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.

SOC: 53-1041.00

Common Job Titles

Cargo SupervisorLine Service Supervisor (LSS)LoadmasterRamp 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.
  • MindsetIntegrate personnel management with safety protocols when supervising ground crew during time-critical loading operations.
  • KnowledgeAssess cargo securing methods and equipment compliance with aviation standards during pre-flight inspections and in-flight monitoring.
  • Hands-onCoordinate loading and unloading operations using specialized aircraft ground equipment under strict turnaround time constraints and safety regulations.
  • MindsetAdvocate team performance standards and safety culture while training and developing ground crew personnel.
  • KnowledgeOrganize work schedules and task prioritization for cargo handling teams coordinating multiple aircraft turnarounds and resource allocation.
  • KnowledgeJudge cargo condition, handling requirements, and hazardous material classifications independently during inspections and acceptance procedures.
  • KnowledgeApply transportation regulations and public safety procedures when briefing passengers and crew on emergency protocols.
  • KnowledgeCompute load distribution and weight calculations using cargo tracking systems and mathematical formulas for aircraft stability.
  • Hands-onOperate cargo handling equipment including forklifts, loaders, and conveyor systems in accordance with operational protocols and manufacturer specifications.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze operational bottlenecks and process inefficiencies to improve cargo staging and throughput in airport environments.
  • MindsetEngage with interdisciplinary teams including pilots, flight attendants, and ground operations to ensure seamless communication during cargo operations.
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

MetricU.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
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

FacebookMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft Word

Technology Skills

Cargo tracking system softwareCorel WordPerfect Office SuiteWarehouse management system WMSWord processing software

Tools & Equipment

Aircraft loadersAircraft wheel chocksAirplane baggage tuggersAirport cargo conveyor trucksBelt loader trucksCargo collection hoppersCargo dolliesCargo tiedown straps