Find ground crew jobs

Ground crew members keep airport operations running smoothly. They load and unload baggage, guide planes on the tarmac, refuel aircraft, assist passengers at check-in and boarding, and handle maintenance checks. Their work happens behind the scenes, but without them, flights wouldn’t take off on time.

You’ll need a high school diploma or GED for most ground crew jobs. Airlines look for physically fit candidates for roles like baggage handling, while customer service skills matter for check-in and gate agents. If you're aiming for a technical role like aircraft maintenance, an FAA certification helps. Most positions provide training, so you can start without prior experience.

Salaries depend on the job, airline, and location. Entry-level roles like baggage handlers and ramp agents typically pay between $15–$20 per hour. Specialized airport ground crew positions, such as aircraft mechanics or supervisors, earn more. Many airport ground staff jobs offer overtime, shift differentials, and union benefits, which can boost your earnings.

Start by applying to airlines, airports, or ground handling companies. You’ll need to pass a background check, meet the physical requirements, and complete any training provided by the employer. If you’re interested in maintenance roles, getting FAA certifications can help. Most airport ground staff jobs don’t require prior experience, so you can get started with the right attitude and willingness to learn.

Some airlines offer free or discounted standby flights, but it depends on the company and your role. Full-time employees usually get better travel perks in airport ground crew jobs, while those working for third-party ground handling companies might not have the same benefits. It’s worth checking with the airline before applying.

Ground crews work all over the airport, from the terminal to the tarmac. Gate agents are responsible for assisting passengers inside. Whereas, ramp agents and baggage handlers work outside in all weather conditions. Maintenance teams operate in hangars or you may find them working directly on the airfield to get planes ready for flight.

There’s no upper age limit as long as you meet the job’s physical requirements. Most airport ground staff hiring starts at 18 years age, though some customer service roles may accept 17-year-olds. As long as you can handle the work, you can start at any age.