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Air Force Loadmaster Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Air Force Loadmaster information

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$18.5K

$66.3K

$145K

How much do air force loadmaster jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for air force loadmaster in the United States is $66,312.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,000.00 and $82,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Air Force Loadmasters face on the job?

Air Force Loadmasters often work in fast-paced and dynamic environments where they must adapt quickly to last-minute changes in cargo, personnel, or flight conditions. They are responsible for ensuring precise weight and balance calculations, which can be challenging when dealing with oversized or unusual loads. Loadmasters also collaborate closely with pilots, ground crews, and other aircrew members, requiring strong communication and coordination skills. Despite these challenges, the role offers unique opportunities to travel, develop leadership abilities, and gain valuable experience in air logistics.

What does an Air Force Loadmaster do?

An Air Force Loadmaster is responsible for loading, securing, and balancing cargo and passengers on military aircraft. They calculate weight distribution to ensure safe flight operations and may assist in airdrop missions. Loadmasters work closely with pilots and ground crews to plan cargo loading and unloading procedures. They also handle in-flight safety checks and, in some cases, assist with medical evacuations or humanitarian missions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Air Force Loadmaster position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Air Force Loadmaster, you need strong knowledge of cargo loading procedures, weight and balance calculations, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often with additional technical training through the military. Familiarity with aircraft-specific loading systems, cargo restraint equipment, and completion of Air Force technical training and certifications are essential. Attention to detail, adaptability under pressure, and effective teamwork and communication are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring mission success, maintaining safety standards, and efficiently managing complex logistical operations under demanding conditions.

More about Air Force Loadmaster jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Air Force Loadmaster jobs? The most popular types of Air Force Loadmaster jobs are:
Infographic showing various Air Force Loadmaster job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,312 per year, or $31.9 per hour.
AIRCRAFT LOADMASTER (INSTRUCTOR)

AIRCRAFT LOADMASTER (INSTRUCTOR)

US Department of the Air Force

Joint Base Lewis Mcchord, WA

$76K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) position. ARTs are part of the regular career civil service and enjoy all the benefits granted to Federal employees in the competitive civil service.
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.Qualifications:SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants will be rated in accordance with the FPM 930-71 Recruitment of Air Reserve Technicians through Competitive Examination (ART Agreement)-SUPPLEMENTAL QUALIFICATION POLICY, DATED 6-OCT-2017. No specific length of experience is required. The qualifications of an Aircraft Loadmaster (Instructor) in the Air Force are directly related to the completion of prerequisite training rather than years of experience. Applicants for all positions must have logged the minimum number of hours indicated below in the performance of Aircraft Loadmaster (instructor) duties.
Applicants must have been qualified as Aircraft Loadmaster (Instructor) within 8 YEARS of the date of application. Applicants for instructor or examiner positions must be within the past 8 YEARS instructor or examiner qualified in the specific type of aircraft.
NOTE: You must submit an AFTAR 209 or any official flying hour report and any official document that shows date received aviation service aeronautical order. Please upload your documents in the supporting documents section under Other. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN AN INELIGBILE RATING
Flying Hour Requirements AIRCRAFT LOADMASTER (INSTRUCTOR) GS-2185-10: Must have been awarded or qualify for a CEA AFSC and hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order. Must be currently qualified as Instructor in MDS and have a minimum of 500 Total Military Flight Time.
FEDERALTIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in grade requirements for the GS-10 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1. Knowledge of systems and equipment associated with the cargo function, including operation of doors, loading ramps, cargo vehicles, restraint rail systems, and assigned passenger/cargo compartment systems, such as oxygen, lighting, interphone, auxiliary power unit, crew or passenger required items, and emergency procedures, evacuation router and use of survival equipment.
2. Knowledge of aircraft capacity and limitations, including floor load restrictions, shoring and restraint requirements, and use of load charts and graphs; procedures for handling and placement of hazardous cargo; preparing containers and pallets for airdrop; and configuring for personnel airdrops.
3. Skill to direct crews in loading according to weight and balance factors, cargo destination, emergency jettison plans, and use of rigging extraction systems for aerial delivery mission.
4. Knowledge of the methods of instruction, aircrew training program requirements, procedures, and standards of performance; and skill to apply this knowledge in planning, developing and executing unit training/ evaluation programs.
5. Knowledge of wide variety of systems and components critical to the performance of the aircraft such as propulsion, electrical, hydraulic, environmental, etc. Skill to perform preflight checks and inspections
6. Ability to communicate orally and in writing to prepare lessons, documents and reports, present training /instruction, and brief passengers and crew
OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS
1. This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) position. The incumbent is required to meet and maintain Air Force Reserve requirements. Work schedule will be aligned to allow incumbent to fully participate in unit training assemblies. The incumbent's regular assignments are ART duties; however, the incumbent may be assigned some non-ART duties, generally not to exceed 30 percent of total responsibilities.
2. Must attain and maintain mission-ready status at the appropriate crew qualification level in the unit's assigned aircraft. Periodically, as prescribed by regulations, must take & pass written & in-flight standardization/evaluation examinations to include random no-notice evaluations.
3. The incumbent is exposed to physiological hazards of flight plus physical and psychological demands of routine lengthy missions (up to 14 hours duration), must work in confined, hazardous noise areas, is subject to inclement weather during ground operations and dangerous environmental conditions during flight, and may operate in austere location.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) position. ARTs are eligible for 15 days active duty tour each year for which military leave is granted with full civilian pay. Air Reserve units and members; are subject to immediate call to active duty in mobilization to meet a national emergency. For additional information regarding ART positions and/or military qualifications, please call 1-800-257-1212. Retired military are usually ineligible for membership in the AF Reserve. Retired military that have active AF Reserve assignments may apply provided they show assignment (position) on the application. A military service member's statement of service/certification will be accepted IF a terminal leave form or DD214 cannot be provided. The statement/certification should indicate member's separation from active duty is within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. It must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters and must indicate when your terminal leave will begin, your rank, dates of active duty service, the type of discharge and character of service (i.e. honorable). Your preference and/or appointment eligibility will be verified prior to appointment. Military members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if member is on terminal leave.
Individuals selected for ART positions must meet both civilian qualifications and uniformed military requirements. In addition to meeting civilian qualifications, applicants must obtain military membership in the Air Force Reserve, wear the uniform, maintain job-specific military specialty requirements, and meet other military qualifications such as age, height, weight, and physical fitness standards. For more information click here and speak with an Air Force Reserve Recruiter.
Education:IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.Employment Type: OTHER