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Airport Ground Operation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Airport Ground Operation information

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$41.5K

$151.2K

$269.5K

How much do airport ground operation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for airport ground operation in the United States is $151,203.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,500.00 and $185,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an airport ground operation?

An Airport Ground Operation job involves handling various tasks on the ground to ensure smooth airline operations. Responsibilities typically include baggage handling, aircraft marshaling, refueling, security checks, and assisting passengers with boarding and deplaning. Ground operations staff coordinate with pilots, cabin crew, and air traffic control to maintain safety and efficiency. This role requires attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the airport ground operation position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Airport Ground Operation, you need a solid understanding of airline procedures, safety regulations, and logistical coordination, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant certifications. Knowledge of ground service equipment, baggage handling systems, and familiarity with airport-specific software (such as DCS – Departure Control Systems) is valuable. Strong teamwork, communication skills, and the ability to stay calm under pressure help individuals excel in this dynamic environment. These skills are crucial to ensure smooth operations, on-time departures, and a safe, efficient experience for travelers and airline staff.

What are the typical work shifts and team structure for airport ground operation roles?

Airport Ground Operation roles often require shift work, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays to support flight schedules and airport operations around the clock. Teams are generally composed of ramp agents, baggage handlers, aircraft cleaners, and supervisors, all working closely together to coordinate tasks such as aircraft turnarounds, fueling, and loading. The work environment is fast-paced and demands strong communication and teamwork to meet tight timelines. While challenging, this structure offers opportunities to develop leadership skills and advance into supervisory or specialized positions within the airport or airline.

What cities are hiring for Airport Ground Operation jobs?

Cities with the most Airport Ground Operation job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Airport Ground Operation jobs?

The most popular types of Airport Ground Operation jobs are:

What states have the most Airport Ground Operation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Airport Ground Operation jobs include:

Infographic showing various Airport Ground Operation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,203 per year, or $72.7 per hour.

AIRPORT OPERATIONS CONTROLLER I/II (DELEGATED) - KONA

Honolulu, HI • On-site

$4.1K - $5.5K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Recruitment Information Recruitment Number: DOT-AIR-2026-27 Salary: Airport Operations Controller I: $4,139 to $4,899 per month (SR-12, Steps C to I) - Salary includes shortage category differential. Airport Operations Controller II: $4,499 to $5,311 per month (SR-14, Steps C to I) - Salary includes shortage category differential. Note: Hiring rates will be based on availability of funds, the applicant's qualifications and other relevant factors.

Shift Work: All applicants must be available to work rotating shifts, including evenings, weekends and holidays. This job posting is for the State of Hawaii, Department of Transportation (DOT). If you have any questions regarding this civil service recruitment, contact the DOT Personnel Office at (808) 587-2145, Monday - Friday, 7:45 am - 4:30 pm (HST).

The Department of Human Resources Development- State Recruiting Office will refer all inquiries regarding this recruitment to the DOT Personnel Office. Duties Summary The Airport Operations Controller I receives on-the-job training in airport ground operations control work; participates in orientation and formal training sessions; studies operating policies and procedures; carries out specified instructions; and works with higher level personnel. This is the entry level trainee class in the series.

The Airport Operations Controller II controls aircraft parking and movement, enforces regulations and operates radio communications to maintain safety and operational efficiency in airport ground operations areas; and maintains logs and records, prepares reports and tabulates aircraft revenue landings. Work is subject to periodic review for adherence to instructions and the correctness of decisions in situations requiring tact and forcefulness. To view the Class Specification in its entirety, please CLICK HERE.

Minimum Qualification Requirements To qualify, applicants must meet ALL of the following requirements: General Experience: Two (2) years of work experience which demonstrates the following abilities: (1) meet and deal effectively with people; (2) understand and apply various rules and regulations; (3) prepare reports; and (4) act effectively in emergencies. Specialized Experience: Work experience in airport ground operations control work which included the (1) assignment and control of aircraft parking positions; (2) direction and control of the movement of aircraft and vehicles on the ramp; (3) inspection of runways and (4) inspection of airfields and aircraft parking ramps and (5) enforcement of aircraft and vehicular operational rules and regulations. Airport Operations Controller I: Does not require any Specialized Experience.

Airport Operations Controller II: Requires one (1) year of Specialized Experience Driver's License: Applicants must possess a valid driver's license at the time of appointment. Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Clearance - Federal Criminal History Records Check: In accordance with Federal regulations, persons who are being considered for employment in positions which require unescorted access to secured areas at the airport must undergo a pre-employment fingerprint-based criminal history record check. In order to be granted the SIDA clearance, prospective employees must not have been convicted, or found "not guilty by reason of insanity," of a disqualifying criminal offense within ten years from the date of the application.

Upon recommendation for hire, prospective employees will be required to successfully undergo the fingerprint-based criminal history record check and be found free of disqualifying convictions during the preceding ten years. The information provided above represents a summary of the complete Minimum Qualification Requirements. To view the Minimum Requirements in their entirety, please CLICK HERE.

LEGAL AUTHORIZATION TO WORK: The State of Hawaii requires all persons seeking employment with the government of the State shall be citizens, nationals, or permanent resident aliens of the United States, or eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment in the United States. Other Information Other Information The State of Hawai'i complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please call the DOT Personnel Office at (808) 587-2145 for assistance.

ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION TO APPLICANTS The Department of Transportation will use electronic mail (email) to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of their applications. Please ensure that the email address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails or fail to check your email-box in a timely manner.

In addition, please be aware that you may no longer receive notification about applications submitted if you choose to disable the Job Application Emails feature in your Account Settings. TESTING INFORMATION The examination for this recruitment will be conducted on an unassembled basis where the examination score is based on an evaluation and rating of your education and experience. It is therefore important that your employment application provide a clear and detailed description of the duties and responsibilities of each position you held.

In-person interviews and/or further testing in Hawaii may be required at the discretion of the hiring agency. If in-person interviews and/or further testing is a requirement, applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements and are referred to the vacancy must be available to participate in person and at their own expense in this required phase of the selection process. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.

In addition to employment availability and score, the referral of qualified applicants may be based upon other factors including date of receipt of application. PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS (PSLF) PROGRAM The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer.

For more information, please click: Public Service Loan Forgiveness | Federal Student Aid CLICK HERE for further information about Equal Employment Opportunity, the Merit Civil Service System, Citizenship and other requirements, Reasonable Accommodation, Veterans Preference, Examination Requirements, and the DOT Personnel Office's Levels of Review.