Aircraft cargo handling supervisors
SOC Code: 53-1041
Aircraft cargo handling supervisors carries a 37% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $63,940 and +5.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 10,300 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 37% AI exposure, Aircraft cargo handling supervisors sits 0 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 59% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Aircraft cargo handling supervisors sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Aircraft cargo handling supervisors has ai exposure of 37%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Aircraft cargo handling supervisors vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Aircraft cargo handling supervisors is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Aircraft cargo handling supervisors (SOC 53-1041) carries an AI exposure score of 37%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 10,300 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +5.2% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $63,940, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus Less than 5 years of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Aircraft cargo handling supervisors. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Calculate load weights for different aircraft compartments, using charts and computers.
- 2. Determine the quantity and orientation of cargo, and compute an aircraft's center of gravity.
- 3. Direct ground crews in the loading, unloading, securing, or staging of aircraft cargo or baggage.
- 4. Train new employees in areas such as safety procedures or equipment operation.
- 5. Distribute cargo to maximize use of space.
- 6. Accompany aircraft as a member of the flight crew to monitor and handle cargo in flight.
Key Skills Required
- Critical Thinking
- Management of Personnel Resources
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Time Management
- Learning Strategies
- Coordination
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Public Safety and Security
- Transportation
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Administrative
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Aircraft cargo handling supervisors?
Aircraft cargo handling supervisors has an AI exposure score of 37%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Aircraft cargo handling supervisors?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Aircraft cargo handling supervisors is projected to grow by 5.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 10,300 workers.
What skills are needed for Aircraft cargo handling supervisors?
Key skills for Aircraft cargo handling supervisors include Critical Thinking, Management of Personnel Resources, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Aircraft cargo handling supervisors earn?
The median annual wage for Aircraft cargo handling supervisors is $63,940, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Aircraft cargo handling supervisors?
The typical entry-level education for Aircraft cargo handling supervisors is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect Less than 5 years of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Aircraft cargo handling supervisors?
Aircraft cargo handling supervisors roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 6 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).