Katerina Swanson
Aircraft fuelers, also known as fuellers, are responsible for ensuring that aircraft are equipped with fuel. They operate refueling trucks and drive them to waiting aircraft. They also assist in keeping the fuel trucks filled and maintaining aviation's operational efficiency and safety. The job is considered hazardous as it involves working outdoors in all kinds of weather with aviation gasoline and kerosene. The salary for aircraft fueling jobs varies depending on location and experience. In the United States, the average hourly pay for aircraft fuelers is around $18.12 per hour, with some earning up to $27.40 per hour. However, some sources suggest that the pay range is between $9 and $20 per hour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $18.12 per hour |
| Salary Range | $9 to $27.40 per hour |
| Salary Increase Possibilities | Change of employer, higher education, managing experience |
| Minimum Qualifications | High school diploma, valid driver's license, clean driving record, 18+ years old |
| Additional Qualifications | Fuel handling certification, airport certification |
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What You'll Learn
- Salary range: $9-$27.40 per hour
- Salary determined by experience, skills, location, and employer
- Training and qualifications: on-the-job training, high school diploma, driver's license, and background check
- Job hazards: heavy and awkward fuel hoses, working at height, flammable jet fuel, and adverse weather conditions
- Career progression: lead or supervisor roles, fuel mechanics, quality control, operations manager, and general manager
Salary range: $9-$27.40 per hour
Aircraft fuelers are responsible for ensuring that all of an airline's aircraft are routinely equipped with fuel. Airports usually deal with a lot of plane traffic and employ many fuelers, all of whom are trained to handle jet fuel and high-octane aviation gas. The role is physically demanding, requiring a lot of up and down movement using ladders, and can be hazardous.
The salary for aircraft fuelers varies depending on location, education, and experience. The average salary in the United States is around $18.12 per hour, with some reaching up to $27.40 per hour. The salary can be as low as $9 per hour, with some sources stating that it can be as high as $30 per hour with union membership and overtime. The average yearly salary is between $25,000 and $45,000, with some sources stating an average of $34,395.
Location plays a significant role in determining salary, with cities like Seattle, Chicago, Nevada, Colorado, and Washington offering higher rates. The highest-paying types of aircraft fuelers are systems mechanics, aircraft structure mechanics, and helicopter mechanics. The job also offers opportunities for career advancement, with some fuelers moving into senior levels of airline management.
While the minimum qualifications to become an aircraft fueler are not extensive, some employers may prefer candidates with advanced degrees or management experience. Key skills such as communication, teamwork, language proficiency, and problem-solving are also important for career advancement.
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Salary determined by experience, skills, location, and employer
Aircraft fuelers are responsible for fuelling aircraft, ensuring that all planes are routinely equipped with fuel. They drive trucks filled with aviation fuel to waiting aircraft and climb onto the wings of the aircraft to fill the fuel tanks. They also assist in keeping the fuel trucks filled and delivering supplies and equipment. As it is an outdoor job, they must work in all weather conditions.
The salary of an aircraft fueler is determined by several factors, including experience, skills, location, and employer. On average, aircraft fuelers in the United States earn between $9 and $19 per hour, with an average of around $14 to $18 per hour. The salary can increase with more experience in the industry, and it can also be influenced by the level of education and qualifications.
Location plays a significant role in determining aircraft fueler salaries, with certain cities like Seattle, Chicago, Nevada, Colorado, and Washington offering higher hourly rates or average salaries. Busy airports in popular destinations, such as Los Angeles, New York, and Salt Lake City, may also provide higher salaries due to the higher demand for aircraft fueling services.
Additionally, changing employers can impact income. Different companies offer varying wage rates for aircraft fuelers, with FlightSafety International and Hawthorne Global Aviation Services mentioned as paying higher salaries.
It is worth noting that some fuelers have reported earning as little as minimum wage or $15 per hour, while others have mentioned the potential to earn close to $30 per hour with union membership and overtime.
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Training and qualifications: on-the-job training, high school diploma, driver's license, and background check
The salary of an aircraft fuel handler varies depending on experience and location. According to Indeed, aircraft fuelers earned an average of $34,789 per year or $14.92 per hour as of 2020. Some sources suggest that the pay can be as low as minimum wage, while others state that it can go up to $20 per hour at major airports, with the possibility of overtime pay. In Portugal, for example, one person reported being hired at $15.50 per hour, with the prospect of earning close to $30 per hour with overtime after four years.
Now, let's discuss the training and qualifications required for this line of work:
On-the-job training
Aircraft fuel handlers undergo on-the-job training provided by the aircraft fuelling companies that hire them. This training covers the processes and procedures for safely fuelling aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversees the training and certification of aircraft fuel handlers in the United States. Aircraft fuel handlers are also typically required to complete a 40-hour fuel training certification course in fire safety.
High school diploma or equivalent
A high school diploma or its equivalent, such as a General Education Development (GED) certificate, is usually the minimum educational requirement for becoming an aircraft fuel handler.
Driver's license
Most aircraft fuelling companies require their employees to possess and maintain a valid driver's license. This is necessary for operating the vehicles used to transport and deliver fuel to aircraft.
Background check
A background check is often required for aircraft fuelling positions. This is to ensure that individuals handling fuel, which is a critical and potentially hazardous task, are reliable and trustworthy.
In addition to these qualifications, basic mathematical skills are essential for aircraft fuel handlers to calculate fuel weights, measurements, and volumes accurately. Good attendance, reliability, and attention to safety procedures are also crucial aspects of the job.
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Job hazards: heavy and awkward fuel hoses, working at height, flammable jet fuel, and adverse weather conditions
Aircraft refuellers are responsible for fuelling aircraft, a job that comes with several health and safety risks. These include handling heavy and awkward fuel hoses, working at height, dealing with flammable jet fuel, and working in adverse weather conditions.
Let's start with the fuel hoses. These hoses come in a variety of materials, including metal, rubber, braided nylon, braided steel, PTFE-lined, or plastic. Using the wrong type of hose can be hazardous. Braided hoses, for example, are more durable than plain rubber hoses but share some of the same fuel vapour issues. Rubber hoses are renowned for their ease of installation, but excessive bending and crimping near hose fittings can lead to restricted fuel flow and structural damage. Hoses can also be damaged by temperature extremes, surging pressure, physical impacts, abrasive surfaces, and chemical exposure.
Working at height is another hazard of the job. In Britain, working at height is the leading cause of workplace fatalities and a significant contributor to non-fatal injuries. Falls from just two metres or less can be fatal or cause serious injury. Ladders are commonly used for working at height, but if used incorrectly, they can lead to disastrous consequences. Fall protection equipment like harnesses and arrest lanyards can help reduce the risk of injury, but only if used correctly and properly maintained.
While some consider jet fuel to be non-flammable, others disagree. Fuelling aircraft requires dealing with flammable jet fuel, which poses a fire hazard.
Finally, adverse weather conditions can also pose a threat to aircraft refuellers. Raging hurricanes, storms, high winds, and wet weather can create hazardous working conditions, especially when working at height or with electrical equipment. Employers are responsible for providing a safe working environment for their employees and ensuring they are trained to understand the prevalence of hazards and how to avoid them.
In terms of remuneration, aircraft refuellers typically earn between $15 and $20 per hour, which equates to between $30,000 and $40,000 per year. With overtime, some refuellers can earn up to $90,000 per year. However, the job often requires working in all weather conditions and sometimes involves forced or pressured overtime after a long shift.
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Career progression: lead or supervisor roles, fuel mechanics, quality control, operations manager, and general manager
Fueling jobs at airports can be a great starting point for a career in aviation. While the pay for entry-level positions is often minimum wage or slightly above, there is room for growth and salary increases with experience. Starting as a fueler, one can move into lead or supervisor roles, which often come with higher wages and overtime opportunities.
For those interested in the mechanics of fueling equipment, a career as a fuel mechanic can be a great option. Fuel mechanics are responsible for maintaining and repairing fueling equipment, ensuring that it operates safely and efficiently. This role may require additional training or certifications but offers a more specialized skill set and the potential for higher pay.
Quality control is another important aspect of airport fueling operations. Quality control technicians are responsible for inspecting fuel, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring compliance with regulations. These roles often require attention to detail and may involve data processing and report maintenance. Quality control positions can be a stepping stone to management roles, as they provide valuable experience in ensuring the smooth and safe operation of the fueling process.
Operations managers oversee the day-to-day functioning of the fueling operations, including coordinating ground activities, managing budgets, and ensuring customer satisfaction. This role requires strong leadership and organizational skills, as well as experience in the industry. Operations managers often have a comprehensive understanding of the fueling process and work closely with other departments to ensure efficient and effective operations.
General managers are responsible for the overall management of the fueling operations, including strategic planning, financial management, and team leadership. They often have extensive experience in the industry and a strong business acumen. General managers may also be involved in setting fuel prices, negotiating contracts, and ensuring compliance with regulations. This role offers the opportunity to shape the direction of the organization and can lead to even more senior positions, such as vice president or president.
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Frequently asked questions
Aircraft fuelers make an average of $14 to $20 per hour, with some sources claiming the range to be between $9 and $27.40 per hour.
The salary of an aircraft fueler depends on factors such as location, experience, skills, and hours worked.
The benefits associated with the job of an aircraft fueler may depend on the employer. Working for an airline may provide better benefits than working for an FBO (fixed-base operator).
The basic requirements to become an aircraft fueler include being over the age of 18, having a high school diploma or equivalent, and possessing a valid driver's license. Some sources also mention the need for a clean driving record.
Aircraft fuelers can increase their pay by changing employers, gaining advanced degrees, or taking on supervisory or management roles.
