Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
SOC code 53-1041 · O*NET-SOC 53-1041.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Transportation
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$58,170
a year
Hourly
$27.97
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$65,010
$31.26 per hour
Middle 50%
$49,820 – $78,530
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$41,690 – $92,160
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
9,760
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $41,690
- $20.04/hr
- 25th percentile
- $49,820
- $23.95/hr
- Median percentile
- $58,170
- $27.97/hr
- 75th percentile
- $78,530
- $37.75/hr
- 90th percentile
- $92,160
- $44.31/hr
What does an aircraft cargo handling supervisor do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Calculate load weights for different aircraft compartments, using charts and computers.
- 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.
- Accompany aircraft as a member of the flight crew to monitor and handle cargo in flight.
How to become an aircraft cargo handling supervisor
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 64% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)64%
- Bachelor's Degree18%
- Less than a High School Diploma10%
- Some College Courses5%
Common questions
How much does an aircraft cargo handling supervisor earn?
The national median is $58,170 a year. The full range runs from $41,690 at the 10th percentile to $92,160 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become an aircraft cargo handling supervisor without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Critical Thinking3.8/5
- Active Listening3.6/5
- Speaking3.6/5
- Monitoring3.6/5
- Learning Strategies3.5/5
- Reading Comprehension3.3/5
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service4.7/5
- Public Safety and Security4.4/5
- Transportation4.3/5
- English Language4.3/5
- Administration and Management3.8/5
- Administrative3.7/5
- Personnel and Human Resources3.5/5
- Mathematics3.5/5
Transferable strengths: Management of Personnel Resources, Time Management, Coordination, Judgment and Decision Making.