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Jet Bridge Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Jet Bridge Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30.9K

$51.7K

$70.6K

How much do jet bridge operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for jet bridge operator in Chicago, IL is $51,734.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,300.00 and $58,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a jet bridge technician?

A jet bridge technician is a worker responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and repairing jet bridges, which are the movable walkways that connect aircraft to terminals. They ensure the equipment operates safely and efficiently, often requiring technical skills and safety certifications. The role involves working in airport environments and may require adherence to strict safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Jet Bridge Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Jet Bridge Operator, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong attention to safety protocols, and basic mechanical aptitude. Familiarity with airport operations systems, jet bridge controls, and completion of relevant on-the-job training or certification are typically required. Dependability, situational awareness, and effective communication with ground and flight crews are crucial soft skills. These abilities ensure the safe and efficient boarding and deplaning of passengers while minimizing operational delays and maintaining high safety standards.

What is the most paid job in the airport?

In airports, airline pilots and air traffic controllers tend to be the highest-paid positions, often earning six-figure salaries due to their specialized skills and responsibilities. Jet Bridge Operators typically earn lower wages compared to these roles, with salaries varying based on experience and location.

How much do jet bridge operators make?

Jet bridge operators typically earn an average hourly wage between $12 and $20, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $25,000 to $40,000. Compensation can vary based on experience, location, and airline or airport policies, and the job often requires safety training and certification.

How to become a drawbridge operator?

A drawbridge operator typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete on-the-job training or an apprenticeship to learn operating procedures and safety protocols. Certification or licensing may be required depending on the jurisdiction, and strong mechanical and communication skills are important for safely managing bridge operations, often involving the use of control systems and safety equipment.

What are some common challenges Jet Bridge Operators face during their shifts and how can they be managed?

Jet Bridge Operators often encounter challenges such as coordinating with tight flight schedules, adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, and ensuring the safety of both passengers and ground crew. Communication with pilots, gate agents, and ramp personnel is critical to avoid delays and mishaps. To manage these challenges, operators rely on thorough training, adherence to safety protocols, and proactive teamwork, all of which help maintain smooth operations and minimize risks throughout each shift.

What is the difference between Jet Bridge Operator vs Baggage Handler?

AspectJet Bridge OperatorBaggage Handler
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety trainingHigh school diploma, safety training
Work EnvironmentAirport tarmac, jet bridgesAirport tarmac, baggage areas
Industry UsageAirlines, airportsAirlines, airports
Primary ResponsibilitiesOperate jet bridges, assist passengersHandle luggage, load/unload baggage

While both Jet Bridge Operators and Baggage Handlers work at airports and require safety training, Jet Bridge Operators focus on operating jet bridges and assisting passengers, whereas Baggage Handlers manage luggage loading and unloading. Both roles are essential for smooth airport operations but differ in daily tasks and responsibilities.

What are Jet Bridge Operators?

Jet Bridge Operators are airport personnel responsible for operating the jet bridge, which is the movable connector that links the airport terminal to an aircraft. Their main duties include safely aligning and moving the jet bridge to enable passengers to board and deplane efficiently. Jet Bridge Operators must follow strict safety protocols to prevent damage to the aircraft and ensure passenger safety. They often work closely with flight crews, ground staff, and airport operations teams. Proper training and certification are usually required for this position.
What are popular job titles related to Jet Bridge Operator jobs in Chicago, IL? For Jet Bridge Operator jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Jet Bridge Operator jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Jet Bridge Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Jet Bridge Operator jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Jet Bridge Operator job openings:
Jet Bridge Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Jet Bridge Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,734 per year, or $24.9 per hour.
Global Head of Sales

Global Head of Sales

Jet Support Services, Inc.

Chicago, IL • Remote

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

About JSSI
Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Chicago, Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI) is the largest independent provider of hourly cost maintenance programs for business aviation. JSSI delivers comprehensive coverage for engines, airframes, and auxiliary power units (APUs) across more than 300 different aircraft makes and models, helping owners and operators stabilize maintenance budgets, maximize aircraft availability, and protect asset value throughout the lifecycle of ownership.   JSSI has built a portfolio of complementary business lines designed to simplify the economic and technical complexity of business aviation; these include Maintenance teams, Traxxall maintenance tracking software, Parts & Engines, Conklin aircraft cost and performance data, and Aviation Capital asset-based financing solutions. Together, these offerings support owners, operators, and maintenance providers with integrated tools spanning ownership and maintenance planning, execution, and financial management.   With more than 6,500 aircraft supported through programs and software platforms, JSSI leverages its unique independence, unmatched scale, and data-driven insight to deliver customized solutions and support models aligned to the interests of each client — regardless of aircraft platform. JSSI is backed by leading institutional investors GTCR, Genstar Capital, and Blackstone. Learn more at jetsupport.com. 

About The Role

The Global Head of Sales is a senior commercial leadership role responsible for driving revenue performance across JPE’s two core business lines: airframe and engine parts distribution and whole aircraft and engine asset transactions. This leader will own the global sales strategy, direct a team of nine Sales Directors, and serve as the primary commercial bridge between JPE’s inventory, leasing, and customer-facing operations.The ideal candidate combines deep business aviation market knowledge with a proven track record of building high-performance sales organizations, managing complex multi-million-dollar transactions, and expanding customer relationships across operators, OEMs, and MRO networks worldwide.
Duties and Responsibilities:

Sales Leadership & Strategy

  • Define and execute JPE’s global commercial strategy for parts distribution and whole-asset sales, aligned to JPE and JSSI’s broader growth objectives
  • Set, track, and deliver annual and quarterly revenue targets across all product lines and geographies
  • Build and maintain a robust multi-year sales pipeline; drive pipeline hygiene, forecasting accuracy, and CRM discipline across the team
  • Identify and develop new revenue opportunities including fleet programs, MRO partnerships, and operator agreements

Team Management

  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of 9 Sales Directors with regional and product-line portfolios
  • Conduct regular pipeline reviews, territory planning sessions, and individual performance assessments
  • Recruit and onboard top commercial talent to fill capability gaps and support growth

Whole Asset Transactions

  • Oversee the origination, structuring, and closing of whole aircraft and engine transactions (purchases, sales, exchanges, and leases)
  • Manage key relationships with asset holders, lessors, MROs, and brokers across the global market
  • Monitor aircraft and engine valuations, market trends, and fleet retirements to identify acquisition and divestiture timing

Parts Business

  • Drive parts revenue across airframe and engine categories through direct operator sales, dealer networks, and MRO channel partnerships
  • Collaborate with inventory, logistics, and technical operations to ensure competitive availability, pricing, and TAT performance
  • Represent JPE at key industry events and direct customer visits

Cross-Functional Leadership

  • Collaborate with Operations and Quality to align commercial commitments with delivery capabilities
  • Provide market intelligence and competitive insight to executive leadership to inform product, pricing, and M&A strategy
  • Support due diligence and integration activities related to acquisitions or new capability development
Desired Credentials:

Required

  • 10+ years of progressive sales leadership experience in business aviation, with demonstrated success in parts distribution and/or asset transactions
  • Proven track record managing and developing high-performing, geographically distributed sales teams
  • Deep knowledge of the business jet market — including OEM platforms, engine types, fleet demographics, and competitive landscape
  • Experience with complex, multi-party commercial transactions including aircraft/engine exchanges, structured deals, and trust arrangements
  • Strong financial acumen; ability to model deal economics, evaluate margin impact, and drive profitable revenue growth
  • Proficiency with CRM platforms (Salesforce preferred) and commercial analytics tools

Preferred

  • Experience managing sales across multiple product lines simultaneously (parts + whole assets)
  • Existing senior-level relationships with flight departments, Part 135/145 operators, and MROs in key markets (Americas, EMEA, APAC)
  • Exposure to MRO, leasing, or engine program environments
  • International commercial experience; multilingual capability is an asset (Spanish/Portuguese beneficial for Latin American market)

At JSSI, we are committed to rewarding our team members with competitive and comprehensive compensation packages that reflect their contributions and talent.

For this role, the annual base pay generally ranges from $200,000 to $230,000, with the final offer determined by variable factors including but not limited to market location, job-specific knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition, your total rewards package may include an annual discretionary bonus plan, incentive or sales bonus plan, or other form of additional compensation, based on your role.

Additionally, for full-time employees based in the USA, Canada, or the Philippines, we are proud to offer a robust suite of benefits. This ranges from insurance offerings such as medical, dental, vision, retirement savings programs, among others, starting day one of employment. For a full overview of our offerings, visit the JSSI Benefits Page on our company website.


JSSI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristic protected by law.

JSSI does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies in response to job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers or Recruiting Team.