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Aircraft Handler Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Materials Handler

Andrews, MD ยท On-site +1

$26.74 - $31.19/hr

You must be able to travel on military and commercial aircraft for extended periods of time. * You ... Qualifications Ability to perform common Materials Handler tasks demonstrated through experience ...

New

Material Handler

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Mx Materials POSITION PURPOSE Maintains, ships, and handles aircraft parts and material. Ensures timely location and acquisition of parts/materials for maintenance. ESSENTIAL DUTIES To perform this ...

New

Material Handler

Washington, DC

$19 - $23/hr

Mx Materials POSITION PURPOSE Maintains, ships, and handles aircraft parts and material. Ensures timely location and acquisition of parts/materials for maintenance. ESSENTIAL DUTIES To perform this ...

New

Material Handler / Storekeeper

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

Our Technical Operations team is full of aircraft maintenance technicians, engineers, planners, ground equipment and facilities professionals, and supply chain teams that help make sure they're well ...

Aviation Warehouse Keeper

Andrews, MD ยท On-site

$20.50 - $24.25/hr

Receive, inspect, inventory, and issue aircraft parts, tools, and materials in support of aviation ... Materials Handler * Stockroom Clerk * Logistics Technician Keywords: * Inventory Management * Stock ...

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 ...

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Aircraft Handler information

See Washington salary details

$11

$20

$27

How much do aircraft handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for aircraft handler in Washington is $20.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.98 and $21.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 aircraft ground operations, and knowledge of safety procedures. Certifications such as ground handling or safety training can improve job prospects, and physical fitness is often required due to the physical nature of the work. Applying through airline or airport employment portals and demonstrating strong communication and teamwork skills are important steps in the hiring process.

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.

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 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 ground support equipment. They perform safety checks, assist with aircraft servicing, and ensure proper positioning for maintenance or boarding, typically working in airport or hangar environments. Strong communication skills and knowledge of safety procedures are essential for this role.

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 popular job titles related to Aircraft Handler jobs in Washington? For Aircraft Handler jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Aircraft Handler jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Aircraft Handler job openings:
Infographic showing various Aircraft Handler job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,329 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Materials Handler

Naval Supply Systems Command

Andrews, MD โ€ข On-site, Remote

$26.74 - $31.19/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Summary
This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies through Certain Competitive Service / Modified Direct Hire Authority. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer to be considered. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • You will perform a full range of daily warehousing duties, including loading/unloading, binning, labeling, stocking, receiving, issuing, inventory, and distributing assets between warehouses, supply points, and repair shops.
  • You will segregate items into groups based on information shown on the receiving documentation.
  • You will identify storage locations and determine how to organize and arrange stock in the storage area.
  • You will analyze and validate all receipt documents prior to processing, to include verifying national stock numbers (NSN), condition codes, unit of issue, price, and quantity.
  • You will operate Material Handling Equipment (MHE) to load and unload material in support of warehouse operations.
  • You will conduct routine Material Handling Equipment (MHE) daily operator inspection and maintenance.
  • You will perform a wide variety of standard preservation and packing.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a US Citizen.
  • Must be determined suitable for federal employment.
  • Must participate in the direct deposit pay program.
  • New employees to the Department of the Navy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov
  • Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • You will be required to obtain and maintain a current valid United States driver's license.
  • You will be required to successfully complete a pre-appointment physical examination.
  • You will be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
  • This position may require travel from normal duty station to CONUS and OCONUS and may include remote or isolated sites. You must be able to travel on military and commercial aircraft for extended periods of time.
  • You will be required to obtain and maintain a current Forklift Operator License.
  • This is a Mission Essential position. You will be required to ensure organization or facility continuity of operations and/or completion of tasks that are considered essential to the mission designated by a local or command decision.

Qualifications
Ability to perform common Materials Handler tasks demonstrated through experience working under normal supervision including a wide range of physical distribution processes of a warehouse such as receiving, receipt processing, stowing/maintaining material, movement, issuing, materials delivery; Use automated systems to track materials; Use automated material identification equipment such as bar code wands, computer terminals, and/or laser scanners; Unload and process material shipments, segregate materials into groups; Maintain and process receipts in a supply system program; Process shipping and/or material movement documents, check for completeness and accuracy to update the receipt files and databases; Follow the warehousing plan and established practices to place material in optimal storage locations protecting from damage and pilferage; Select items for shipment and moving material to hold location; Operate materials handling equipment/forklift.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
This position is covered by the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program.
Several vacancies may be filled.
A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments.
Federal annuitant information: The selection of an annuitant is subject to the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy policy on the employment of annuitants. Policy information may be found at: http://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Documents/CivilianJobs/FedCivAnnuitants.pdf.
Veteran's preference does not apply when selecting individuals under this specific hiring authority. However, if you claim veteran's preference, you will be required to submit supporting documentation with your application as described in the Required Documents section below.
This position is subject to work an uncommon tour, including nights, weekends, and holidays to meet mission requirements. Overtime or night differential pay and/or unusual duty hours may be required.
Work requires wearing protective clothing.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.