Outlook
Commercial air travel has been on the upswing since the pandemic, creating more need for airport workers. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, U.S. scheduled passenger airlines employed 544,705 workers in October 2024, an increase over the 452,440 workers in October 2019. Opportunities will be best for those with experience and postsecondary training. The U.S. Department of Labor reports the following employment outlooks by profession for ground services workers through 2033:
- baggage handlers: +0 percent (little or no change)
- cargo and air freight agents: +10 percent (much faster than the average)
- aircraft mechanics and service technicians: +5 percent (as fast the average)
- aircraft cargo handling supervisors: +8 percent (faster than the average)
Related Professions
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Technicians
- Agricultural Pilots
- Air Traffic Controllers
- Aircraft Mechanics
- Airplane Dispatchers
- Airport Security Personnel
- Airport Service Workers
- Aviation Safety Inspectors
- Avionics Engineers
- Avionics Technicians
- Business Managers
- Customer Service Representatives
- Customs Officials
- Flight Attendants
- Flight Instructors
- Industrial Traffic Managers
- Mail Carriers
- Military Pilots
- Pilots
- Postal Clerks
- Reservation and Ticket Agents
- Sales Managers
- Space Pilots
- Truck Drivers