Ground Services Workers
Overview
Introduction
Ground service workers play a significant role in the aviation industry. They ensure the safety, security, and comfort of passengers, oversee the loading and unloading of cargo and baggage, and prepare aircraft for flight. Their level of organization determines how smoothly the flight process will be for passengers and flight crew.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Entry-level workers may initially earn minimum wage. Salaries for more experienced ground services workers vary based on the size and location of the airport and the worker's job description and level of experience. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the following annual salary ranges by profession in May 2018:
- aircraft cargo handling supervisors, $33,280 to $...
Work Environment
Ground services areas are typically noisy, hectic, and sometimes dangerous settings as workers go about their duties, luggage and cargo are loaded and unloaded, and heavy equipment and conveyor belts are used to ready an aircraft for flight. Ground services employees often work outdoors in all types of weather. Most ground services workers are required to wear uniforms for security purposes, as...
Outlook
Commercial air travel has been on the upswing in recent years, creating more need for airport workers. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, U.S. scheduled passenger airlines employed 452,440 workers in October 2019—an increase of more than 13 percent since October 2015. Opportunities will be best for those with experience and postsecondary training. The U.S. Department of Labor...
