Transportation & Logistics
Aircraft Service Attendants
Also called: Aircraft Deicer, Aircraft Refueler, Fueler, Refueler
US median pay
$40,450
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+5.6%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
4,000
31,200 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Service aircraft with fuel. May de-ice aircraft, refill water and cooling agents, empty sewage tanks, service air and oxygen systems, or clean and polish exterior.
What they do day to day
- Guide aircraft to designated areas using hand signals, batons, or other methods.
- Radio to flight dispatchers or other personnel to discuss incoming or outgoing aircraft.
- Complete forms describing tasks completed.
- Apply de-icing fluid to aircraft from baskets lifted by truck-mounted cranes.
- Tow aircraft to gates or hangars using tugs, tractors, or other vehicles.
- Refuel aircraft using hoses connected to fuel trucks.
- Empty aircraft lavatory systems or refill them with sanitizer fluid.
- Load baggage or cargo for crew or passengers.
- Inspect aircraft components to locate cracks, breaks, leaks, or other problems.
- Climb ladders to reach aircraft surfaces to be cleaned.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Operation and Control3.0/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.0/5
- Time Management2.9/5
- Coordination2.9/5
- Operations Monitoring2.8/5
- Social Perceptiveness2.6/5
- Complex Problem Solving2.6/5
- Quality Control Analysis2.5/5
Knowledge
- Public Safety and Security4.0/5
- English Language3.9/5
- Education and Training3.5/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.5/5
- Transportation3.2/5
- Computers and Electronics2.9/5
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.
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.