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Ground Handling Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

This role acts as the primary point of contact for all operational activities, coordinating between ground handling, passenger services, ramp, security, and airline partners to ensure smooth flight ...

Job Summary The Operations Trainer is responsible for delivering, coordinating, and tracking all required training programs for airline ground handling employees, ensuring compliance with airline ...

Line Service Professional

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16.25 - $18.75/hr

Prior aircraft ground handling experience a plus * High School Diploma * Entry level position * Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays * Acceptable driving record * Ability to pass a ...

Showing results 21-40

Ground Handling information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$20

$31

How much do ground handling jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for ground handling in Virginia is $20.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $25.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is ground handling?

A Ground Handling job involves providing various services to ensure the smooth operation of aircraft while on the ground. This includes baggage handling, aircraft refueling, passenger assistance, marshaling, and aircraft cleaning. Ground handlers work closely with airline and airport staff to facilitate on-time departures and arrivals. The role requires physical stamina, teamwork, and attention to safety regulations. It is a crucial part of airport operations to maintain efficiency and passenger satisfaction.

What skills and qualifications are needed for ground handling?

To thrive in Ground Handling, strong physical fitness, attention to detail, and basic mechanical aptitude are typically required, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with ground support equipment, airline software systems, and certifications such as airport safety or equipment operation are commonly needed. Excellent teamwork, time management, and effective communication skills make candidates stand out in this fast-paced environment. These abilities are critical to ensuring the safety, efficiency, and smooth coordination of airport ground operations.

What are the typical work shifts and work environment for ground handling?

Ground Handling staff often work in shifts that cover early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays since airports operate around the clock. The work environment can be fast-paced and outdoors, sometimes involving exposure to varying weather conditions and loud noises from aircraft. Teamwork is crucial, as ground handlers coordinate closely with flight crews, baggage handlers, and other airport personnel to ensure smooth operations. Adaptability and punctuality are highly valued, as flight schedules can change quickly and require immediate response. If you enjoy hands-on work in a dynamic setting, ground handling can be a rewarding role with opportunities for advancement into supervisory or specialized airport operations positions.

What are the 5 major categories of ground handling services?

Ground handling services for airline operations are typically divided into five major categories: passenger services, baggage handling, cargo handling, aircraft servicing, and ramp services. These categories encompass tasks such as check-in, baggage loading, cargo logistics, aircraft refueling, cleaning, and marshaling. Professionals in ground handling need to coordinate these services efficiently to ensure safe and timely flight operations.

What qualifications do you need to be a ground handling team?

To join a ground handling team, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, good communication skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Some roles may require safety training, certification in ground handling operations, or familiarity with airport security procedures.

What are popular job titles related to Ground Handling jobs in Virginia?

For Ground Handling jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Ground Handling job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,083 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

IAD Ramp Agent - Part Time

Swissport International AG

Dulles, VA • On-site

$18.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Swissport International AG rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 67 rated aviation services


Job description

Overview:

Are you ready to take flight in a dynamic and fast-paced aviation industry? As a global leader in aviation services, Swissport provides Ground Handling, Cargo Handling, and Passenger Services to over 300 million passengers annually. Our mission is simple – “To provide the aviation industry with consistent and tailor-made solutions around the globe, for a better customer experience.” 

We believe that our people are what differentiates us from our competition. At Swissport, we are driven by our core values of Show You Care, Do the Right Things and Win as a Team, and we are currently seeking dedicated individuals, who align with these values, to join our team at various locations across the globe.  

Job Summary

Ramp agents provide all necessary and required under-wing ground support services as contracted by the customer, including, but not limited to, loading and unloading baggage and cargo, marshalling, water and lavatory servicing.

The expected pay rate is $18.50/hr. 

 
Your activities
  • Marshall aircraft during arrival and departure
  • Unload passenger luggage and air cargo, bulk and/or containers/pallets, onto carts and/or dollies
  • Unload wheelchairs and child strollers and deliver to designated location
  • Provide special handling of luggage/cargo as required/directed
  • Deliver passenger luggage to claim area and unload onto conveyor system
  • Deliver air cargo to appropriate recipient
  • Drive and/or operate ground support equipment to include tow tractors, tow bars, belt loaders, container loaders, baggage tugs, water/lavatory service trucks, aircraft ground power units, aircraft air start units, air stairs, aircraft de-icing units, baggage carts, cargo dollies and passenger vans. 
  • Collect and load mail, live animals, wheelchairs and child strollers onto aircraft
  • Service aircraft water and lavatories
  • Inspect ramp areas adjacent to gate and aircraft for debris and remove/dispose of when found.
  • Report all equipment malfunctions to the appropriate supervisor/manager
  • Comply with all federal, state, municipal, airport authority and carrier security requirements
  • Other duties as assigned
Your profile
  • Previous ramp experience is a plus
  • Valid driver's license
  • Good communication skills
  • Language skills
  • Must be able to work in inclement weather
  • Flexible to work on various shifts (days, evening, nights, weekends, and holidays)
  • Excellent Health & Safety awareness
  • Lift heavy objects that could reach 70 pounds (32 kilograms)

At Swissport, we believe in diversity, equal opportunity, and the power of our values to drive our success. We are committed to providing a workplace that fosters inclusion and where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. 

Visit our website at www.careers.swissport.com to learn more about Life at Swissport. 

Join Swissport today and be part of a team that connects the world of aviation! 


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