How much does a cargo supervisor make?

In the United States, pay can differ with experience, safety or weight-and-balance training, the employer and location, and how much planning or crew responsibility the job includes. Overtime or shift premiums may add pay when offered.

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's a typical day like?

They check a flight’s cargo plan, then direct the ground crew as boxes and pallets are weighed, arranged, and secured. They confirm the load is safe, train workers, and keep the loading on schedule.

In the U.S., earn a high school diploma or GED; some ramp jobs hire at 18 and teach safe cargo handling. Build ground-crew experience, then lead a team; training may last from days to a year.

High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)

Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized.

Moving a big load from one hold to another can shift an airplane’s center of gravity a lot, so cargo placement is part of flight safety—not just fitting boxes.