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Air Ramp Handler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Air Ramp Handler information

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$9

$17

$24

How much do air ramp handler jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for air ramp handler in the United States is $17.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Air Ramp Handler, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Air Ramp Handler, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with cargo handling equipment, barcode scanners, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and communication skills help ensure efficient and safe operations. These abilities are critical for maintaining smooth logistical processes and ensuring timely, secure handling of air shipments.

What are some of the typical challenges faced by Air Ramp Handlers during peak shipping seasons?

During peak shipping seasons, Air Ramp Handlers often experience increased workloads and tighter deadlines as the volume of cargo rises significantly. This can lead to longer shifts, a faster-paced environment, and the need to work efficiently as part of a coordinated team to ensure all shipments are loaded and unloaded safely and on time. Weather conditions and strict safety protocols can add to the complexity, requiring handlers to stay vigilant and adaptable. Proper time management and strong communication with supervisors and team members are essential to successfully navigate these challenges.

What are Air Ramp Handlers?

Air Ramp Handlers are logistics professionals responsible for loading and unloading cargo from aircraft at airports. Their duties include safely moving packages, containers, and freight, as well as operating equipment such as forklifts and conveyor belts. They play a crucial role in ensuring timely and secure transfer of goods between planes and ground transportation. Air Ramp Handlers must follow strict safety regulations and work efficiently in fast-paced, physically demanding environments.

What qualifications do I need for ramp agent?

To become an air ramp handler, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Physical fitness, the ability to lift heavy objects, and good communication skills are important; some employers also require certification in safety procedures or equipment operation. Prior experience in logistics or warehouse work can be beneficial but is not always necessary.

What is the difference between Air Ramp Handler vs Baggage Handler?

AspectAir Ramp HandlerBaggage Handler
CredentialsTypically requires safety certifications and training in aircraft handlingUsually requires basic safety training and baggage handling certification
Work EnvironmentOn the airport ramp, near aircraft, handling cargo and equipmentIn baggage claim areas, loading and unloading luggage
Employer & IndustryAirlines, ground service companies, airportsAirlines, ground service companies, airports

Both roles operate in airport environments and require safety training, but Air Ramp Handlers focus on aircraft cargo and equipment, while Baggage Handlers specialize in managing passenger luggage. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in scope and specific duties.

More about Air Ramp Handler jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Air Ramp Handler jobs? The most popular types of Air Ramp Handler jobs are:
What states have the most Air Ramp Handler jobs? States with the most job openings for Air Ramp Handler jobs include:
Infographic showing various Air Ramp Handler job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,374 per year, or $18 per hour.
AERIAL DELIVERY SPECIALIST (T32) with Security Clearance

AERIAL DELIVERY SPECIALIST (T32) with Security Clearance

Department of the Army

Birmingham, AL

Other

Posted 9 days ago


United States Army rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 468 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Duties (1) Inspects a variety of airdrop equipment such as parachutes, multi loop lines, extraction force transfer couplings, latch assembly couplings, cable assembly couplings, actuator assembly, release cargo parachute M-1, lanyard arming wire, connector parachute, timer delay assembly, link lower suspension, link assembly single suspension type IV, link assembly heavy duty, link 4 point, parachute release single knife, bracket suspension, and tie down cargo quick release. Performs visual, dimensional, hands on, and operational inspection of the above listed equipment at the prescribed times. These inspections are in accordance with warnings, cautions, Army Regulations (AR), Technical Manuals (TM), Field Manuals (FM) and Department of Army Pamphlets (DA PAM, Safety of Use Messages (SOUM), and notes and Ground Precautionary Messages (GPM), for airborne safety.

Makes judgmental decisions on proximity to tolerances and interrelated dimensions on timer delay systems of M-1 release, latch assembly couplings, cable assembly couplings, and actuator assembly. Inspects for burrs, tears, significant fraying, rough spots, corrosion, pits, cracks, welds, cuts, foreign material, bends, damaged threads, adjusting collars, set screws, shank pins, and timers activate within specifications. (2) Prepares and conducts inspections of sling load equipment and sling load operations.

Performs duties as inspector testers, pack-in-process inspector and final inspector. Performs initial inspection on all parachutes, textile and non-textile components, and airdrop containers. Conducts regular testing of parachute and newly issued airdrop equipment.

Drop-tests troop-type personnel parachute to check proficiency. (3) Performs prioritized airdrop inspections, sequential work is determined, and pertinent ARs, TMs, FMs and DA PAMs have been reviewed. Independently performs assignments at the Aerial Delivery Logistics Facility (ADLF) when the supervisor is not present.

Performs three separate inspections of airdrop loads/containers prior to the actual airdrop. (4) Rigs and prepares unilateral airdrop training loads to include type V or other airdrop platforms for airdrops. Fabricates container delivery systems loads, skid boards, and other associated airdrop items.

Receives, unpacks, and inspects unit parachutes. Cleans, dries, inspects, and packs cargo and personnel parachutes after use. Maintains and repairs a variety of fabric, rubber, and metallic equipment.

(5) Performs drop zone control operations as Drop Zone Safety Officer. Conducts weather observations, wind speed, direction determination, marking drop zone with navigation aids and timing points, establishing and maintaining air to ground and point to point radio communications, relaying information to aircraft and to the Range Control Officer. (6) Formulates, implements, and documents programs to train Airborne unit commanders in support of Aerial delivery deployment functions to ensure effective and efficient operations of unit deployment processes.

Develops deployment lesson plans for the following areas: Material Handling Equipment (MHE) such as forklifts, Load Planning Overview, Cargo Preparation/Pallet Build Up, Ramp Coordinator, Cargo Deployment Function work-centers (i.e., In-Check, Cargo Marshalling Yard, Joint Inspection, Hazardous Cargo Handlers, Explosives Safety, Quality Control, and Load Teams). Coordinates with the Unit Movement Officer (UMO) and deploying units requiring hazardous material technical specialist training. (7) Provides subject matter and technical expertise on air transportation and aerial delivery operations to the Division, Brigade, Group, Battalion, and Company CDRs.

In certain cases, service member will provide subject matter and technical expertise to sister services. Makes appropriate recommendations and implements changes within the element and associated processes. (8) Ensures airborne personnel and cargo for transport by air meet proper specifications to maximize safety of aircraft, aircrew, cargo, and passengers.

(9) Serves as the Commander's Subject Matter Expert (SME) for orchestrating daily and long-range utilization of the aerial delivery systems to ensure accomplishment of assigned missions as well as support for future missions and deployment operations. Develops goals and objectives that integrate organization and Readiness objectives. (10) Inspects cargo for airlift to verify eligibility and ensures proper documentation, packaging, and marking in accordance with applicable DOD directives.

Follows prescribed loading and safety procedures, calculates load restraints and secures cargo with appropriate devices and equipment. Performs Joint Airdrop Inspections (JAI) of various cargo loads rigged for airdrop prior to manifesting and loading of items for air shipment. (11) Performs other additional duties as assigned.

PLEASE CONTACT HRO FOR COMPLETE POSITION DESCRIPTION. Requirements Conditions of employment * NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position.

* This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the employing state's National Guard, required prior to the effective date of placement. * Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform. * Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership and employment in the National Guard in the military grade listed in this announcement.

* May be required to successfully complete a probationary period. * Participation in direct deposit is mandatory. * May occasionally be required to work other than normal duty hours; overtime may be required.

Qualifications MILITARY REQUIREMENTS: This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military grade in the Alabama Army National Guard. Applicants who are not currently a member of the Alabama Army National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact an Alabama Army National Guard recruiter at 800-464-8273 prior to applying for this position.

MINIMUM MILITARY RANK: PVT MAXIMUM MILITARY RANK: SSG EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Each applicant must fully substantiate (in his/her own words) that he/she meets the requirements of the Specialized Experience listed below: Otherwise, the applicant will be considered unqualified for this position. DO NOT COPY THE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT OR THE POSITION DESCRIPTION. DOING SO MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION FOR THE POSITION.

GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Experience or training which demonstrates the knowledge of equipment and practices associated with the type of work to be done. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Experience or training of Aerial Delivery Operations and functions sufficient to plan, coordinate, facilitate, and expedite on-time movement of personnel, and airdrop cargo in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. Must possess skills and knowledge required to be certified to inspect, test, and perform quality assurance with 100% accuracy on all life support systems.

Joint Air Inspection and Jump Master qualifications/currency to identify through prescribed inspection processes to eliminate malfunctions that may affect the safety of aircraft/personnel, to ensure a safe and proper drop of personnel and airdrop load from aircraft, and to insure items offered/accepted for transport by air meet proper specifications. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABIILTIES: --Knowledge of Aerial Delivery Operations and functions sufficient to plan, coordinate, facilitate, and expedite on-time movement of personnel, and airdrop cargo in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. Must possess skills and knowledge required to be certified in order to inspect, test, and perform quality assurance with 100% accuracy on all life support systems.

Joint Air Inspection (JAI) and Jump Master (JM) qualifications/currency to identify through prescribed inspection processes to eliminate malfunctions that may affect the safety of aircraft/personnel, to ensure a safe and proper drop of personnel and airdrop load from aircraft, and to insure items offered/accepted for transport by air meet proper specifications. --Knowledge, skill and competency to handle, process, and ensure compatibility of hazardous materials being transported on aircraft. --Knowledge, skill and ability to train all branches of services and interagency members in Aerial Delivery Operations.

--Skill and ability to analyze and determine causes of malfunctions relating to aerial drops. --Knowledge of drop zone control operations to direct and control drop zone operations. --Knowledge and ability to receive, store, and categorize aerial delivery items IAW with latest logistics DA PAMs and FMs.

--Ability to select and assemble airdrop loads, and to load and offload aircraft. --Ability to operate a variety of materials handling equipment (MHE) utilized in moving cargo within the air terminal and to transport cargo to and from the aircraft (i.e., 4-10K forklifts, 25-60K aircraft loaders, etc.). --Knowledge of aircraft design, configuration, and limitations, obtains maximum utilization of space for Aerial Delivery Operations.

--Knowledge of inspecting and testing of proper aerial delivery fabric materials with 100% accuracy for proper repair maintenance of air items. --Knowledge to interpret detailed specifications and blueprints or patterns for proper maintenance of aerial delivery items. --Knowledge of detailed safety inspection methods for aerial delivery of individual and cargo.

--Knowledge to interpret detailed specifications, blueprints, TMs and FMs in order to maintain, repair, and inspect life support systems for high risk airborne operations High Altitude Low Opening (HALO)/High Altitude High Opening (HAHO) and combat dive airborne operations. --


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National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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