Transportation & Logistics
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
Also called: Cargo Supervisor, Ground Operations Supervisor, Line Service Supervisor (LSS), Loadmaster
US median pay
$58,170
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+9.2%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
900
9,700 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do day to day
- Determine the quantity and orientation of cargo, and compute an aircraft's center of gravity.
- Direct ground crews in the loading, unloading, securing, or staging of aircraft cargo or baggage.
- Train new employees in areas such as safety procedures or equipment operation.
- Distribute cargo to maximize use of space.
- Calculate load weights for different aircraft compartments, using charts and computers.
- Accompany aircraft as a member of the flight crew to monitor and handle cargo in flight.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Management of Personnel Resources3.8/5
- Time Management3.6/5
- Coordination3.5/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.4/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.2/5
- Instructing3.1/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.1/5
- Systems Analysis3.0/5
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service4.7/5
- Public Safety and Security4.4/5
- Transportation4.3/5
- English Language4.3/5
- Administration and Management3.8/5
- Administrative3.7/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent, plus less than 5 years of related work experience.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma64%
- Bachelor's degree18%
- Less than high school10%
Who this job suits
Mostly Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.