Cargo Agent
Arrange and track freight shipments by air, truck, rail and ship.
- $52,260
- A few weeks of training
Transportation & Logistics career
Aircraft Cargo Supervisor
Also called: Ramp Supervisor · Cargo Load Supervisor · Air Freight Supervisor · Load Planner
What aircraft cargo supervisors do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an aircraft cargo supervisor do?
Aircraft cargo handling supervisors direct ground crews in the loading, unloading, securing and staging of aircraft cargo or baggage. The median pay is $58,170 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about Ramp experience plus supervisor training, and employment is projected to grow +9.2% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$58,170$27.97/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+9.2%2025–35, much faster than average
- Openings per year900Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to trainRamp experience plus supervisor trainingTypical program length
- U.S. jobs9,700Employment, 2025
What aircraft cargo supervisors do
Aircraft cargo supervisors run the ramp. They plan loads for weight and balance, direct crews loading cargo and bags, check hazmat and securing, coordinate with pilots and operations, and keep flights on time.
A high school diploma and some ramp experience are typical. BLS projects faster than average growth.
Typical duties
- Direct ramp crews
- Plan loads
- Check weight and balance
- Verify hazmat
- Secure cargo
- Coordinate with flight crews
- Keep departures on time
Work environment and schedule
Supervisors work on airport ramps and in cargo facilities.
Schedule: Shifts include nights, weekends and holidays.
A day in the life
- Brief the crew.
- Review load plans.
- Load the first flight.
- Check hazmat placement.
See a full day in the life of an aircraft cargo supervisor →
Aircraft Cargo Supervisor salary
Half of aircraft cargo supervisors earned more than $58,170 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $41,690 for the lowest 10% to $92,160 for the top 10%.
Full aircraft cargo supervisor pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an aircraft cargo supervisor
- Finish high school
- Work as a ramp agent
- Learn load planning
- Become a lead
- Become a supervisor
A high school diploma and ramp experience are typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an aircraft cargo supervisor →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Load planning
- Weight and balance
- Hazmat rules
- Ground equipment
- Crew supervision
People skills
- Leadership
- Decisiveness
- Communication
- Calm under pressure
All aircraft cargo supervisor skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Faster-than-average growth
- Leadership without a degree
- Airline perks
- Fast-paced
Cons
- Weather on the ramp
- Noise
- Odd hours
- Time pressure
Certifications and licenses
- IATA Dangerous Goods: Hazmat.
- Load control training: Employer.
- Ground equipment licenses: Airport.
- TSA security training: Required.
Career path
- Ramp Agent: Entry.
- Lead: Lead.
- Cargo Supervisor: Run shifts.
- Station Manager: Run station.
Learn the job before day one
Our Aircraft Cargo Supervisor training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as run a fast aircraft turn and load cargo to weight and balance, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Aircraft Cargo Supervisor vs. Cargo Agent · Aircraft Cargo Supervisor vs. Aircraft Service Attendant · Aircraft Cargo Supervisor vs. Transportation Supervisor · Aircraft Cargo Supervisor vs. Airfield Operations Specialist
Aircraft Cargo Supervisor FAQ
Do I need a degree?
No.
Is the job growing?
Yes, BLS projects faster than average growth.
Do supervisors start on the ramp?
Usually, yes.
How much does an aircraft cargo supervisor make?
The median annual wage for aircraft cargo supervisors was $58,170 ($27.97 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $41,690 and the highest 10% earned more than $92,160.
How long does it take to become an aircraft cargo supervisor?
Most people need about Ramp experience plus supervisor training of training. A high school diploma and ramp experience are typical.
Do you need a degree to be an aircraft cargo supervisor?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education.
More aircraft cargo supervisor questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 53-1041 (Aircraft cargo handling supervisors).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Aircraft cargo handling supervisors (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.