Aircraft Fueler: Salary Guide

Transporting people from one location to another is essential, making a pilot's job much more important. But let's not forget the role of the individuals who ensure that the aircraft has the fuel to get to the destination safely and on schedule. That's what an aircraft fueler does. The job of an aircraft fueler is crucial as they ensure the safe and efficient flying of aircraft, an essential step in the aviation process. Many who want to get to this ground crew job have wondered about aircraft fueler salary. Here's a detailed view of the topic.

What is an Aircraft Fueler?

Before looking at aircraft fueler pay, let's look at who an aircraft fueler is. An aircraft fueler is a specialized professional primarily responsible for ensuring the fueling process of aircraft. The aircraft fueler salary varies depending on the location because the job is critical, where the professional needs to have a comprehensive understanding of various aircraft systems, safety protocols, and environmental regulations.

Aircraft fuelers receive on-the-job training and are certified. They are essential in maintaining aviation's operational efficiency and safety, both commercial and military.

Aircraft Fueler Pay in Different Countries

1. United States

Salary: The average airplane fueler salary in the United States is around $18.12 per hour, with some reaching up to $27.40 per hour. Location plays a significant role in determining plane fueler salary, with cities like Seattle and Chicago offering higher hourly rates. The salary can increase as one gains more experience in the industry.

Qualification: To become an aircraft fueler in the United States, you need to be above the age of 18 years, have a high school diploma, and possess a valid driver's license. Additionally, you will need to undergo a background check. Many employers provide on-the-job training for the role. You can also get certified through courses by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other agencies.

2. United Kingdom

Salary: The median aircraft fueler salary in the United Kingdom is around £34,087 ($44,005.81) per year. While entry-level aircraft fueler pay is around £29,000 ($37,438.57), with experience and seniority, the pay goes up to £40,000 ($51,639.40) annually.

Qualification: In the UK, you must be over 18 and have a high school diploma to qualify for the job. Like the US, you must have a driver's license and undergo a background check. In addition to on-the-job training, you can also take training courses on aviation fuel management like the one Shell Global offers.

3. India

Salary: In India, the plane fueler salary is around ₹6,90,000 ($8,054.63) annually. The estimated annual aircraft fueler salary is around ₹8,50,000 ($9,922.37). Location and the specific employer determine what one gets paid. As one gains more experience, the salary will be much higher.

Qualification: In India, you need to be over 18 years old, have a high school diploma, and have a valid driver's license to qualify for the role. You can also complete a specialized training program before applying for the job. Consider courses in aviation fuel management or ground handling. You can also take the IATA Aviation Fuel Management Essentials course, which covers all essential aspects of aircraft fueling.

4. Australia

Salary: The average airline fueler salary in Australia is around AUD 89,000 to AUD 90,000 ($56,322.70 to $56,955.54) per year. The base pay in aircraft fueler salary is between AUD 67,000 and AUD 91,000 ($42,400.23 to $57,588.38) per year.

Qualification: To become an aircraft fueler in Australia, you must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma, and have a Certificate III or IV in relevant fields such as driving operations. You will also require a valid driver's license. Besides this, you will have to complete a nationally recognized course, such as the AVIW0020 Refuel Aircraft course.

5. Canada

Salary: The aircraft refueler salary in Canada is around CAD 38,162 ($26,784.95) per year or an hourly rate of CAD 19.57 ($13.74). Entry-level candidates can expect aircraft fueler pay of around CAD 36,075 ($25,320.14) per year. Experience makes all the difference in increasing the salary. Some airlines will also pay more. For instance, Menzies Aviation's hourly airline fueler salary is CAD 20 ($14.04), while the same stands at CAD 18 ($12.63) per hour in Swissport.

Qualification: In Canada, you will require a high school diploma, a valid driving license, and completion of a training program in a related field. Most employers will provide relevant on-the-job training so that you can learn everything about aircraft fueling.

6. Germany

Salary: In Germany, the airplane fueler salary is around €1,800 ($1,942.34) monthly. With experience, the aircraft fueler pay increases to around €5,000 ($5,395.38) per month.

Qualification: In Germany, you must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma, pass a medical examination, and have language proficiency in both English and German. In addition to on-the-job training, you can pursue training courses by authorized institutions. Such courses cover key topics such as the safe handling of aviation fuel, fuel types, fuel systems, and refueling procedures.

7. United Arab Emirates

Salary: In the UAE, the plane fueler salary is estimated to be around AED 9,242 ($2,516.20) monthly. Depending on location, employer, and experience, the airline fueler salary range is between AED 54,201 and AED 281,685 ($14,756.62 to $76,690.82) annually.

Qualification: To become an aircraft fueler in the UAE, you require a high school diploma, a valid UAE Light Duty (Manual) driving license, a technical diploma, and some experience in aircraft refueling operations. While prior experience is not mandatory, it can give you a competitive edge. Alternatively, you can work in a related field before gaining employment. In addition to all this, you should have excellent proficiency in the English language.

8. South Africa

Salary: The aircraft fueler salary in South Africa typically ranges from R200,000 to R350,000 ($10,965.50 to $19,189.63). The aircraft fueler pay increases with more experience and relevant certifications.

Qualification: You must be above 18, have a high school diploma, and complete a relevant training course. You can go for courses offered by South African Airways, Cranfield Online, and Flight Safety Africa. Besides these, you must have excellent English language skills.

9. Malaysia

Salary: The airplane fueler salary in Malaysia falls from RM 3,000 to RM 6,000 ($677.20 to $1,354.40) per month. Factors like experience, qualifications, and specific employers all play a role in determining airline fueler salary.

Qualification: To become an aircraft fueler in Malaysia, you must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma, possess a valid driving license, and pass a background check. Employers also value language proficiency in English. While on-the-job training is usually provided, you can also undergo safety training such as Basic Offshore Safety and Emergency Training (BOSET), H2S Course, and Permit to Work (PTW) Course, among others.

10. Saudi Arabia

Salary: The aircraft fueler salary ranges from SAR 8,000 to SAR 12,000 ($2,132.51 to $3,198.76) monthly. Location, seniority, and employer determine one's pay. Additionally, Saudi nationals are qualified for minimum wage pay of at least SAR 4,000 ($1,066.25) monthly.

Qualification: You will need a high school diploma, a valid driver's license, and a relevant training course completion. Most companies also offer on-the-job training to both entry-level and experienced aircraft fuelers.

Job Responsibilities of an Aircraft Fueler

Besides looking at the airline fueler salary, it is also essential to understand what a typical day looks like in this job. While an aircraft fueler's primary responsibility is to ensure that fuel is safely and efficiently fueled and refueled in an aircraft, they also perform many other tasks. Here's a breakdown:

• Fuel quality control: Aircraft fuelers are also required to check the quality and quantity of fuel in an aircraft and ensure it meets the required standards.
• Equipment maintenance: Aircraft fuelers have to ensure the equipment used for fueling is in top-notch condition.
• Safety compliance: The process of aircraft fueling can end disastrously if proper rules are not followed. Aircraft fuelers must adhere to strict safety standards for fuel handling and aircraft operations.
• Fuel transaction management: Aircraft fuelers are also tasked with overseeing fuel deliveries and maintaining a record of fuel transactions.
• Coordination: These professionals must collaborate with ground-handling teams to meet flight schedules and ensure seamless operations.
• Stock control: While not a primary task, aircraft fuelers must also assist in fuel stock management.
• Troubleshooting: A keen eye and attention to detail are handy because aircraft fuelers must report any issue with their equipment to authorities.
• Maintenance: These professionals must also perform routine equipment maintenance to keep them in optimal condition.

Working Conditions in Aircraft Fueling

There is a reason the aircraft fueler salary varies depending on location and experience. Imagine pulling out a fifty-inch, four-inch hose from the truck to the fuel panel of an aircraft, which, with the fuel, weighs about 60 lbs above the head. The job requires stamina and good physical health. In fact, an aircraft fueler will also need to climb up a ladder and then hold the pipe in smaller aircraft.

On any given day, an aircraft fueler makes around 25 trips in and out of their truck. They must climb ladders as high as 30 meters while maintaining balance when connecting and disconnecting the nozzles from the aircraft. While doing their job, they must ensure all safety rules are followed.

The job of an aircraft fueler is not your routine 9-to-5 and cannot be done within the four walls of an office. It requires an eye for detail, quick decision-making skills, and adaptability since one might be requested to work night shifts.

It is also a job that can be highly rewarding. Aircraft fuelers play a crucial role in ensuring that aircraft are fueled properly. Proper fuel level ensures the reliability of the flight. Plus, this job can be an attractive avenue for those looking to work in the aviation industry because of its job security and high salary range.

Conclusion

Becoming an aircraft fueler can be highly rewarding for many. As a career path, it offers a chance to be part of the aviation industry, where one ensures that an aircraft is ready to take flight. And as we have already seen, the aircraft refueler salary is competitive in most countries. Unlike many other ground crew jobs, the minimum qualifications to become an aircraft fueler are not very extensive, paving the way for many to join the vertical. One can use training before applying to aircraft fueler jobs, but most employers will provide on-the-job training. So, you don't have to worry if you are unsure how ready you are to take the role. You should possess key skills such as communication, teamwork, language proficiency, and problem-solving that will help you get a job and excel in one when you finally start your career.