Career comparison
Aircraft Cargo Supervisor vs. Transportation Supervisor
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Transportation supervisors earn more at the median ($62,890 vs. $58,170), while aircraft cargo supervisors usually get to work faster (Ramp experience plus supervisor training of training). Aircraft cargo supervisors lead ramp crews that load cargo and baggage onto aircraft safely and on time. Transportation supervisors supervise drivers, warehouse workers and material movers.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Aircraft Cargo Supervisor | Transportation Supervisor | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $58,170 ($27.97/hr) | $62,890 ($30.23/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $41,690 – $92,160 | $43,360 – $96,150 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +9.2% (much faster than average) | +3.0% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 900 | 54,900 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | Ramp experience plus supervisor training | Experience plus supervisor training |
| Key credential | IATA Dangerous Goods | CDL |
| Work setting | Supervisors work on airport ramps and in cargo facilities.. | Supervisors work in warehouses, terminals and dispatch offices.. |
What each job does
Aircraft Cargo Supervisor
- Direct ramp crews
- Plan loads
- Check weight and balance
- Verify hazmat
- Secure cargo
Transportation Supervisor
- Schedule crews
- Assign loads and routes
- Enforce safety
- Track productivity
- Coach workers
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working with people, a fast pace, in-demand, and teamwork. Both are part of the transportation & logistics field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose aircraft cargo supervisor if…
- I like airports
- I lead well under time pressure
- I don’t mind weather
Choose transportation supervisor if…
- I like leading crews
- I solve problems fast
- I care about safety
Still torn? Take the Aircraft Cargo Supervisor fit quiz and the Transportation Supervisor fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, aircraft cargo supervisor or transportation supervisor?
Transportation Supervisors earn more at the median: $62,890 versus $58,170 for aircraft cargo supervisors, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Aircraft Cargo Supervisors typically train faster (Ramp experience plus supervisor training) than transportation supervisors (Experience plus supervisor training).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects aircraft cargo supervisors to grow +9.2% from 2025–35, compared with +3.0% for transportation supervisors.