10 Most Common Air Force Jobs
If you’re exploring a future in the Air Force, one of the biggest questions you probably have is:
What jobs are the most common?
While pilots often get the spotlight, that is an officer job and pilots only makes up 4% of the Air Force. In reality a vast majority of Airmen (80%) serve in enlisted career fields that keep the Air Force running every single day. These roles range from medical care, logistics and personnel support to aircraft maintenance and base security.
Knowing which jobs are most common can give you a realistic idea of where you might end up. But beyond just the numbers, it’s also important to understand your actual chances of being selected for a specific career.
That’s why we created the Airman Vision Job Odds Calculator — a free tool that helps you see your odds of landing certain jobs based on the preferences you submit to your recruiter.
In this post, we’ll count down the 10 most common Air Force jobs, starting with #10 and ending with #1. Each of these careers has thousands of Airmen serving in them, making them the backbone of the Air Force mission.
10. Personnel (3F0X1)
The Personnel career field is the foundation of Air Force human resources. Airmen in this role handle assignments, benefits, evaluations, promotions, and much more. Their work ensures that every Airman’s career is tracked, supported, and set up for success.
9. Aerospace Propulsion (2A6X1)
Known as the “jet engine mechanics,” Aerospace Propulsion specialists keep aircraft engines running at peak performance. They troubleshoot, repair, and maintain propulsion systems for everything from fighters to cargo planes—keeping the Air Force flying safely and efficiently.
8. Refuel/Bomber Aircraft Maintenance (2A5X4)
From KC-135 refuelers to B-52 bombers, Airmen in this field maintain some of the Air Force’s heaviest-hitting aircraft. Their job is to ensure these massive machines are ready for long flights, refueling missions, and strategic operations anywhere in the world.
7. Tactical Aircraft Maintenance (2A3X3)
These Airmen specialize in fighter jets like the F-15, F-16, and A-10. They inspect, repair, and maintain tactical aircraft to make sure pilots can get in the air at a moment’s notice. Without them, the Air Force’s most iconic aircraft wouldn’t leave the ground.
6. Materiel Management (2S0X1)
Often called “supply,” these Airmen are responsible for managing and tracking the equipment, tools, and parts that keep the Air Force mission moving. From aircraft components to everyday gear, Materiel Management ensures that the right items are in the right place at the right time.
5. Aerospace Medical Service (4N0X1)
As the largest medical enlisted career field, Aerospace Medical Service Airmen provide direct patient care, assist with medical procedures, and support Air Force healthcare teams. They play a vital role in keeping Airmen and their families healthy.
4. Aircraft Armament Systems (2W1X1)
These specialists load, maintain, and troubleshoot the weapons systems on Air Force aircraft. Whether it’s missiles, bombs, or cannons, they make sure the firepower is ready and reliable when needed.
3. Munitions Systems (2W0X1)
Nicknamed “ammo troops,” these Airmen manage, inspect, and assemble munitions of all types. They ensure that every round, missile, and bomb is stored safely and delivered where it’s needed.
2. Airlift/Special Mission Aircraft Maintenance (2A5X1)
These Airmen work on transport and special mission aircraft such as the C-130, C-17, and C-5. Their maintenance expertise keeps vital cargo, personnel, and equipment moving across the globe—supporting missions big and small.
1. Security Forces (3P0X1)
The largest career field in the Air Force is Security Forces. Often compared to military police, these Airmen protect bases, personnel, and assets around the world. They guard aircraft, enforce laws, and deploy in combat zones to provide force protection. Simply put, they are the Air Force’s first line of defense.
Final Thoughts
These are the 10 most common jobs in the Air Force, representing the majority of enlisted Airmen serving today. Each career field plays a critical role in mission success, whether it’s keeping aircraft in the air, maintaining security on the ground, or providing medical care and support.
If you’re preparing to join, make sure you check out the Airman Vision Job Odds Calculator. It’s designed to help you better understand your chances of landing the jobs you want, so you can make smarter choices before submitting your list to a recruiter.
At Airman Vision, we’ve created a streamlined solution for modern-day Air Force recruiting—bridging the gap between future recruits and the Air Force. Our resources will help you prepare for Basic Training, Technical Training, and your Air Force career.
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