Are you wondering what the best airport jobs are?
There are many reasons you might want to work at an airport – maybe you’re looking for consistent income, you want flight benefits, or you love the airport and want to be there as much as possible.
My dad worked at the airport for a long time (almost his entire adult life), with airlines like TWA and American Airlines. He had a huge passion for air travel and airplanes, and he flew small planes as a hobby (he had a private pilot’s license). So, it made sense that he wanted to work at the airport because he really, really loved planes.
And, I get it – the airport has a special ambiance to it, being a mix of chaotic high energy and the excitement of going somewhere new.
In this article, you’ll learn about:
- 14 airport jobs to choose from
- How to fly for free
- Highest-paid jobs at the airport
- Entry-level jobs at the airport
And more!
14 Best Airport Jobs To Make Money
Here’s a list of the best airport jobs.
Note: Some airport jobs pay well, especially roles like pilots, air traffic controllers, and aircraft mechanics. Other airport jobs may not have six-figure salaries, but they still have reliable pay, benefits, overtime opportunities, and sometimes even flight perks that can make them a great option – even at the entry level. For some people, these extras can add up to a good overall package. That’s why airport jobs can be appealing, whether you’re just starting out or looking for a long-term career.
Recommended reading: 25 Best Travel Jobs To Make Money Traveling The World
1. Pilot
An airline pilot is in charge of flying the aircraft, navigating routes, and more. There are strict requirements for becoming a pilot, which include things like getting a pilot license (of course), meeting flight hours, and getting certain certifications.
Benefits of working as a pilot include high pay, travel perks, career prestige, and getting to travel the world. And you get to fly airplanes! How cool is that?
However, working as a pilot can be really hard, and includes long hours, irregular schedules, high stress and responsibility, and being away from your family for long periods of time.
Your pay can vary a lot as a pilot. If you work for a small regional airline, then you may earn around $50,000 to $100,000 each year. But, if you work for a major airline like Delta, then you may be able to earn $300,000+ each year.
2. Flight attendant
A flight attendant is someone who makes sure passengers are safe on a plane, provides services onboard (like food and drinks), and works alongside pilots. Requirements to become a flight attendant include a high school diploma, airline training, and customer service skills, just to name a few.
I’ve known a few flight attendants, and the job can be a lot of fun, but also really stressful, depending on what kind of passengers you get that day. However, you get to travel to really cool places and meet amazing people along the way. Keep in mind, schedules are irregular, you’re on your feet all day, and you’ll likely deal with difficult passengers.
Flight attendants usually earn an hourly wage based on flight hours, not total time on duty (for example, walking through the airport or even when they are greeting customers when the aircraft door is open). Starting pay is around $25 to $35 per flight hour, which can equal $40,000 to $60,000 per year. With seniority, international routes, and per diem pay, experienced flight attendants can earn $70,000+ per year, plus valuable flight benefits.
Recommended reading: How To Become A Flight Attendant And Make $61,640 Each Year
3. Ramp crew
Ramp crew (which is what my dad did!) is the crew in charge of loading and unloading luggage, guiding planes, and handling equipment. This is an important job where you work on the tarmac, which is often underpraised and overlooked.
This job usually has entry-level opportunities, you work in a team environment, and you stay physically active. However, there are some big cons. My dad worked ramp crew and in all kinds of crazy weather, and he worked early and late shifts a lot, with lots of overtime.
Ramp crew positions pay hourly and usually include a lot of overtime opportunities. Starting pay is usually around $20 per hour, which can equal $40,000 per year, depending on hours worked. Some ramp crew workers make over $100,000 each year (the more years you work, the higher your hourly pay), so it can be a high-paying job if you’re willing to work overtime hours. Ramp agents also receive flight benefits, such as free flights, which can significantly increase the overall value of the job.
4. TSA
I’m really impressed by people who sign up to work in TSA. TSA is in charge of screening passengers and luggage, as well as enforcing security regulations. To work in TSA, you need to pass a background check, go through TSA training, and have a lot of attention to detail.
TSA officers are federal employees, which means stable pay and government benefits. Starting salaries are usually around $40,000 to $45,000 per year, with raises based on experience and promotions. Supervisory and specialized TSA roles can earn $60,000 to $80,000+ each year.
5. Air traffic controller
Air traffic controllers are in charge of managing aircraft movements and making sure that planes stay safe in the air and on the ground. Requirements to become an air traffic controller include FAA certification, specialized training, and high concentration.
The benefits of working as an air traffic controller include that it is a high-paying and respected role, with cons being extremely high levels of stress and strict certification requirements.
Air traffic controllers are some of the highest-paid workers at the airport. Entry-level controllers usually start around $50,000 to $60,000 per year, but pay increases quickly with training and experience. Fully certified controllers often earn $100,000 to $150,000+ annually, with some earning more, depending on location and overtime.
6. Baggage handler
A baggage handler is someone in charge of moving luggage between terminals and planes. This position requires you to be in good physical fitness and have the ability to work well with a team.
These jobs are usually entry-level, keep you active, and usually include airline perks. Keep in mind that you’ll often work outside, and the work can be very tiring, as suitcases and baggage can be quite heavy.
Baggage handlers are paid hourly, with wages often ranging from $16 to $21 per hour. This usually works out to around $35,000 to $45,000 per year, with the potential for overtime.
7. Plane mechanic
A plane mechanic is in charge of inspecting, repairing, and maintaining aircraft systems. Working as a plane mechanic requires technical training, certain certifications, and attention to detail. Keep in mind, you may be required to work long shifts and have a high responsibility for safety.
Aircraft mechanics earn good pay due to the technical skills and certifications required. Entry-level mechanics may earn around $50,000 to $65,000 per year, while experienced mechanics can earn $80,000 to $100,000+ annually. Overtime and specialized certifications can increase earnings even more.
8. Ticket agent
Ticket agents are in charge of checking in passengers, selling tickets, and helping travelers with any questions or concerns they may have.
If you’re not a people person, this isn’t the job for you. Ticket agents deal with customers the most, and many times, the customers can be upset that their flight is delayed or cancelled. There are amazing benefits, though, such as airline perks and career growth.
I know many people who wanted to be able to travel more and get airline travel benefits but not have to leave their home each night (they wanted to sleep in their own bed, unlike a flight attendant), so they chose to become ticket agents.
Ticket agents usually earn an hourly pay, ranging from around $17 to $25 per hour. That equals roughly $35,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on hours and location.
Recommended reading: How To Get Paid To Travel The World (18 Realistic Ideas!)
9. Retail staff
Retail staff work in shops and stores in the terminals, selling products, snacks, and other items. These jobs are entry-level, and you’ll be working with customers who are shopping and waiting for their flights.
Airport retail jobs generally pay slightly more than similar retail roles outside the airport. Pay is around $15 to $20 per hour, or $30,000 to $40,000 per year. This job will not come with flight benefits, as you wouldn’t be working for an airline.
10. Food worker
A food worker is in charge of preparing and serving food. As you already know, there are a ton of sit-down restaurants and fast food restaurants at the airport that are always hiring.
The benefits of these jobs include being entry-level and working inside the airport terminal.
Food service workers at airports typically make around $15 to $22 per hour, depending on the airport, employer, and job. That works out to about $30,000 to $45,000 per year, with tips sometimes adding to earnings. These jobs are usually entry-level and easy to get started in.
11. Hotel shuttle driver
Hotel shuttle drivers are in charge of transporting passengers between the airport and hotels or parking lots. You need a driver’s license, a clean record, and reliability to do this job.
There is a lot of driving with this job, and if you don’t like airport driving, then you may not like this one because that’s pretty much all you will be doing.
Hotel shuttle drivers generally earn around $15 to $22 per hour, which equals roughly $30,000 to $45,000 per year. Some drivers also earn tips. These jobs tend to have more regular schedules and lower customer stress than many airport jobs.
12. Airport cleaning staff
Airport cleaning staff are in charge of cleaning terminals, restrooms, planes, and offices.
You’ll like this work if you enjoy routine work and minimal customer interaction. This job can be physically demanding since you’re on your feet cleaning all day, and let’s be honest, the airport can be a dirty place to work because of all of the people in a rush.
Airport cleaning and janitorial staff usually earn $15 to $20 per hour, or about $30,000 to $40,000 per year.
13. Wheelchair attendant
A wheelchair attendant is a person in the airport helping passengers with any mobility needs. This job requires physical fitness (since you’re pushing people around in wheelchairs all shift) and customer service skills.
Wheelchair attendants earn $15 to $20 per hour. Annual earnings are typically around $30,000 to $40,000 per year. This role is entry-level and can be rewarding for people who enjoy helping others.
14. Flight dispatcher
A flight dispatcher is someone in charge of planning flight paths, coordinating with pilots, and monitoring weather and air traffic.
This job requires a high level of responsibility, which can be stressful for some but also comes with high pay potential.
Flight dispatchers earn higher-than-average pay due to the responsibility involved. Entry-level dispatchers earn around $45,000 to $60,000 per year, while experienced dispatchers can earn $80,000 to $100,000+ annually, especially at major airlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about airport jobs.
Are airport jobs worth it?
Whether airport jobs are worth it or not depends on what you’re looking for in a job. The benefits of working at an airport include things like full-time work (with lots of options for overtime), benefits, flight benefits like free airfare, career growth, and an interesting work environment. There are cons to working at an airport, including a 24/7 work environment, high stress with some jobs, and high physical demands.
Do airline employees fly for free?
Yes, one of the biggest perks of working for an airline is the ability to fly for free or very cheaply. This benefit can make travel far more affordable, especially for employees and their families who are flexible and enjoy spontaneous trips.
Most airline employees fly for free or really cheap (taxes and fees may need to be paid), but there are some important details to keep in mind, such as:
- You fly standby (non-rev/non-revenue), which means you don’t get a guaranteed seat, but are on a list for empty seats. So this means that you can’t book a trip months in advance – it’s more like the week before or even the day before. You may even show up at the airport thinking that there’s plenty of space on a plane, but it turns out it is now overbooked, and you won’t be able to get to your destination.
- Flight benefits vary depending on the airline (some airlines have free flights on their airline and partner airlines, while other airlines have stricter policies).
What are the highest-paid jobs at the airport?
The highest-paid jobs at the airport include jobs like air traffic controller, aircraft pilot, lead technician, and airport IT manager roles.
Do I need experience to work at an airport?
No, the airport and airlines hire people with no experience for many positions.
What are entry-level jobs at an airport?
Entry-level jobs at the airport include ramp and ground crew, baggage handler, gate agent, TSA security officer, airport retail, food service, janitorial staff, and parking/shuttle services.
What are the best airport jobs without a degree?
The best airport jobs without a degree include positions like ramp and ground crew (minimal requirements and often pay well with overtime options), baggage handler, ticket agent, retail service worker, and more.
What are the best airport jobs for females?
The best airport jobs for women include pilots, air traffic controllers, flight attendants, ticket agents, and more. Women make up around 20% of the workforce in airport jobs.
What is the easiest job at an airport?
There are no easy jobs at the airport, so let’s get that out of the way. Some of the easier jobs may be a retail service worker (I feel like airport stores are always fairly empty, which is the only reason why I say this) or someone who works in an airport lounge, but you may still deal with unhappy customers.
The Best Airport Jobs That Pay Well – Summary
I hope you enjoyed my article on the best airport jobs.
I know quite a few people who work at the airport, and it sounds like a great place to work! My dad always loved working at the airport, and I always love thinking about his love for airports and planes whenever I go.
Airport jobs have tons of benefits, ranging from flight benefits to job stability, growth opportunities, and competitive pay and incentives.
Do you want to work at the airport?
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