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Pushback Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Robinson Aviation

Ramp Controller

Orlando, FL · On-site

The sequence and separation of gate traffic ready for pushback and engine start. * Plans the ... operating status of navigational aids and NOTAMS. Provide the ATCT with pilot reported adverse ...

Robinson Aviation

Ramp Controller

Austin, TX · On-site

The sequence and separation of gate traffic ready for pushback and engine start. * Plans the ... operating status of navigational aids and NOTAMS. Provide the ATCT with pilot reported adverse ...

Robinson Aviation

Metering Specialist

Jamaica, NY · On-site

A GMP Operator shall have a thorough working knowledge of Air Traffic Management in the New York ... The sequence and separation of gate traffic ready for pushback and engine start. * Plans the ...

Avports LLC

Ramp Agent

East White Plains, NY · On-site

$21.90/hr

Includes loading and unloading baggage, operating ground service equipment, conducting FOD ... Park and dispatch aircraft, including marshalling, pushback, wing walking, chocking and cone ...

Denali Staffing Group

Ramp GSE Operator

Lihue, HI · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Ramp GSE Operator Job Summary: The Ramp GSE Operator plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe ... Operate various ground support equipment such as aircraft tugs, pushback tractors, and towing ...

Robinson Aviation

Metering Specialist

Newark, NJ · On-site

A GMP Operator shall have a thorough working knowledge of Air Traffic Management in the New York ... The sequence and separation of gate traffic ready for pushback and engine start. * Plans the ...

Robinson Aviation

Ramp Controller

Newark, NJ · On-site

The sequence and separation of gate traffic ready for pushback and engine start. * Plans the ... operating status of navigational aids and NOTAMS. Provide the ATCT with pilot reported adverse ...

Robinson Aviation

Ramp Controller

Jamaica, NY · On-site

The sequence and separation of gate traffic ready for pushback and engine start. * Plans the ... operating status of navigational aids and NOTAMS. Provide the ATCT with pilot reported adverse ...

Naniq Global Logistics

Ramp GSE Operator

Kailua, HI · On-site

$21.40 - $22.42/hr

The Ramp GSE Operator plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and timely handling of ... Operate various ground support equipment such as aircraft tugs, pushback tractors, and towing ...

Robinson Aviation

Ramp Controller

Kansas City, MO · On-site

The sequence and separation of gate traffic ready for pushback and engine start. * Plans the ... operating status of navigational aids and NOTAMS. Provide the ATCT with pilot reported adverse ...

Robinson Aviation

Ramp Controller

Nashville, TN · On-site

The sequence and separation of gate traffic ready for pushback and engine start. * Plans the ... operating status of navigational aids and NOTAMS. Provide the ATCT with pilot reported adverse ...

Robinson Aviation

Ramp Controller

Hebron, KY · On-site

$34.40/hr

The sequence and separation of gate traffic ready for pushback and engine start. * Plans the ... operating status of navigational aids and NOTAMS. Provide the ATCT with pilot reported adverse ...

Robinson Aviation

Ramp Controller

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

$40.17/hr

The sequence and separation of gate traffic ready for pushback and engine start. * Plans the ... operating status of navigational aids and NOTAMS. Provide the ATCT with pilot reported adverse ...

Northern Air Cargo

GSE Mechanic

Anchorage, AK

$25 - $32.75/hr

Maintain ground support assets including line trucks, vans, box vans, pushback tugs, baggage tugs ... Ability to read, interpret, and follow safety rules, operating/maintenance instructions, and ...

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All JobsPushback Operator Jobs

Pushback Operator information

What is the difference between Pushback Operator vs Forklift Operator?

AspectPushback OperatorForklift Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a valid driver’s license and safety trainingRequires forklift certification and safety training
Work EnvironmentAirport ground operations, aircraft pushbackWarehouses, manufacturing plants, shipping docks
Industry UsageAirline and airport logisticsLogistics, manufacturing, retail warehouses
Common TasksGuiding aircraft during pushback, safety checksMoving pallets, loading/unloading goods

While both roles involve vehicle operation and safety protocols, Pushback Operators focus on aircraft ground handling at airports, whereas Forklift Operators handle material movement within warehouses and industrial settings. Understanding these differences helps clarify job expectations and required skills in logistics and transportation industries.

How much does a pushback driver make?

A pushback operator typically earns between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, location, and employer. The role often requires operating specialized airport ground support equipment and may involve shift work, including nights and weekends.

What is a push back operator job description?

A push back operator is responsible for maneuvering aircraft on the ground using specialized equipment to push or pull aircraft into parking positions or along the tarmac. They typically operate pushback tractors, follow safety protocols, and communicate with ground crew and pilots to ensure efficient aircraft movement. This role requires attention to safety, communication skills, and often certification in ground handling procedures.

What are Pushback Operators?

Pushback Operators are trained ground crew members at airports responsible for safely moving aircraft backwards away from the gate using specialized vehicles called pushback tractors or tugs. They play a critical role in ensuring that planes can depart safely without using their own engines, which helps prevent accidents and damage on the ramp. Pushback Operators must communicate closely with pilots and ground control to coordinate movements and follow strict safety procedures. Their work is essential to efficient airport operations and the safe handling of aircraft on the ground.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A pushback operator can potentially earn $10,000 a month through experience and overtime, especially in industries like manufacturing or logistics that require operating heavy machinery. High-paying roles in sales, real estate, or skilled trades may also reach this income level without a formal degree, often relying on skills, certifications, and performance. However, such earnings are typically associated with specialized skills, experience, or commission-based pay structures.

What are some common challenges faced by Pushback Operators during aircraft towing operations?

Pushback Operators often encounter challenges such as coordinating closely with ground crew and flight deck personnel to ensure clear communication, especially in busy or low-visibility conditions. Navigating tight spaces on the ramp while adhering to strict safety protocols requires constant attention and precision. Additionally, operators must be prepared to handle unexpected mechanical issues with towing equipment and adapt to rapidly changing weather conditions, all while minimizing turnaround times to keep flight schedules on track.

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

To excel as a Pushback Operator, you need a valid driver's license, knowledge of ground handling procedures, and familiarity with airport safety regulations. Experience with specialized ground support equipment, such as tugs and tow bars, and certifications like an Airport Movement Area Access permit are typically required. Strong attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication help ensure safe and efficient aircraft movements. These skills and qualifications are vital for preventing accidents, minimizing delays, and maintaining operational safety on the airfield.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Jobs that can pay $500,000 or more annually in the US typically include high-level executive roles such as CEOs, CFOs, and other C-suite positions, as well as successful entrepreneurs, top-tier surgeons, and certain specialized professionals like investment bankers and hedge fund managers. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced skills, and significant responsibility, and compensation may include bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing.
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Pushback Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pushback Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Ramp Controller

Ramp Controller

Robinson Aviation

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Summary

Incumbent is responsible for the safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic on the Non-movement areas of the airport, utilizing surveillance radar-like targets and camera imagery.

Dimensions of Position

Incumbent works under the general supervision of the Ramp Tower Manager who relies on the incumbent to perform established duties independently. On new or revised procedures, the manager gives detailed instructions and observes and checks work during or immediately after completion according to complexity of the task or until satisfied the incumbent is able to perform the procedure independently.

Accountability

  1. Makes decisions involving:
    1. The sequence and separation of gate traffic ready for pushback and engine start.
    2. Plans the sequence of arriving traffic, using provided electronic aids, prior to arrival at the airport.
    3. The merging of arriving and pushback traffic that will assure all aircraft equitable treatment and provide for minimum delays.
  2. Determines the usability of and resolves problems with:
    1. Communications equipment
    2. Video Camera displays (radar and imagery)
    3. STARS (radar) display
    4. ASDE-X (radar) display
    5. Gate Management computer programs
  3. The Ramp Tower is a positive control facility. Incumbent will be required to instruct aircraft how and when to push-back, instruct aircraft when to taxi, who to follow, taxi route, intermediate hold points, route clearance limit, and frequency transfer points.
  4. Incumbent will initiate, and respond to, necessary coordination with the FAA ATCT Ground Control Position concerning the movements of inbound and outbound aircraft.
  5. Execute procedures required of the local Surface Movement Guidance and Control System Plan (SMGCS) during periods of reduced visibility, execution of the local Ice Threat Management Plan during periods of aircraft anti-icing, and the local Gate Hold program when initiated by the ATCT.
  6. Provide flight crews with, when required, field conditions, altimeter settings, weather conditions, operating status of navigational aids and NOTAMS. Provide the ATCT with pilot reported adverse weather, bird activity and unsafe or unusual airport activities or conditions.
  7. Determine whether a given situation is or may develop into an emergency; and notifies, via “Crash Phone”, emergency services.
  8. Performs lower grade level duties as necessary to meet operational requirements and for proficiency maintenance.
  9. Provides OJT training to others.

Requirements

Education: High School Graduate

Experience:

Previous aviation experience is desired as a minimum i.e. airline dispatcher, pilot, air traffic controller, experience handling aircraft on the airport ramp. Position is subject to drug and/or alcohol testing per RVA's non-DOT policy (pre-employment, random, reasonable cause/suspicion, post-accident).

CTO ( Control Tower Operator) Certification is required for this position.

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