Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
Transportation and Material Moving
Work centers on deciding how much cargo goes on a plane, how it is oriented, and where it sits so the aircraft's center of gravity stays within limits. That means directing ground crews as they load, unload, secure, and stage cargo or baggage, and spreading loads to use space well. Some roles, including loadmasters, ride with the flight to watch cargo in the air and help brief passengers on safety. Training new crew on safety and equipment is part of the job. Suits people who like leading a crew, placing loads with care, and training others on safety and equipment.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$58'170
Median Wage Market Position
$58'170
What you might do
- Direct crews loading and unloading aircraft cargo
- Work out the plane's balance from cargo weight
- Place freight to fill the hold efficiently
- Train new loaders on safety and equipment
- Stage baggage and freight for the next flight
- Brief passengers on safety during cargo flights
Skills that matter
- Computing an aircraft's center of gravity
- Directing crews loading aircraft cargo
- Training new hires in cargo safety
- Distributing cargo to fill available space
- Briefing passengers on safety procedures
- Deciding cargo quantity and orientation
AI & the future of this role
Supervising aircraft cargo loading hinges on safety judgment, weight balance, and coordinating crews under tight schedules. Planning tools may improve tracking and load plans, but in-person oversight and liability for secure handling tend to protect the role.
Does Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors fit your values?
Take the free LostInCareer assessment to see personalized matches based on your core values—not just a personality label.
Related careers
Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details