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Aircraft Handler Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

US Navy

$16.75 - $21.25/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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All JobsAircraft Handler JobsAircraft Handler Jobs in Virginia

Aircraft Handler information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$17

$24

How much do aircraft handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 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 does ABH do in the navy?

In the navy, ABH stands for Aircraft Handling Specialist, a role responsible for the safe movement, storage, and maintenance of aircraft on the ship or base. They operate equipment such as aircraft elevators and tugs, and ensure aircraft are properly secured and ready for flight operations.

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.

What is the highest paying aircraft job?

The highest paying aircraft jobs are typically senior roles such as aircraft maintenance managers, airline captains, or specialized aerospace engineers, with airline captains often earning the most due to their experience and responsibility. These positions usually require extensive experience, certifications, and sometimes advanced degrees, and they often involve working in commercial or private 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 does an Aircraft Handler do?

An Aircraft Handler is responsible for guiding, parking, and moving aircraft on the ground, often using specialized equipment like tugs and chocks. They perform safety checks, assist with aircraft servicing, and ensure proper positioning for loading, unloading, and maintenance. The role requires knowledge of safety procedures, communication skills, and sometimes certifications such as ground handling or safety training.

How much do aircraft handlers make?

Aircraft handlers typically earn an average salary ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often work in airport or airline environments, requiring safety training and sometimes certifications.

What are Aircraft Handlers?

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 popular job titles related to Aircraft Handler jobs in Virginia? For Aircraft Handler jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Aircraft Handler jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Aircraft Handler jobs in Virginia are:
Aircraft Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aircraft Handler job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,053 per year, or $17.8 per hour.
Package Handler - ROA - Part Time

Package Handler - ROA - Part Time

Signature Aviation

Roanoke, VA • On-site

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Signature Aviation rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 112 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 64 rated aviation services

Job description

Airside Experience Associate

PT Shifts: 5-8 AM or 7:20 PM to 10:20 PM

As an Airside Experience Associate, you play a hands-on role in delivering safe, efficient, and guest-focused service within the private aviation environment. Your support helps keep day-to-day operations running smoothly, while also contributing to an exceptional ground experience for guests and crews alike.

You'll be responsible for the careful handling of baggage, cargo, and freight, as well as monitoring secure airport access points - all with a mindset of service, precision, and safety. 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 shifts, including nights, holidays, and weekends, with the ability to operate in both indoor and outdoor conditions near active aircraft and ground equipment and in varying weather conditions.

If you take pride in operational excellence and love creating exceptional guest experiences, this is your opportunity to make an impact from the ground up.

Responsibilities
  • Responsible for loading and unloading baggage, freight, and cargo and for properly transferring packages between planes or other modes of transportation.
  • Operate and drive ground service equipment such as tugs, trucks, conveyors, and other freight handling equipment.
  • Conduct identification checks for flight crews, passengers, visitors and vendors entering the terminal and/or the Airport Operations Area (AOA) in accordance with the Company's security procedures.
  • Monitor facilities to include street side, parking lots, terminal, hangars and AOA.
  • Assist Airside Experience Specialists to ensure our guests receive an exceptional experience. Services to include, but not limited to, connecting ground power units and providing potable water services, wing walking, chocking and positioning stairs/jetway to aircraft.
  • Stop work when an unsafe condition or act is likely to cause harm to people, the environment, Company or guest assets, or the Company's reputation if the work continues. Report concerns to the appropriate manager and cooperate in addressing the unsafe act or condition.
  • Maintain safe, clean and secure ramps and operations.
  • Create accurate records pertaining to time worked and activities and services performed.
Qualifications

Minimum Education and/or Experience:

  • High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
  • Minimum of 18 years of age.
  • Ability to pass company background checks (criminal and motor vehicle), drug tests, meet airport background check requirements to receive and maintain an airport security badge, and be insurable by the Company's applicable insurance policies.
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the jurisdiction of employment.
  • Must possess a valid state driver's license.
  • Must be able to exercise good judgment and follow directions/directives from supervisor/management.

Additional knowledge and skills:

  • Hospitality Skills: Excellent guest service skills with an energetic, outgoing, and guest-obsessed personality. Must be able to anticipate and act on guest needs and prioritize guest requests and job responsibilities by exhibiting a keen ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. Must be able to maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
  • Language Skills: Ability to read and comprehend documents such as safety rules, operating instructions and procedure manuals, and for safety-sensitive tasks, in English. Ability to write simple correspondence.
  • Critical Thinking / Reasoning Ability: Ability to carry out simple one or two-step instructions. Ability to deal with standardized situations with only occasional or no variables.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Ability to get along and work well with others. Excellent interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with team members and service to guests.
  • Multitasking: Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
  • Computer Skills: Ability to use a computer, learn necessary company software and timely complete Signature's computer-based training programs.
About Us

With more than 225 locations worldwide, Signature Aviation is the largest global network of private aviation terminals, delivering safe, convenient, and elevated experiences to those we serve. As a premier hospitality organization and a certified Great Place to Work™, we are committed to redefining private air travel. Our nearly 6,000-strong team of aviation experts and enthusiasts is dedicated to delivering excellence to our guests and communities, and it starts with taking care of our team. Signature provides a variety of benefits, programs, and resources to support our team members' overall well-being and professional development. We proudly volunteer and give back, focusing on elevating the neighborhoods where we operate, empowering the next generation of aviation professionals, and supporting our veterans.

From your health to your financial wellness, there are several benefits for you and your family when joining Signature Aviation.

  • 401(k)
  • Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Accident Insurance
  • Identity Theft and Legal Services
  • Paid time off
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Training and Development
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) & Perks

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or other protected characteristics.

Job Info
  • Job Identification 15780
  • Job Category Flight Operations
  • Locations Roanoke, VA, United States (On-site)

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