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Aircraft Cargo Handler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Atlantic Aviation

Cargo Handler - Full Time

Wheeling, IL

$19.50 - $20/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

$21 - $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 ...

21 AIR LLC

Loadmaster

Erlanger, KY · On-site

Act as the on-site liaison between the company customers, vendors, handlers, and government agencies to ensure safe and timely cargo operations. * When assigned to fly aboard the aircraft, perform ...

21 Air, LLC

Loadmaster

Erlanger, KY · On-site

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

Act as the on‐site liaison between the company customers, vendors, handlers, and government agencies to ensure safe and timely cargo operations. When assigned to fly aboard the aircraft, perform ...

21 AIR LLC

Loadmaster

Erlanger, KY · On-site

Act as the on-site liaison between the company customers, vendors, handlers, and government agencies to ensure safe and timely cargo operations. * When assigned to fly aboard the aircraft, perform ...

21 AIR LLC

Loadmaster

Erlanger, KY

Act as the on-site liaison between the company customers, vendors, handlers, and government agencies to ensure safe and timely cargo operations. * When assigned to fly aboard the aircraft, perform ...

R.R. Donnelley

Material Handler 1st Shift

West Bend, WI · On-site

$16 - $18/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 16 - USD 18 - hourly ...

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 ...

R.R. Donnelley

Material Handler 2

Lewisville, TX · On-site

$15.45 - $18.90/hr

Aircraft Loadmaster Helper Navy MOS: BM: Boatswain Marine MOS: 3052: Packaging Specialist Army MOS: 57H: Army Cargo Handler Department: Production & Manufacturing Coast Guard MOS: SK: Storekeeper ...

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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 Jul 26, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,176 per year, or $19.3 per hour.
Cargo Handler Interest Form

Cargo Handler Interest Form

Modern Aviation

Wilmington, NC • On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Modern Aviation rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 64 rated aviation services

Job description

Cargo Handler Interest Form

Modern Aviation anticipates future hiring needs for part-time Cargo Handlers.

While we do not currently have active openings, we are building a talent community of individuals interested in future opportunities.

If you have experience in cargo operations, aviation, warehouse logistics, ramp operations, or related fields, we encourage you to submit your information and resume via this Interest Form. We will contact qualified candidates when positions become available.

The part-time Cargo Handler plays a key role in supporting aircraft cargo operations while delivering exceptional customer service to aircraft owners, passengers, and flight crews. This role works both inside the FBO terminal and outside on the aircraft parking ramp, coordinating closely with Line Service, Operations, and leadership teams to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant cargo handling and ancillary services.

Physical Requirements & Schedule
  • Ability to perform frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, bending, reaching, grasping, stretching, walking, sitting, and crawling
  • Ability to regularly lift up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to work in outdoor environments, including extreme heat, cold, wet, and humid conditions
  • Willingness to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays based on flight schedules
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent; Associate degree in aviation or business-related field preferred
  • Valid driver's license
  • Ability to work flexible schedules (shifts are 4am - 9am or 4pm - 9pm), including weekends and holidays

Working conditions and physical demands for this role –

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to loud noise levels; high, precarious places; vibration; moving mechanical parts; and chemicals including aviation fuels, oils, and lavatory fluid. The employee will regularly work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, wet, and humid environments.

Note: The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to the job. They are not construed to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Modern Aviation's Pay Range –

$20.00 - $22.00/hr. *Part-time, Seasonal, and Variable positions are not eligible for health benefits.

The Modern Aviation pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, or other laws.

Equal Employment Opportunity –

Modern Aviation is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer. Modern Aviation is unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of an employment visa.

If you require accommodations to complete this Interest Form or have questions, please contact careers@modern-aviation.com.

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