Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors

Supervise and coordinate the activities of ground crew in the loading, unloading, securing, and staging of aircraft cargo or baggage. May determine the quantity and orientation of cargo and compute aircraft center of gravity. May accompany aircraft as member of flight crew and monitor and handle cargo in flight, and assist and brief passengers on safety and emergency procedures. Includes loadmasters.

What you'd actually do

• Determine the quantity and orientation of cargo, and compute an aircraft's center of gravity.
• Direct ground crews in the loading, unloading, securing, or staging of aircraft cargo or baggage.
• Train new employees in areas such as safety procedures or equipment operation.
• Distribute cargo to maximize use of space.
• Calculate load weights for different aircraft compartments, using charts and computers.
• Accompany aircraft as a member of the flight crew to monitor and handle cargo in flight.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma. Overall preparation: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the work happens outdoors; you're around people constantly; time pressure is a real part of the job; it rewards working independently; precision matters — small details carry weight. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 0.8% of aircraft cargo handling supervisors are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are take-charge, organized and detail-focused and hands-on.

Related careers

• Flight Attendants
• Crane and Tower Operators
• Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
• Locomotive Engineers
• Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
• Commercial Pilots

Quick questions

How much does a aircraft cargo handling supervisor make?

The median pay is $27.97 per hour — roughly $58,000 a year, with the real range running from about $20.04/hr (10th percentile) to $44.31/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a aircraft cargo handling supervisor?

The typical entry-level education is: High school diploma. Overall preparation level: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).

What does a aircraft cargo handling supervisor actually do all day?

Determine the quantity and orientation of cargo, and compute an aircraft's center of gravity. Direct ground crews in the loading, unloading, securing, or staging of aircraft cargo or baggage. Train new employees in areas such as safety procedures or equipment operation.