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Aircraft Cargo Handler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Atlantic Aviation

Cargo Handler - Full Time

Aurora, OR

$17/hr

Deliver and receive fuel to and from company tanks, vendor trucks, and aircraft. * Operate all ... Required Skills Cargo Handler Qualifications * High school diploma or GED certificate * 18 years of ...

Atlantic Aviation

Cargo Handler - Full Time

Lihue, HI

$25/hr

Deliver and receive fuel to and from company tanks, vendor trucks, and aircraft. * Operate all ... Required Skills Cargo Handler Qualifications * High school diploma or GED certificate * 18 years of ...

Atlantic Aviation

HI · On-site

$23/hr

Deliver and receive fuel to and from company tanks, vendor trucks, and aircraft. * Operate all ... Required Skills Cargo Handler Qualifications * High school diploma or GED certificate * 18 years of ...

Aerotek

Cargo Handler

Seattle, WA

$23.17/hr

Hiring Warehouse Cargo Handlers in SeaTac, WA Pay: $23.17/hour Schedule: 11:30pm - 8am (must be ... Break down express freight from aircraft cargo containers and rebuild it into organized stacks on ...

R.R. Donnelley

Material Handler 1

Houston, TX

$13 - $16/hr

Aircraft Loadmaster Helper Navy MOS: BM:Boatswain Marine MOS: 3052:Packaging Specialist Army MOS: 57H:Army Cargo Handler Coast Guard MOS: SK:Storekeeper Compensation: USD 27,040 - USD 33,280 - yearly ...

Air National Guard Units

AIR CARGO WORKER

Lincoln, NE · On-site +1

$28 - $32.66/hr

... Hazardous Cargo Handlers, Explosives Safety, Quality Control, and Load Teams) and the ... Develops procedures to notify proper agencies when an aircraft carrying hazardous cargo is arriving ...

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Aircraft Cargo Handler information

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$12

$19

$25

How much do aircraft cargo handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for aircraft cargo handler in the United States is $19.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Aircraft Cargo Handler vs Aircraft Loader?

AspectAircraft Cargo HandlerAircraft Loader
CertificationsTypically requires OSHA safety training, forklift operation, and sometimes cargo handling certificationsSimilar certifications, including safety and equipment operation
Work EnvironmentAirports, cargo warehouses, aircraft tarmacsAirports, cargo holds, aircraft decks
Job ResponsibilitiesHandling, inspecting, and preparing cargo for flightsLoading and unloading cargo and baggage onto aircraft
Industry UsageCommonly used in cargo operations at airportsOften used interchangeably with cargo handlers, focusing on loading tasks

Both Aircraft Cargo Handlers and Aircraft Loaders work in airport cargo operations, handling cargo and baggage. While their roles overlap, cargo handlers often focus on inspecting and preparing cargo, whereas loaders primarily focus on physically loading and unloading items from aircraft. Certifications and work environments are similar, making these roles closely related in the aviation industry.

What are some common challenges faced by Aircraft Cargo Handlers and how can they be managed?

Aircraft Cargo Handlers often face challenges such as working under tight deadlines, handling heavy or awkward cargo, and adhering to strict safety regulations. Managing these challenges requires strong teamwork, attention to detail, and good communication with ground crew and flight staff. Staying organized and following proper loading procedures helps prevent damage to cargo and ensures flights depart on time. Ongoing safety training and using the correct lifting techniques are also crucial for minimizing the risk of injury.

What does an Aircraft Cargo Handler do?

An Aircraft Cargo Handler is responsible for loading, unloading, and securing cargo on aircraft. Their duties include verifying cargo manifests, ensuring proper weight distribution, and using equipment like forklifts and conveyor belts. They also inspect cargo for damage, follow safety protocols, and may handle hazardous materials. The role is crucial for ensuring flights are balanced and cargo arrives safely and on time.

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

To thrive as an Aircraft Cargo Handler, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with cargo handling equipment, warehouse management systems, and possibly a forklift operator certification are typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and time management skills help ensure efficient and safe operations. These abilities are crucial for maintaining safety standards, meeting tight schedules, and ensuring that cargo is loaded and unloaded accurately and securely.
More about Aircraft Cargo Handler jobs
What job categories do people searching Aircraft Cargo Handler jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aircraft Cargo Handler jobs are:
Aircraft Cargo Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aircraft Cargo Handler job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,176 per year, or $19.3 per hour.
Cargo Handler - Full Time

Cargo Handler - Full Time

Atlantic Aviation

Aurora, OR

$17/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Atlantic Aviation rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 52 rated aviation services

Job description

Why You’ll Love This Cargo Handler JobDid you ever want to work in aviation but didn’t know how to break into the industry? Would you like working in a fast-paced environment, often outdoors, around some of the most incredible professionals in aviation? If so, this Cargo Handler position with Atlantic Aviation at UAO in Aurora, OR may be perfect for you!
Pay: $17 / hour
Schedule: Requires availability for any/all shifts including overtime, weekends, holidays, and on-call duty
In this position, you will provide aviation ground support services to customers in a positive and professional manner. You will perform in all facets of the ground handling operation including but not limited to aircraft fueling/defueling, baggage/cargo handling, aircraft towing, using marshalling signals for aircraft parking, providing lavatory/potable water service, and using other various ground support equipment to help support the needs of customer and their aircraft.
Build a career in aviation you are excited about and apply for the Cargo Handler job today!ResponsibilitiesCargo Handler Responsibilities
  • Deliver and receive fuel to and from company tanks, vendor trucks, and aircraft.
  • Operate all company ground support equipment as requested or required, including lavatory and water service carts, ground power unit, deice truck, etc.
  • Perform ground marshalling using standard aviation signals.
  • Perform customer service activities such as helping customers with aircraft scheduling and fueling.
  • Assist with aircraft turning, loading, and unloading.
  • Ensure all buildings and grounds are safe, clean, and organized.
  • Conduct or assists with daily/weekly onsite safety inspections and audits of equipment and facility operations.
  • Occasional travel may be required to support another Atlantic location.
  • You may be occasionally assigned to another Atlantic location based on geographical proximity as business needs require.  
Required SkillsCargo Handler Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED certificate
  • 18 years of age
  • A valid state driver’s license
  • Be comfortable and physically able to work in an environment with frequent walking, stretching, bending, sitting, stooping, reaching, grasping, and climbing.
  • Be physically able to perform heavy lifting on a regular basis up to 50 lbs.
We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance testing.
#airport #cargohandler #Aurora

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