How much does a airplane fueler make?
Answer: A typical airplane fueler in the United States makes $40,450 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 31,000 people work in this job. Below the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Airplane fueler pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $33,830 | $40,450 | $57,610 | about 31,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $56,620 | about 580 |
| Washington | $50,520 | about 710 |
| California | $46,800 | about 2,000 |
| New Jersey | $46,210 | about 920 |
| New York | $44,600 | about 1,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can differ with experience, airport location, and employer; some employers add extra pay for certain shifts. Safety training or vehicle qualifications can open specialized duties, which may also pay differently.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a airplane fueler do?
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's a typical day like?
On the ramp, a fueler checks the order, drives a fuel truck to a parked plane, connects the hose, and adds the right fuel. They coordinate by radio, log the job, and may also guide or de-ice planes outdoors.
How to get this job
Finish high school or earn a GED, then apply for an entry-level airport or FBO fueling job; college is usually unnecessary. Employers provide safety training, and some require a driver's license and airport driving permit.
High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
A clear fluid used in diesel trucks can contaminate jet fuel; the FAA says it has clogged fuel systems and even caused every engine to shut down in flight.
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Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/53-6032.00
- www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/150-5230-4C-Aircraft-Fuel-20
- www.bls.gov/oes/earnings.htm
- www.cvgairport.com/careers/jobs/details/cvg-aircraft-fueler-open-availability-re
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY