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Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed

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Supervise and coordinate the activities of ground crew in the loading, unloading, securing, and staging of aircraft cargo or baggage. May determine the quantity and orientation of cargo and compute aircraft center of gravity. May accompany aircraft as member of flight crew and monitor and handle cargo in flight, and assist and brief passengers on safety and emergency procedures. Includes loadmasters.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $58,170/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$41,690$92,160

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +5.2% projected growth, 2024–2034 — faster than average.

About 1,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
Management of Personnel ResourcesCritical ThinkingSpeakingActive ListeningMonitoringTime ManagementCoordinationLearning StrategiesJudgment and Decision MakingReading Comprehension
Top knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServicePublic Safety and SecurityTransportationEnglish LanguageAdministration and ManagementAdministrativePersonnel and Human ResourcesMathematics
Core tasks

• Determine the quantity and orientation of cargo, and compute an aircraft's center of gravity.

• Direct ground crews in the loading, unloading, securing, or staging of aircraft cargo or baggage.

• Train new employees in areas such as safety procedures or equipment operation.

• Distribute cargo to maximize use of space.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors?

The median pay for Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors is $58,170 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors?

Employment for Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors is projected to change +5.2% from 2024 to 2034 - faster than average.

What education is typically required for Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors?

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

How many job openings are there each year for Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors?

About 1,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.