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Skilled Trades

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.

Median salary (BLS)

$58,170

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$42k – $92k

Job outlook

+5% (faster than average)

AI exposure

Plan a path to Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors

Qualification costsStack incomeBest cities/statesSchool ROIJob-posting fitTailored resume

Education

Typical entry: No degree required

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How to qualify

EstimateLicense required

Cost to qualify

$100–$2,600

Time to qualify

3.1 yr

Renewal

$50/yr

  1. 1

    Registered apprenticeship (paid)

    Experience

    Earn-while-you-learn training — apprentices are paid during the program; fees are tools/books, not tuition.

    $0–$2,000 · 36 months · varies by state source

  2. 2

    Journeyman exam & state/local license

    License

    Most states and municipalities test and license journeyman-level trades workers.

    $100–$600 · 1 months · varies by state · renews every 2 yr source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors

    Entry / Junior

    $41,690

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors

    Established

    $58,170

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors

    Senior

    $75,165

Key skills

A typical 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.
  • •Distribute cargo to maximize use of space.

Fields of study

Any field

Top colleges for Skilled Trades

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.