Aircraft Cargo Supervisor
Lead ramp crews that load cargo and baggage onto aircraft safely and on time.
- $58,170
- Ramp experience plus supervisor training
Transportation & Logistics career
Aircraft Service Attendant
Also called: Aircraft Fueler · Line Service Technician · Aircraft Cleaner · Ramp Service Agent
What aircraft service attendants 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 service attendant do?
Aircraft service attendants service aircraft by fueling, cleaning, de-icing and supplying water and lavatory services. The median pay is $40,450 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about A few weeks of training, and employment is projected to grow +5.6% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$40,450$19.45/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+5.6%2025–35, faster than average
- Openings per year4,000Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to trainA few weeks of trainingTypical program length
- U.S. jobs31,200Employment, 2025
What aircraft service attendants do
Aircraft service attendants turn planes around. They fuel aircraft, clean cabins, service water and lavatories, de-ice in winter, tow small planes and guide aircraft on the ramp at airlines and FBOs.
A high school diploma and short training are typical. BLS projects faster than average growth.
Typical duties
- Fuel aircraft
- Clean cabins
- Service water and lavatories
- De-ice aircraft
- Tow aircraft
- Marshal aircraft
- Inspect equipment
Work environment and schedule
Attendants work on airport ramps and in cabins.
Schedule: Shifts include nights, weekends and holidays.
A day in the life
- Check fuel trucks.
- Fuel the first departures.
- Clean an arriving cabin.
- Service lavatories.
See a full day in the life of an aircraft service attendant →
Aircraft Service Attendant salary
Half of aircraft service attendants earned more than $40,450 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $33,830 for the lowest 10% to $57,610 for the top 10%.
Full aircraft service attendant pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an aircraft service attendant
- Finish high school
- Pass a background check
- Get hired at an airline or FBO
- Complete training
- Advance
A high school diploma and short-term on-the-job training are typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an aircraft service attendant →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Aircraft fueling
- Fuel quality testing
- Cabin cleaning
- De-icing
- Towing
People skills
- Attention to detail
- Teamwork
- Speed
- Safety awareness
All aircraft service attendant skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Faster-than-average growth
- Short training
- Aviation career start
- Travel perks at some airlines
Cons
- Weather
- Noise
- Fumes
- Odd hours
Certifications and licenses
- NATA Safety 1st: Line service training.
- Fuel quality training: Required.
- Airport driving permit: Required.
- De-icing certification: Seasonal.
Career path
- Line Service Tech: Entry.
- Lead: Lead.
- Line Supervisor: Lead teams.
- Aircraft Mechanic or FBO Manager: Advance.
Learn the job before day one
Our Aircraft Service Attendant training (8 hours, $74.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as fuel an aircraft safely and marshal an aircraft to parking, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Aircraft Service Attendant vs. Aircraft Cargo Supervisor · Aircraft Service Attendant vs. Aircraft Mechanic · Aircraft Service Attendant vs. Airfield Operations Specialist · Aircraft Service Attendant vs. Vehicle Cleaner
Aircraft Service Attendant FAQ
Do I need experience?
No.
Is the job growing?
Yes, BLS projects faster than average growth.
Can it lead to aviation careers?
Yes, many move into mechanics or ops.
How much does an aircraft service attendant make?
The median annual wage for aircraft service attendants was $40,450 ($19.45 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $33,830 and the highest 10% earned more than $57,610.
How long does it take to become an aircraft service attendant?
Most people need about A few weeks of training of training. A high school diploma and short-term on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be an aircraft service attendant?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
More aircraft service attendant questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 53-6032 (Aircraft service attendants).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Aircraft service attendants (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.