ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Aircraft Handler Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

MODERN AVIATION INC

Ground Handler (BFI VAR)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Working both inside the Charter Terminal and on the Aircraft Parking Ramp, the Ground Handler collaborates closely with the Charter Manager and the broader management and supervisory team to ensure ...

MODERN AVIATION INC

Ground Handler (BFI VAR)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Working both inside the Charter Terminal and on the Aircraft Parking Ramp, the Ground Handler collaborates closely with the Charter Manager and the broader management and supervisory team to ensure ...

Alliance Ground International

Material Handler

Seattle, WA · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

The mail comes to our warehouse for us to prepare it for delivery to aircraft or to the mail plants. Material Handlers are required to lift, sort, scan, load/unload both USPS mail containers and ...

Adecco

Material Handler

Des Moines, WA

$21 - $22/hr

Select, verify, organize, and stage aircraft components while maintaining inventory accuracy and ... For instant consideration for this Material Handler position with Adecco in Des Moines, WA, apply ...

Army National Guard Units

MATERIALS HANDLER

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$18 - $21.75/hr

MATERIALS HANDLER Location: Washington United States Property and Fiscal Office CAMP MURRAY ... equipment, aircraft and automotive components and assemblies. Determines physical condition and ...

Crane Co.

Material Handler I (Contract-to-Hire)

Lynnwood, WA · On-site

$18.50 - $22.25/hr

... electric aircraft. You'll join a group of aerospace professionals committed to engineering ... The Material Handler is responsible for receiving, moving, storing, counting, tracking, issuing ...

Menzies Aviation

Baggage Runner

Seatac, WA · On-site

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

Menzies Aviation

Baggage Runner

Seatac, WA

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

Menzies Aviation

Baggage Runner

Seatac, WA · On-site

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

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Wollochet, WA

$19.50 - $24.75/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 ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Tracyton, WA

$18.50 - $23.50/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 ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Grapeview, WA

$18.75 - $23.75/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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAircraft Handler JobsAircraft Handler Jobs in Seattle, WA

Aircraft Handler information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$11

$20

$27

How much do aircraft handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for aircraft handler in Seattle, WA is $20.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $21.35 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 Seattle, WA?

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

What job categories do people searching Aircraft Handler jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Aircraft Handler jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Aircraft Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aircraft Handler job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,554 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Ground Handler (BFI VAR)

MODERN AVIATION INC

Seattle, WA • On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Other

Re-posted 14 days ago

Modern Aviation rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

58th of 67 rated aviation services

Job description

The Ground Handler (Variable) plays a critical role in delivering an exceptional customer experience by providing safe, efficient, and high quality ground handling and concierge services to customers, passengers, and flight crews. This is a Variable position, which offers the flexibility to set your own schedule as work becomes available.
This position supports the full range of services offered by Modern Aviation and serves as a key point of contact for arriving and departing aircraft. Working both inside the Charter Terminal and on the Aircraft Parking Ramp, the Ground Handler collaborates closely with the Charter Manager and the broader management and supervisory team to ensure customer needs are met promptly, professionally, and safely.
Customer Service & Passenger Experience
  • Meet, greet, and welcome passengers and flight crews upon aircraft arrival
  • Direct passengers to terminal facilities or ground transportation, including coordination with guests meeting arriving passengers
  • Position rental vehicles at aircraft when applicable to support seamless customer departures
  • Escort customer vehicles on and off the airfield as required
  • Thank customers for their business and welcome them to return
Aircraft & Ramp Services
  • Assist with the offloading and loading of passenger luggage and baggage
  • Support flight crews with service needs including baggage handling and transportation assistance
  • Complete fuel, lavatory, and potable water services as required
  • Assist with aircraft interior cleaning, trash removal, and cabin servicing when requested
  • Support departure preparation by delivering catering, coffee, ice, newspapers, and other requested items
  • Follow up to ensure all fuel and service orders are completed so aircraft can depart on schedule
Team Support & Operational Excellence
  • Assist fellow team members when not directly servicing aircraft or customers
  • Participate in improving best practices to enhance customer service and operational efficiency
  • Promptly escalate issues, concerns, or irregular operations to the appropriate manager or supervisor
  • Perform additional duties as assigned to support operational needs

  • High school diploma or equivalent; Associates degree preferred
  • Valid driver's license
  • Ability to read, write, and understand the English language
  • Prior aviation experience preferred

Working conditions and physical demands for this role
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, wet and/or humid conditions, extreme heat and cold, high or precarious places, vibration, and outside weather conditions. Exposure to aviation fuels, oils, chemicals, and lavatory fluids is common. The noise level in the work environment is typically loud.
Physical Requirements:
  • Frequent walking, sitting, stooping, stretching, bending, reaching, and grasping
  • Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to work nights, weekends, and varying shifts as operationally required

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.
Predictive Index Assessment
Please click on the link below to complete a behavioral assessment. This step is required.
https://assessment.predictiveindex.com/bo/804D/GroundHandler_Jul2025_124957
Modern Aviation's Pay Range
$22.00 - $24.00/hr. *Seasonal, Part-time, and Variable positions are not eligible to receive 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 during the interview process or have questions, please contact careers@modern-aviation.com.

What Modern Aviation employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply