How to become an aircraft cargo handling supervisor

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.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..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.

What aircraft cargo handling supervisors do

• Distribute cargo to maximize use of space.
• 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.

Skills that matter most

• Critical Thinking
• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Monitoring
• Learning Strategies
• Reading Comprehension
• Writing
• Mathematics

Is aircraft cargo handling supervisor a good career?

On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 14% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• Georgia $81,380
• Ohio $79,650
• Louisiana $79,460
• Colorado $79,260
• Connecticut $78,770

Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.