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Airport Loader Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Airport Loader information

See Delaware salary details

$11

$19

$28

How much do airport loader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for airport loader in Delaware is $19.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an airport loader?

Airport Loaders, also known as baggage handlers or ramp agents, are responsible for loading and unloading luggage, cargo, and mail from aircraft. They ensure that items are properly stowed and secured, following safety regulations and specific instructions for each flight. Airport Loaders also operate various ground support equipment and may assist with aircraft marshaling or guiding planes on the tarmac. Their work is crucial for maintaining efficient airport operations and timely flight departures.

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

To thrive as an Airport Loader, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, basic literacy, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with baggage handling systems, conveyor belts, and safety protocols is typically required, and training or certification in airport safety may be beneficial. Teamwork, time management, and the ability to work under pressure are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities help ensure efficient, safe, and accurate luggage handling, contributing to smooth airport operations and customer satisfaction.

What are some common challenges faced by airport loaders during peak travel seasons?

During peak travel seasons, Airport Loaders often encounter increased workloads due to higher passenger volumes and more frequent flight departures. This can lead to tight timelines for loading and unloading luggage, increased physical demand, and the need to quickly adapt to schedule changes or last-minute gate assignments. Effective teamwork and clear communication with ramp agents, baggage handlers, and flight crews become even more crucial under these conditions. Staying organized and adhering to safety protocols helps manage these challenges efficiently while maintaining a smooth flow of airport operations.

What is the difference between Airport Loader vs Baggage Handler?

AspectAirport LoaderBaggage Handler
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; safety trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; safety training
Work EnvironmentAirports, cargo areas, loading zonesAirports, baggage claim areas, tarmac
Job DutiesLoading/unloading cargo containers and freightHandling, sorting, and transporting passenger baggage
Industry UsageAirlines, cargo carriers, freight companiesAirlines, airport ground services

Both Airport Loaders and Baggage Handlers work in airport environments and require safety training. While Airport Loaders focus on cargo and freight, Baggage Handlers primarily manage passenger luggage. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find roles aligned with their skills and interests.

How to become an airport loader?

To become an airport loader, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must pass a background check and drug screening. Physical stamina and the ability to lift heavy objects are essential, and some employers may require safety or equipment operation training. On-the-job training is often provided, and flexibility for shift work is common.

What job categories do people searching Airport Loader jobs in Delaware look for?

The top searched job categories for Airport Loader jobs in Delaware are:

What cities in Delaware are hiring for Airport Loader jobs?

Cities in Delaware with the most Airport Loader job openings:

Infographic showing various Airport Loader job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,223 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST

Air National Guard Units

New Castle, DE • On-site, Remote

$98K - $128K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Air National Guard rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Summary
THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.
This National Guard position is for a LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST, Position Description Number D1414P03 and is part of the DE 166 Logistic Readiness Squadron, National Guard.
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Duties
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1. Manages, directs, and implements the local formulation and publication of installation deployment guidance based on regulations, manuals, instructions, and directives issued by higher headquarters. Serves as the Installation Deployment Officer (IDO), and acts for the Commander, regarding actions required to deploy in support of Aerospace Expeditionary Forces (AEF), contingency operations, Operations Other Than War (OOTW), and exercises. Reviews USAF, NGB, and MAJCOM deployment procedures to analyze the impact and, if necessary, provide modifications to procedures for the wing and subordinate units. Establishes deployment policy and sets procedures for the integrated efforts of aircraft maintenance, supply, transportation, civil engineering, operations, and supported units for mission essential deployment operations and logistics war planning. Ensures that units meet pre-execution and command and control requirements for deployments. Analyzes time-phased force deployment requirements to develop plan annexes and schedules for inclusion in the execution phase of wing deployments. Plans and controls the movement of personnel and equipment during simulated and actual deployments and exercises.
Identifies all required deployment/redeployment support with the Wing Staff Air Mobility/Command (AMC) and Air Combat Command (ACC) regarding the transportation of equipment and personnel. Determines the type and number of aircraft required for mission deployment/redeployment. Validates load plans, priority shipments, and customs clearance requirements. Ensures that all unit personnel and equipment are properly identified and prepared for deployment/redeployment. Assists the Wing Commander and MAJCOM in determining the type, number or quantity of troops and equipment available for tasking; and schedules, through correspondence, with headquarters (i.e., ACC, AMC, NGB, ANGRC, and Numbered Air Forces to accomplish specific mission requirements. (30%)
2. Plans, develops, directs, and conducts deployment training for the wing and units. Develops and schedules training courses and approves lesson plans developed by functional areas. Develops and schedules manpower and workload requirements for the organization deployment work centers and ensures they are fully staffed and trained.
3. Manages the wing support agreement program for the Commander. As the wing's focal point, negotiates, writes, coordinates, and monitors Inter/Intra Service Support agreements; memorandums of understanding/agreement; disposal and contingency agreements; and exercise and deployment agreements. Ensures reimbursements are identified to the Financial Management Board (FMB). These agreements are between host base units; tenant units; and a variety of other military services, civil airport authorities, and DOD/NON-DOD agencies located on base, in the vicinity, or at overseas planned wartime host bases and nations. Resolves disagreements at the local level and ensures resolution when disagreements require higher headquarters' involvement; and makes final review for regulatory compliance and accuracy of support to finalize the agreements process. Conducts training of unit/functional area agreement coordinators as required. Serves as the Wing Defense Retail Interservice Support (DRIS) coordinator.
4. Develops and directs the formulation of loadplans and analyzes transportation requirements for the wing and units. Schedules all requirements through ANG and/or AMC to ensure personnel and equipment arrive according to planned tasking. Coordinates with Transportation Management Office (TMO) for movements by MTMC.
5. Provides limited supervisory responsibility for subordinate members of the workcenter less than 25 percent of the time. Appraises subordinate workers performance. Recommends awards when appropriate and approves within-grade increases. Initiates action to correct performance or conduct problems. Effects minor disciplinary measures such as warnings and reprimands and recommends action in more serious disciplinary matters. Identifies employee developmental needs and provides or arranges for training (formal and on-the-job) to maintain and improve job performance. Approves leave schedule assuring adequate coverage for peak workloads and traditional holiday vacation time. Applies EEO principles and requirements to all personnel management actions and decisions, and ensures all personnel are treated in a manner free of discrimination. Periodically reviews position descriptions to ensure accuracy, and the most effective utilization of personnel resources. (15%)
***Contact HR for full copy of the Position Description
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position.
  • This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the employing state's National Guard, required prior to the effective date of placement.
  • Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform.
  • Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment.
  • Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership and employment in the National Guard in the military grade listed in this announcement.
  • Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
  • May be required to successfully complete a trial period.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
  • Must be able to attend Officer Training School within the acceptable agency timeline, NTE 18 months
  • AFSC: 21R Preferred
  • Selectee must be able to start their appointment within a reasonable amount of time.
  • To qualify for GS-0346-12, applicants must have 1-year specialized experience, education or training equivalent to at least next lower grade level of GS-0346-11.
  • Applicants seeking consideration for this position must be members of the Delaware Air National Guard by the closing date of this announcement.
  • Must meet the definition of specialized experience by the close of this advertisement.
  • Must meet the definition of supervisory experience by the close of this advertisement.

Qualifications
Military Grades: Enlisted Eligible for Commissioning & O-1/2LT - O-3/Capt
Compatible Military Assignments: 21R
Open to:
Enlisted (Eligible for commissioning), O1/2nd LT - O3/Capt. Candidates must meet all eligibility and suitability standards required for commissioning as an officer in the United States Air Force. Enlisted SM must show proof of eligibility for commissioning by the closing of the announcement. Proof of eligibility include: a copy of AFOQT passing scores, with the appropriate scores required for the AFSC, and a copy of Degree/Transcripts (Conferred). If SM fails to graduate Officer Training School within the acceptable agency timeline NTE 18 months, the offer may be rescinded as commissioning is a condition of employment.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Must have at least 1-year specialized experience, education or training equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. Must have experience, education, or training which includes identifying activities involving logistical support operations. Experience integrating the actions of a variety of specialized support activities in order to develop a comprehensive logistics plan. Experience monitoring such functions as program planning, resource and fiscal management, training, manpower management, and/or automated data processing to meet the logistics plan. Experience identifying delays or problems and developing corrective actions.
SUPERVISORY EXPERIENCE: Experience in managing the function of the work to be performed. Experience which includes leading, directing and assigning work of personnel.
DEFINITION OF SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: **Specialized experience must be closely related to the work to be performed in the job for which you are applying and meet education, and other qualifications listed in the job announcement
**QUALITY OF EXPERIENCE:Length of time is not of itself qualifying. Candidates' experience should be evaluated on the basis of duties performed rather than strictly on the rank of the individual; however, established compatibility criteria/assignments must be followed. The applicant's record of experience, training, and education must show possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to fully perform the duties of the position to be filled.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: For positions requiring the operation of motor vehicles, candidates must have a valid state driver's license for the state in which they live or are principally employed. For positions requiring a security clearance (Secret or Top Secret) the applicant must possess or be able to obtain a clearance within one year of appointment.
Education
There are no substitution of education for specialized experience at GS-12
Additional information
If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov)).
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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.

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