How to become an Aircraft Baggage Handler and Ground Crew
Loads and unloads air freight, directs planes, positions staircases and performs other aircraft ground services to ensure aircraft operations run efficiently.
Main tasks
- Loads and unloads air freight from aircraft
- Inspects air freight to ensure it is properly loaded and secured
- Operates vehicles and material-moving equipment during the loading, unloading and transportation of air freight
- Sorts air freight for processing, transport or storage
- Positions loading ramps and staircases to allow passengers to board and disembark aircraft
- Assists in the movement of aircraft on the ground
- Communicates with pilots, Flight Attendants and other ground crew members to coordinate aircraft operations
Ways in
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Aviation (Ground Operations and Service) (AVI30319); Certificate II in Aviation (Flight Operations-Cargo Services) (AVI20119); Certificate II in Aviation (Ground Operations and Service) (AVI20219); Certificate I in Aviation (Foundation Skills) (AVI10119)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $88,192 a year
- About 13,800 people work in this job group now, and about 14,300 are projected by 2035. (+3.7%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become an Aircraft Baggage Handler and Ground Crew?
Ways in include: Certificate III in Aviation (Ground Operations and Service); Certificate II in Aviation (Flight Operations-Cargo Services).
How much does an Aircraft Baggage Handler and Ground Crew earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $88,192 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is an Aircraft Baggage Handler and Ground Crew a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2035, from about 13,800 to about 14,300 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become an Aircraft Baggage Handler and Ground Crew?
Usually not. Only 12% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Aviation (Ground Operations and Service); Certificate II in Aviation (Flight Operations-Cargo Services).
Will AI change the work of an Aircraft Baggage Handler and Ground Crew?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04