Top 10 Airlines Hiring OPT Students
The top 10 airlines hiring OPT students include American Airlines, NetJets, and Frontier Airlines, representing a wide range of airline and aviation employers, from major carriers and regional operators to aviation maintenance and logistics companies. Migrate Mate is tracking 112 live OPT jobs across these employers as of August 26, 2026, updated daily. For F-1 students, working at an airline on OPT means securing a role related to your field of study with no employer filing required, the work authorization is yours, and the employer simply hires you.
Which airlines hire the most OPT students?
Ranked by live OPT openings on Migrate Mate, updated daily
- 01
American Airlines
Commercial AviationOperationsLogisticsAmerican Airlines has 30 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate, the most of any airline on this list. Its openings concentrate in Data Science & Analytics and Project & Program Management. American Airlines operates one of the world's largest commercial airline networks, connecting hundreds of domestic and international destinations.
Open roles by team
- Data Science & Analytics18
- Project & Program Management16
- Business Analysis14
- Cloud & DevOps12
- Engineering (Non-Software)10
+75 roles across other teams
Open roles at American Airlines30 openSee all 30+ American Airlines OPT jobsApplyAssociate Product ManagerFort Worth, Texas · On-siteApplyDeveloper, Inflight eLearning and MediaFort Worth, Texas · On-siteApplySpecialist/Sr Specialist, HR InvestigationsFort Worth, Texas · On-siteApplyAnalyst/Sr Analyst, Planning & Perf AnalyticsFort Worth, Texas · On-siteApplyAnalyst/Sr AnalystFort Worth, Texas · On-site - 02
NetJets
Private AviationFleet ManagementFinanceNetJets has 28 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Software Engineering and Cloud & DevOps. NetJets provides private aviation services through fractional aircraft ownership and charter flight programs.
Open roles by team
- Software Engineering15
- Cloud & DevOps14
- Account Management8
- Project & Program Management8
- Cybersecurity6
+55 roles across other teams
- 03
Frontier Airlines
Commercial AviationOperationsCustomer ExperienceFrontier Airlines has 17 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Warehouse & Logistics and Compliance & Legal. Frontier Airlines is an ultra-low-cost carrier serving domestic U.S. routes with a focus on fuel-efficient operations.
Open roles by team
- Warehouse & Logistics14
- Compliance & Legal11
- Project & Program Management11
- Business Analysis8
- Data Science & Analytics6
+13 roles across other teams
Open roles at Frontier Airlines17 openSee all Frontier Airlines OPT jobsApplyAirport Customer Service ManagerPhoenix, Arizona · On-siteApplyCoordinator, HR Compliance ProgramsDenver, Colorado · On-siteApplySenior Legal CounselDenver, Colorado · On-siteApplyAnalyst II - Material OpsDenver, Colorado · On-siteApplySr Analyst - Operations ResearchDenver, Colorado · On-site Unlock every OPT job from these sponsors
Find 130+ OPT jobs- 04
Urban Outfitters
RetailSupply ChainTechnologyUrban Outfitters has 12 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Product Management and Customer Service & Support. Urban Outfitters is a lifestyle retail company operating clothing, accessories, and home goods brands across North America and Europe.
Open roles by team
- Product Management8
- Customer Service & Support6
- Business Development6
- Customer Service5
- Design (UX & Creative)5
+11 roles across other teams
Open roles at Urban Outfitters12 openSee all Urban Outfitters OPT jobsApplyAssistant BuyerPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania · On-siteApplyAssistant DesignerPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania · On-siteApplyAssociate BuyerPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania · On-siteApplyAssociate DesignerPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania · On-siteApplyDigital TechnicianPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania · On-site - 05
Jet Linx Aviation
Private AviationClient ServicesOperationsJet Linx Aviation has 8 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Customer Service & Support and Tax. Jet Linx Aviation offers private jet management, charter, and ownership programs through a network of U.S. terminals.
Open roles by team
- Customer Service & Support2
- Tax1
- Audit1
- Finance1
- Accounting1
+3 roles across other teams
Open roles at Jet Linx Aviation8 openSee all Jet Linx Aviation OPT jobsApplySecond in Command – Gulfstream G280Opa-locka, Florida · On-siteApplySecond in Command – Challenger 605Austin, Texas · On-siteApplyFlight Coordination SpecialistOmaha, Nebraska · On-siteApplyAccountantOmaha, Nebraska · On-siteApplySecond in Command – Falcon 900EXEden Prairie, Minnesota · On-site - Editor’s note
How this list is ranked
These employers are ranked by how many roles open to OPT candidates they have live on Migrate Mate right now. OPT is your own work authorization rather than something the employer files, so the practical question is whether the role fits your field of study and whether the team has hired people on OPT before.
- 06
Alaska Airlines
Commercial AviationCustomer ExperienceTechnologyAlaska Airlines has 4 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Compliance & Legal and Project & Program Management. Alaska Airlines is a major U.S. carrier serving the West Coast, Hawaii, and transcontinental routes with a loyalty-focused model.
Open roles by team
- Compliance & Legal4
- Project & Program Management4
- Human Resources2
- Customer Service2
- Customer Service & Support2
+6 roles across other teams
Open roles at Alaska Airlines4 openSee all Alaska Airlines OPT jobsApplySupervisor Station OperationsJuneau, Alaska · On-siteApplySupervisor InflightSeattle, Washington · On-siteApplySenior QA AuditorSeaTac, Washington · On-siteApplySenior Continuing Analysis and Surveillance System InvestigatorSeaTac, Washington · On-site - 07
United Airlines
Commercial AviationTechnologyOperationsUnited Airlines has 4 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Data Science & Analytics and Cloud & DevOps. United Airlines operates a global hub-and-spoke network spanning domestic, transatlantic, transpacific, and Latin American markets.
Open roles by team
- Data Science & Analytics3
- Cloud & DevOps2
- Project & Program Management2
- Engineering (Non-Software)2
- Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering2
+9 roles across other teams
Open roles at United Airlines4 openSee all United Airlines OPT jobsApplySr Analyst - Financial Planning & AnalysisChicago, Illinois · HybridApplyManager, Inflight Training Device MaintenanceDenver, Colorado · On-siteApplyDeveloper- Ops AutomationChicago, Illinois · On-siteApplyMetallurgy EngineerSan Francisco, California · On-site See OPT jobs from all 10 sponsors and thousands more
Find 130+ OPT jobs- 08
Lynden
Air CargoLogisticsTransportationLynden has 3 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Compliance & Legal and Skilled Trades. Lynden provides air freight, trucking, and logistics services across Alaska, the western U.S., and international markets.
Open roles by team
- Compliance & Legal2
- Skilled Trades1
- Aviation Operations1
- Maintenance & Repair1
- Warehouse & Logistics1
+3 roles across other teams
Open roles at Lynden3 openSee all Lynden OPT jobsApplyHealth, Safety, Security and Environmental (HSSE) ManagerAnchorage, Alaska · On-siteApplyFlight Control AgentAnchorage, Alaska · On-siteApplyA&P Aircraft MechanicAnchorage, Alaska · On-site - 09
Barfield
Aviation MROAvionicsEngineeringBarfield has 3 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Software Engineering and Business Development. Barfield delivers aircraft avionics repair, ground support equipment, and maintenance services to airlines worldwide.
Open roles by team
- Software Engineering3
- Business Development2
- Engineering (Non-Software)2
- Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering2
- Sales1
+1 roles across other teams
Open roles at Barfield3 openSee all Barfield OPT jobsApplyEmbedded Software EngineerMiami, Florida · On-siteApplyElectrical Design EngineerMiami, Florida · On-siteApplyTechnical Sales ManagerMiami, Florida · On-site - 10
PHI Aviation, LLC
Helicopter ServicesAviation SafetyOperationsPHI Aviation, LLC has 3 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Business Analysis and Finance. PHI Aviation provides helicopter transportation services primarily for the oil and gas industry and air medical operations.
Open roles by team
- Business Analysis4
- Finance2
- Accounting2
- Engineering (Non-Software)2
- Project & Program Management2
+2 roles across other teams
Open roles at PHI Aviation, LLC3 openSee all PHI Aviation, LLC OPT jobsApplySenior DraftsmanLafayette, Louisiana · On-siteApplyOperations, PE AnalystLafayette, Louisiana · On-siteApplyOperations, PE Analyst InternLafayette, Louisiana · On-site
How OPT works
OPT is work authorization for F-1 students, not an employer-sponsored visa. The student applies through their school's international office (the DSO) and USCIS with Form I-765; the employer files nothing. The role must relate to the student's field of study. OPT gives up to 12 months of work authorization, with a 24-month STEM extension for eligible degrees.
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Find 130+ OPT jobsAirlines OPT Employers: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies hire the most OPT students?
American Airlines has the most, with 30 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate, followed by NetJets (28) and Frontier Airlines (17). Across the 10 airlines on this list, Migrate Mate is tracking 112 live OPT jobs, updated daily.
Who is eligible for OPT?
F-1 students enrolled full time at a U.S. college or university are eligible for OPT after completing their degree. Standard post-completion OPT authorizes up to 12 months of work in a role directly related to the student's field of study. Students who graduated in a qualifying STEM field may apply for a STEM OPT extension, adding up to 24 additional months. You apply through your Designated School Official and USCIS, the employer is not involved in the authorization process.
How much does F-1 OPT cost?
F-1 OPT is student work authorization, so there is no employer sponsorship fee. The student pays the USCIS filing fee for the work-authorization application, plus any costs their school charges. Fee amounts change from time to time, so check the current figure before you rely on it.
How do I get OPT through a top employer?
OPT work authorization is obtained by the student, not the employer. You begin by requesting a new I-20 from your Designated School Official recommending OPT, then file Form I-765 with USCIS to receive your Employment Authorization Document. Once your EAD arrives and your authorized start date begins, you may start working at a hiring airline in a role related to your field of study. Apply to open positions at carriers such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, or United Airlines while your EAD application is in process, since USCIS processing can take several weeks.