How to become an air transport ramp attendant
Official title: Air transport ramp attendants
Also called: Airport ramp attendant, Ramp agent - air transport, Cargo loader - air transport, Cargo handler - air transport, Baggage loader - air transport, Ramp attendant - air transport, Ramp lead hand - air transport, Cargo attendant - air transport, Freight attendant - air transport, Station attendant - air transport, Ramp services supervisor - airport, Ramp station attendant - air transport
Air transport ramp attendants operate ramp-servicing vehicles and equipment, handle cargo and baggage and perform other ground support duties at airports. They are employed by airline and air services companies and the federal government.
Main tasks
- Drive and operate ramp-servicing vehicles and equipment such as towing tractors, food service trucks, de-icer sprayers and lavatory servicing trucks
- Position passenger loading stairs and operate aircraft cargo doors
- Marshal or tow aircrafts to gate positions for passenger boarding and deplaning and for loading and unloading of cargo
- Sort and load cargo and passenger baggage according to instructions forwarded by load planner to achieve proper balance
- Unload, sort and route cargo and baggage
- Transport freight between aircraft and airport warehouse
- Clean and prepare aircraft interior for passengers and wash aircraft exterior
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Experience operating baggage transporting equipment or warehouse experience may be required. A driver's licence and a good driving record are usually required.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $45,552 a year The middle half earn $39,000 to $54,600.
- About 13,600 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 15,100 are projected by 2033. (+11%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Railway yard and track maintenance workers
- Water transport deck and engine room crew
- Automotive and heavy truck and equipment parts installers and servicers
- Utility maintenance workers
- Public works maintenance equipment operators and related workers
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Questions people ask
How do I become an air transport ramp attendant?
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Experience operating baggage transporting equipment or warehouse experience may be required. A driver's licence and a good driving record are usually required.
How much does an air transport ramp attendant earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $45,552 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $39,000 to $54,600.
Is an air transport ramp attendant a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 11% by 2033, from about 13,600 to about 15,100 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become an air transport ramp attendant?
Usually not. Only 14% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03