6
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

Ronald Jacobs is a Aviation Safety at Department of Transportation based in Houston, Texas. 2024 total compensation came to $150,318. They are classified at grade 14.

Stephen Ragin

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$150,318

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $150,318
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,318
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Houston
Work county: Harris
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $150,318
Basic Pay (before locality): $111,578
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 483280201
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

Stephen Ragin works as a Aviation Safety for Department of Transportation based in Houston, Texas. Stephen earned $150,318 in 2024. Their pay grade is 14.

Earon Knolles

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$150,189

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $148,971
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,218
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,189
Pay grade: K
Work city: Charleston
Work county: Kanawha
Work state: West Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $148,971
Basic Pay (before locality): $127,522
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 540480039
Length of Service (Years): 17
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FV

Earon Knolles is a Aviation Safety at Department of Transportation based in Charleston, West Virginia. 2024 total compensation came to $150,189. They are classified at grade K.

Paul Asmus

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$150,172

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $150,172
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,172
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Mountain View
Work county: Santa Clara
Work state: California

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $150,172
Basic Pay (before locality): $103,275
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 062311085
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

At Department of Transportation, Paul Asmus serves as a Aviation Safety based in Mountain View, California. Their 2024 pay totaled $150,172. They are classified at grade 13.

Del Deatherage

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$150,167

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $150,167
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,167
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Elsberry
Work county: Lincoln
Work state: Missouri

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $150,167
Basic Pay (before locality): $125,526
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 292520113
Length of Service (Years): 16
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

At Department of Transportation, Del Deatherage serves as a Aviation Safety based in Elsberry, Missouri. Their 2024 pay totaled $150,167. They are classified at grade 14.

Raymond Gregory

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$150,167

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $150,167
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,167
Pay grade: 14
Work county: Saint Louis
Work state: Missouri

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $150,167
Basic Pay (before locality): $125,526
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 290000510
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

Raymond Gregory is a Aviation Safety at Department of Transportation based in Missouri. 2024 total compensation came to $150,167. They are classified at grade 14.

Daniel Carey

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$150,167

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $150,167
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,167
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Hillsboro
Work county: Jefferson
Work state: Missouri

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $150,167
Basic Pay (before locality): $125,526
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 293690099
Length of Service (Years): 13
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

Daniel Carey is a Aviation Safety at Department of Transportation based in Hillsboro, Missouri. 2024 total compensation came to $150,167. They are classified at grade 14.

Daniel Pitkin

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$150,167

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $150,167
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,167
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Saint Ann
Work county: Saint Louis
Work state: Missouri

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $150,167
Basic Pay (before locality): $125,526
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 297000189
Length of Service (Years): 13
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

Daniel Pitkin is a Aviation Safety at Department of Transportation based in Saint Ann, Missouri. 2024 total compensation came to $150,167. They are classified at grade 14.

Lamont Wilson

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$150,167

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $150,167
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,167
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Saint Ann
Work county: Saint Louis
Work state: Missouri

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $150,167
Basic Pay (before locality): $125,526
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 297000189
Length of Service (Years): 26
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

Lamont Wilson holds the role of Aviation Safety at Department of Transportation based in Saint Ann, Missouri. In 2024, their total compensation was $150,167. Their pay grade is 14.

Manuel Cepeda

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$150,143

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $148,926
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,217
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,143
Pay grade: J
Work city: San Juan
Work state: No Data Reported

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $148,926
Basic Pay (before locality): $127,483
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: RQ0930000
Length of Service (Years): 12
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FV

Manuel Cepeda works as a Aviation Safety for Department of Transportation based in San Juan, No Data Reported. Manuel earned $150,143 in 2024. Their pay grade is J.

Ernesto Godinez

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$150,105

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $150,105
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,105
Pay grade: J
Work city: Invalid
Work county: Invalid
Work state: Invalid

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $150,105
Basic Pay (before locality): $110,501
Country: Invalid
Duty Station Code: *
Length of Service (Years): 10
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FV

Ernesto Godinez is a Aviation Safety at Department of Transportation based in Invalid, Invalid. 2024 total compensation came to $150,105. They are classified at grade J.

Susanne Konrath

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$150,075

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $150,075
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,075
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Des Plaines
Work county: Cook
Work state: Illinois

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $150,075
Basic Pay (before locality): $115,079
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 172330031
Length of Service (Years): 26
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

At Department of Transportation, Susanne Konrath serves as a Aviation Safety based in Des Plaines, Illinois. Their 2024 pay totaled $150,075. They are classified at grade 13.

Adrienne Krunich

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$150,075

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $150,075
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,075
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Des Plaines
Work county: Cook
Work state: Illinois

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $150,075
Basic Pay (before locality): $115,079
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 172330031
Length of Service (Years): 11
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

Adrienne Krunich works as a Aviation Safety for Department of Transportation based in Des Plaines, Illinois. Adrienne earned $150,075 in 2024. Their pay grade is 13.

John Mcdermott

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$150,056

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $150,056
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,056
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Des Plaines
Work county: Cook
Work state: Illinois

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $150,056
Basic Pay (before locality): $115,065
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 172330031
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

John Mcdermott works as a Aviation Safety for Department of Transportation based in Des Plaines, Illinois. John earned $150,056 in 2024. Their pay grade is 14.

Kurt Stiefel

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$150,056

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $150,056
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,056
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Wheaton
Work county: Du Page
Work state: Illinois

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $150,056
Basic Pay (before locality): $115,065
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 179290043
Length of Service (Years): 9
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

Kurt Stiefel is a Aviation Safety at Department of Transportation based in Wheaton, Illinois. 2024 total compensation came to $150,056. They are classified at grade 14.

Tracy Mayo

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$150,056

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $150,056
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,056
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Des Plaines
Work county: Cook
Work state: Illinois

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $150,056
Basic Pay (before locality): $115,065
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 172330031
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

Tracy Mayo holds the role of Aviation Safety at Department of Transportation based in Des Plaines, Illinois. In 2024, their total compensation was $150,056. Their pay grade is 14.

Hamik Dilanchian

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$149,993

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $148,788
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,205
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $149,993
Pay grade: J
Work city: Plainfield
Work county: Hendricks
Work state: Indiana

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $148,788
Basic Pay (before locality): $126,209
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 183990063
Length of Service (Years): 16
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FV

Hamik Dilanchian is a Aviation Safety at Department of Transportation based in Plainfield, Indiana. 2024 total compensation came to $149,993. They are classified at grade J.

John Berens

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$149,965

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $149,465
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $500
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $149,965
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Watkins
Work county: Adams
Work state: Colorado

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $149,465
Basic Pay (before locality): $115,079
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 082525001
Length of Service (Years): 20
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

At Department of Transportation, John Berens serves as a Aviation Safety based in Watkins, Colorado. Their 2024 pay totaled $149,965. They are classified at grade 13.

Harold Robertson

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$149,946

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $149,446
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $500
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $149,946
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Watkins
Work county: Adams
Work state: Colorado

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $149,446
Basic Pay (before locality): $115,065
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 082525001
Length of Service (Years): 23
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

Harold Robertson is a Aviation Safety at Department of Transportation based in Watkins, Colorado. 2024 total compensation came to $149,946. They are classified at grade 14.

Michael Ferrari

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$149,835

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $149,835
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $149,835
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Saddle Brook
Work county: Bergen
Work state: New Jersey

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $149,835
Basic Pay (before locality): $109,177
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 342942003
Length of Service (Years): 13
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

Michael Ferrari is a Aviation Safety at Department of Transportation based in Saddle Brook, New Jersey. 2024 total compensation came to $149,835. They are classified at grade 13.

Joel Salomon

Aviation Safety/Department of Transportation

2024 total comp

$149,835

Sub-department: Federal Aviation Administration
Base pay: $149,835
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $149,835
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Garden City
Work county: Nassau
Work state: New York

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $149,835
Basic Pay (before locality): $109,177
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 362240059
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 1825
Pay Plan (OPM): FG

Joel Salomon works as a Aviation Safety for Department of Transportation based in Garden City, New York. Joel earned $149,835 in 2024. Their pay grade is 13.