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Aircraft Handler Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Aircraft Mechanic I, Armament

Virginia Beach, VA ยท On-site

$27.25 - $35.75/hr

The Aircraft Mechanic I troubleshoots malfunctions in aircraft structure, landing gear, flight ... Must meet the medical requirements for Explosive Handlers and Explosive Vehicle Operators contained ...

The Aircraft Mechanic I troubleshoots malfunctions in aircraft structure, landing gear, flight ... Must meet the medical requirements for Explosive Handlers and Explosive Vehicle Operators contained ...

Material Handler / Parts Specialist This role focuses on shipping and receiving parts, materials ... Essential Skills * 1-2 years of experience working with aircraft parts or auto parts. * Proficient ...

Package Handler - ROA - Part Time

Roanoke, VA ยท On-site

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

Whether you're managing ramp activity or assisting with aircraft support, your presence contributes directly to a positive and seamless guest journey. This role requires flexibility to work different ...

Package Handler - ROA - Part Time

Roanoke, VA ยท On-site

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

Whether you're managing ramp activity or assisting with aircraft support, your presence contributes directly to a positive and seamless guest journey. This role requires flexibility to work different ...

Airport Warehouse Worker Airport warehouse workers, also known as package handlers, work in an ... While another group load and unload various UPS aircraft outdoors using UPS equipment. To work with ...

IAD-Baggage Runner

Sterling, VA ยท On-site

$17.63/hr

Transport baggage between terminals, baggage claim areas, ticket counters, aircraft staging areas, and designated airport locations * Assist with locating, recovering, and delivering delayed ...

IAD-Baggage Runner

Sterling, VA ยท On-site

$17.63/hr

Transport baggage between terminals, baggage claim areas, ticket counters, aircraft staging areas, and designated airport locations * Assist with locating, recovering, and delivering delayed ...

IAD-Baggage Runner

Sterling, VA ยท On-site

$17.63/hr

Transport baggage between terminals, baggage claim areas, ticket counters, aircraft staging areas, and designated airport locations * Assist with locating, recovering, and delivering delayed ...

Military Security Officer

Saluda, VA

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

S. and overseas, aboard aircraft carriers and other ships, and with expeditionary security units ... Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader, Corrections Specialist ...

Military Security Officer

West Point, VA

$17 - $21.50/hr

S. and overseas, aboard aircraft carriers and other ships, and with expeditionary security units ... Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader, Corrections Specialist ...

Military Security Officer

Waynesboro, VA

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

S. and overseas, aboard aircraft carriers and other ships, and with expeditionary security units ... Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader, Corrections Specialist ...

Military Security Officer

Norton, VA

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

S. and overseas, aboard aircraft carriers and other ships, and with expeditionary security units ... Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader, Corrections Specialist ...

Military Security Officer

Oak Grove, VA

$17.75 - $22.50/hr

S. and overseas, aboard aircraft carriers and other ships, and with expeditionary security units ... Handler and Kennel Master, Harbor Security Coxswain and Patrol Leader, Corrections Specialist ...

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Aircraft Handler information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$17

$24

How much do aircraft handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for aircraft handler in Virginia is $17.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $18.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aircraft handler?

Aircraft Handlers are professionals responsible for the safe movement, positioning, and securing of aircraft on the ground at airports or military bases. Their duties include guiding aircraft during taxiing, marshalling planes to and from gates or hangars, and ensuring that all ground handling procedures are followed to prevent accidents or damage. They often work closely with pilots, ground crew, and air traffic control to ensure efficient and safe operations. This role is crucial for maintaining the flow of air traffic and upholding strict safety standards in aviation environments.

What are some common challenges faced by aircraft handlers during daily operations?

Aircraft Handlers often face challenges such as working in all weather conditions, managing tight schedules, and coordinating safely with multiple teams on the tarmac. Attention to detail is crucial, as small errors can have significant safety implications. Handlers must also adapt quickly to changing flight plans or unexpected maintenance needs while ensuring compliance with strict safety protocols. Effective communication and teamwork are key to overcoming these challenges and maintaining smooth operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aircraft handler, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aircraft Handler, you need knowledge of aircraft operations, ground handling procedures, and safety regulations, often supported by relevant training or certifications like an Airside Safety or Ramp Agent certificate. Familiarity with ground support equipment, radio communication systems, and safety management systems (SMS) is typically required. Attention to detail, strong teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies are essential for ensuring safe, efficient aircraft movements and maintaining operational safety on the airfield.

What is the difference between Aircraft Handler vs Cargo Loader?

AspectAircraft HandlerCargo Loader
CertificationsTypically requires safety and handling certificationsRequires safety and cargo handling certifications
Work EnvironmentAirports, aircraft tarmac, hangarsAirports, cargo terminals, aircraft cargo holds
Employer & IndustryAirlines, ground service providersFreight companies, airlines, ground handling services
Job FocusHandling aircraft, ensuring safety during aircraft movementLoading/unloading cargo, securing freight

Both Aircraft Handlers and Cargo Loaders work in airport environments and require safety certifications. While Aircraft Handlers focus on managing aircraft movement and safety, Cargo Loaders specialize in handling freight. These roles often overlap in airport ground operations but have distinct responsibilities related to aircraft safety versus cargo management.

How much does an aircraft handler make?

Aircraft handlers typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. They are responsible for moving and servicing aircraft on the ground, often working in airport or military environments, and may require safety certifications and physical stamina.

How to get a job as an aircraft handler?

To become an aircraft handler, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant experience in aviation or logistics, and sometimes certification in safety procedures. Employers often require physical fitness, attention to detail, and knowledge of aircraft handling equipment; on-the-job training is common. Applying through airline or airport job portals and demonstrating safety awareness can improve chances of employment.

What are popular job titles related to Aircraft Handler jobs in Virginia?

For Aircraft Handler jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Aircraft Handler job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,053 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Aircraft Mechanic I, Armament

Amentum

Virginia Beach, VA โ€ข On-site

$27.25 - $35.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Amentum is immediately hiring qualified Aircraft Armament Mechanic I's in support of U.S. Navy Aviation maintenance operations at NAS Oceana Virginia Beach, VA. VFA-106.
The Aircraft Mechanic I troubleshoots malfunctions in aircraft structure, landing gear, flight surfaces and controls, anti-icing, pneudraulic, engines, auxiliary power unit, and ventilation and heating systems. This mechanic repairs, replaces, and rebuilds aircraft structures, such as wings and fuselage, and functional components including rigging, surface controls, and plumbing and hydraulic units, using hand tools, power tools, machines, and equipment such as shears, sheet metal brake, welding equipment, rivet gun, and drills. This worker reads and interprets manufacturers' and airline's maintenance manuals, service bulletins, technical data, engineering data, and other specifications to determine feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components. This mechanic performs: progressive, phase, periodic, and other hourly, conditional or calendar inspections, examines reciprocating engines for cracked cylinders and oil leaks, and listens to operating engines to detect and diagnose malfunctions, such as sticking or burnt valves, inspects jet engines and components for cracks, corrosion, foreign object damage, burned areas, distortions, security, warping, wear, and missing segments. Inspects jet engine turbine blades to detect cracks, distortion, corrosion, burn-out, security, or breaks, tests engine operation, using testing equipment, such as ignition analyzer, compression checker, distributor timer, ammeter, and jet calibration (Jetcal) tester, to locate source of malfunction. Work involves: replacing or repairing worn or damaged components, such as carburetors, alternators, magnetos, fuel controls, fuel pumps, oil pumps, and engine mounted gearboxes, and compressor bleed valves using hand tools, gauges, and testing equipment; removing engine from aircraft, using hoist or forklift truck, disassembling and inspecting parts for wear, cracks, security, or other defects, and repairing or replacing defective engine parts and reassembles and installs engine in aircraft. Job duties require that this mechanic: adjusts, repairs, or replaces electrical wiring system and aircraft accessories, performs preflight, thru-flight, and post-flight maintenance inspections, performs miscellaneous duties to service aircraft, including flushing crankcase, cleaning screens and filters, greasing moving parts, and checking brakes. This incumbent supervises the jacking and towing of aircraft, enters in the maintenance records description of the work performed and verifies the work was performed satisfactorily, may service engines and airframe components at line station making repairs, short of overhaul, required to keep aircraft in safe operating condition, may specialize in work, repair and modification of structural, precision, and functional spare parts and assemblies, and may specialize in engine repair. This worker may be required to be licensed by Federal Aviation Administration.
Will be required to pass and maintain a U.S. Government background security check as well as favorable fingerprints in EQIP. May be required to complete a SF-85/86 in EQIP as required to maintain possession of a CAC card. Unfavorable background check may result in termination if determination is made you are not eligible for a CAC card.
Minimum requirements:
  • Completion of specialized courses in aircraft structural repair is required.
  • Minimum three (3) years of actual and recent organizational-level F/A-18 A-G aircraft maintenance experience. Internal Candidates at CFT NAS Oceana (VA993) may bypass the 3-year experience requirement and be eligible for consideration by successfully passing all three (3) required CDI qualification tests.
  • 3 years F/A-18 A-G Ordnance Certified QA/SO experience.
  • Must meet the criteria to be qualified and certified as per OPNAVINST 8023.
  • May be required to operate power vehicles, machinery, hand tools, ground support equipment, forklift, APU, etc.
  • Must obtain appropriate support equipment and/or material handling licensing upon initial unit assignment.
  • Must meet the medical requirements for Explosive Handlers and Explosive Vehicle Operators contained in NAVMED P-117.
  • May required to perform off-site service on assigned detachments
  • Must be able to obtain an approved status from the Contractor Verification system which includes a 7-year background check.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain facility credentials/authorization. Note: US Citizenship is
  • required for facility credentials/authorization at this work location.
  • Must be able to obtain a T3 Secret Eligible Status.

Preferred Qualifications
  • High School graduate or equivalent.
  • Completed F/A-18 Conventional Weapons Loading Course
  • Ramp Stamp (restricted/unrestricted)
  • A/S32A-45 Tow Tractor
  • AM32A-108 or A/M24M-6 power cart

Other Responsibilities:
Safety - Amentum enforces a safety culture whereby all employees have the responsibility for continuously developing and maintaining a safe work environment. As appropriate, each employee is responsible for completing all training requirements and fulfilling all self-aid/buddy aid responsibilities, participating in emergency response tasks and serving on safety committees and teams.
Quality - Quality is the foundation for the management of our business and the keystone to our goal of customer satisfaction. It is our policy to consistently provide services that meet customer expectations. Accordingly, each employee must conform to the Amentum Quality Policy and carry out job activities in compliance with applicable Amentum Quality System documents and customer contracts. Each employee must read and understand his/her Quality Management and Customer Satisfaction responsibilities.
Procedure Compliance - Each employee must read, understand and implement the general and specific operational, safety, quality and environmental requirements of all plans, procedures and policies pertaining to his/her job.
About Amentum
Amentum is a global leader in advanced engineering and innovative technology solutions, trusted by the United States and its allies to address their most significant and complex challenges in science, security, and sustainability. Our people apply undaunted curiosity, relentless ambition, and boundless imagination to challenge convention and drive progress. Our commitments are underpinned by the belief that safety, collaboration, and well-being are integral to success. Headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia, we have approximately 50,000 employees in more than 70 countries across all 7 continents.
Salary and Other Compensation:
The hourly rate for this position is $37.57 per hour. Plus $7.80 per hour, up to 40 hours per week, for Health & Welfare.
Benefits: The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, short-term disability insurance, 3.08 hours of paid time off weekly, and 11 paid holidays annually.
Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, national origin, age, United States military veteran's status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, family structure, medical condition including genetic characteristics or information, veteran status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental language at EEO including Disability/Protected Veterans and Labor Laws Posters.
Compensation Details:
37.57
The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.
Benefits Overview:
Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
  • Educational reimbursement
  • Parental leave
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Tax-saving options
  • Disability and life insurance
  • Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.
Original Posting:
08/11/2026 - Until Filled
Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.
Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.