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.
SOC: 53-1041.00
Common Job Titles
Cargo Supervisor
Line Service Supervisor (LSS)
Loadmaster
Ramp Supervisor
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeEvaluate cargo load configurations and aircraft center of gravity calculations using weight and balance data to ensure flight safety compliance.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate personnel management with safety protocols when supervising ground crew during time-critical loading operations.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess cargo securing methods and equipment compliance with aviation standards during pre-flight inspections and in-flight monitoring.
Proficient
Hands-onCoordinate loading and unloading operations using specialized aircraft ground equipment under strict turnaround time constraints and safety regulations.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate team performance standards and safety culture while training and developing ground crew personnel.
Proficient
KnowledgeOrganize work schedules and task prioritization for cargo handling teams coordinating multiple aircraft turnarounds and resource allocation.
Proficient
KnowledgeJudge cargo condition, handling requirements, and hazardous material classifications independently during inspections and acceptance procedures.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply transportation regulations and public safety procedures when briefing passengers and crew on emergency protocols.
Developing
KnowledgeCompute load distribution and weight calculations using cargo tracking systems and mathematical formulas for aircraft stability.
Developing
Hands-onOperate cargo handling equipment including forklifts, loaders, and conveyor systems in accordance with operational protocols and manufacturer specifications.
Developing
KnowledgeAnalyze operational bottlenecks and process inefficiencies to improve cargo staging and throughput in airport environments.
Developing
MindsetEngage with interdisciplinary teams including pilots, flight attendants, and ground operations to ensure seamless communication during cargo operations.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
10,160
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $38,010. 25th percentile: U.S. $49,020. 50th percentile: U.S. $63,940. 75th percentile: U.S. $79,600. 90th percentile: U.S. $96,300. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$38,010
10% of workers earn the following or more
$96,300
Workers on average earn
$66,190
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Customer and Personal Service4.7/5
Public Safety and Security4.4/5
Transportation4.3/5
English Language4.3/5
Administration and Management3.8/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
