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Full Time Aircraft Loadmaster Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Full Time Aircraft Loadmaster information

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$14

$38

$61

How much do full time aircraft loadmaster jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time aircraft loadmaster in the United States is $38.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.68 and $49.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full time aircraft loadmaster?

Full Time Aircraft Loadmasters are aviation professionals responsible for the safe and efficient loading, securing, and unloading of cargo and passengers on aircraft. They calculate weight and balance, ensure proper distribution of loads, and supervise the loading process to comply with safety regulations. Loadmasters also coordinate with pilots and ground crew to ensure all cargo is transported according to plan. Their role is critical for flight safety and operational efficiency, especially in military and cargo airline operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time aircraft loadmaster?

To thrive as a Full Time Aircraft Loadmaster, you need expertise in weight and balance calculations, cargo handling procedures, and aviation safety protocols, often backed by specialized military or aviation training. Familiarity with load planning software, cargo restraint systems, and compliance with regulatory guidelines like FAA or military standards is crucial. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication are vital soft skills for coordinating with flight crews and ground personnel. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient loading and transport of cargo, directly impacting flight safety and mission success.

What are some of the key challenges full time aircraft loadmasters face when coordinating cargo and passenger loads?

Full Time Aircraft Loadmasters often encounter the challenge of balancing strict weight and balance requirements with tight schedules and last-minute cargo changes. They must meticulously calculate load distribution to ensure aircraft safety, which can be complicated by unexpected changes in cargo or passenger manifests. Collaboration with ground crews, pilots, and logistics teams is essential, and effective communication helps resolve issues quickly. Adaptability and attention to detail are crucial for Loadmasters to manage these dynamic situations efficiently.

What is the difference between Full Time Aircraft Loadmaster vs Part Time Aircraft Loadmaster?

AspectFull Time Aircraft LoadmasterPart Time Aircraft Loadmaster
CredentialsRequired certifications include FAA or equivalent, and specialized loadmaster trainingSame certifications as full-time, but may have less extensive training
Work EnvironmentFull-time employment on military or commercial aircraft, often on scheduled flightsPart-time roles, often on an as-needed basis, with flexible scheduling
Employer & IndustryMilitary, commercial airlines, cargo carriersSame industries, with roles often contracted or freelance

Full Time Aircraft Loadmasters are employed on a permanent basis, handling all load planning and safety procedures for scheduled flights. Part Time Aircraft Loadmasters work on an as-needed basis, providing load management services without full-time commitment. Both roles require similar certifications but differ mainly in employment structure and scheduling.

More about Full Time Aircraft Loadmaster jobs

What cities are hiring for Full Time Aircraft Loadmaster jobs?

Cities with the most Full Time Aircraft Loadmaster job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Aircraft Loadmaster jobs?

The most popular types of Aircraft Loadmaster jobs are:

Infographic showing various Full Time Aircraft Loadmaster job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,655 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
JOB SUMMARY
This position is contingent based on contract award.
Serves as a KC-130H/T Loadmaster responsible for supporting Functional Check Flights (FCFs), Acceptance Flights, Ferry Flights, and aircraft movement operations associated with depot maintenance activities. The primary mission of this position is to support depot flight operations at Fleet Readiness Center East (MCAS Cherry Point) while maintaining readiness to operate from a Government-designated home station. Responsibilities include aircraft loading, weight and balance, passenger and cargo operations, and coordination with the flight crew to safely accomplish assigned missions in accordance with applicable regulations and technical guidance.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Exercises substantial responsibility for the technical competence, standardization, flight safety, and mission readiness of KC-130H/T Loadmasters.
  • Conducts initial, transition, requalification, continuation, upgrade, mission, and remedial training for KC-130H/T Loadmasters.
  • Provides instruction in aircraft weight and balance, center-of-gravity computations, structural limitations, cargo planning, cargo restraint, passenger configuration, and cabin safety.
  • Instructs the inspection, loading, positioning, restraint, and unloading of cargo, vehicles, pallets, hazardous materials, baggage, and mission equipment.
  • Demonstrates and instructs operation of aircraft cargo ramps, doors, winches, cargo handling systems, restraint systems, and emergency equipment.
  • Provides instruction in passenger briefings, passenger movement, cabin surveillance, emergency evacuation, ditching, firefighting, and other cabin emergency procedures.
  • Instructs tactical airland, combat offload, austere airfield, and other specialized cargo operations when qualified and authorized.
  • Develops trainee proficiency in coordinating aircraft loading activities with the Aircraft Commander, Flight Engineer, aerial port personnel, maintenance organizations, and ground handling agencies.
  • Observes trainee performance and identifies deficiencies in technical knowledge, weight and balance accuracy, cargo restraint, procedural compliance, situational awareness, judgment, and crew coordination.
  • Intervenes when trainee actions could result in unsafe aircraft loading, structural exceedance, improper cargo restraint, passenger injury, or degradation of flight safety.
  • Conducts preflight briefings, practical training exercises, post-flight critiques, training debriefings, and trainee progress assessments.
  • Documents training performance and recommends continuation, additional training, qualification, requalification, advancement, or removal from training.
  • Develops and reviews lesson plans, cargo training scenarios, weight and balance exercises, courseware, examinations, instructional materials, and training records.
  • Participates in standardization conferences, instructor development programs, training review boards, cargo operations working groups, and aircrew training program assessments.
  • Maintains expert knowledge of aircraft loading systems, weight and balance procedures, cargo restraint criteria, hazardous materials requirements, passenger operations, emergency procedures, and instructional methodology.

WHY WORK FOR GMRE?
GMRE is a small veteran-owned company who cares about our employees. We offer health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), vacation, Paid Time Off (PTO), or Paid Sick Leave (PSL) based on state laws, paid holidays, and life insurance to all permanent full-time employees. GMRE's mission is to provide high quality engineering and technical services to help our customers grow and succeed.
GMRE is an equal opportunity employer. GMRE is committed to making employment decisions based on valid requirements, without regard to age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local laws.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Requirements
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
  • Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
  • Ability to maintain regular attendance and punctuality.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
  • Ability to work flexible hours and be available to respond on short notice as needed.
  • Ability to maintain professional appearance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • Must be a fully qualified KC-130T-30 Loadmaster, meet applicable experience prerequisites, successfully complete prescribed instructor training and evaluation requirements, maintain required flight qualifications, and be formally designated as an Instructor Loadmaster. (REQUIRED)
  • At least 100 hours of total military flight time, (Preferred).

SECURITY CLEARANCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
  • Must have a minimum of an active U.S. SECRET clearance and be subject to a government security investigation.
  • Driving or renting a car for company business is expected with some frequency. For insurance purposes, a valid driver's license is required.
  • Do you have the ability to pass a background check to be granted access to the specific working location installation bases to perform work for GMRE? (Pertains to Technical Services positions)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Must have a FAA Class II medical physical
  • Prolonged periods of standing or sitting in a stationary position for an extended period of time.
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
  • Ascend and descend stairs to and from and off and on aircraft.
  • Operate aviation equipment, tools, computers, and devices requiring the ability to move fingers and hands.
  • See and read various monitors and documents.

TRAVEL REQUIRED
  • Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position for meetings, training, and/or site visits.