Lucrative Aviation Jobs: Aircraft Fuelers' Salary Insights

how much does an airplane fueler make

Aircraft fuelers are responsible for fuelling planes and other aviation vehicles. The salary for this role varies depending on location, experience, and employer. In the United States, the average hourly rate for aircraft fuelers is $16.54 per hour, with the average annual salary being $34,395. In Canada, the average salary for an aircraft refueler is around CAD 38,162 per year, while in Germany, the average monthly salary is €1,800.

Characteristics Values
Average Salary in the United States $18.12 per hour
Average Salary Range in the United States $12.82–$27.40 per hour
Average Salary in New York $20 per hour
Average Annual Salary in the United States $34,395–$84,871
Average Annual Salary in Canada $26,785
Average Annual Salary in Germany €1,942.34 monthly
Entry-level Salary in Canada $25,320.14
Entry-level Salary in the United States $13.55 per hour
Early-Career Salary in the United States $16.61 per hour
Average Annual Salary in Nevada $87,839

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Salary range in the US

The salary of an aircraft fueler in the United States varies depending on several factors, including location, experience, and employer. On average, an aircraft fueler in the US earns between $25,000 and $45,000 per year, with an average hourly rate of $16.54. However, some sources give a higher average yearly salary of $81,795, with a range of $71,252 to $87,839. The average hourly rate can also be as high as $18.12, with some fuelers earning up to $27.40 per hour.

Location plays a significant role in determining an aircraft fueler's salary. For example, cities like Seattle, Chicago, and North Las Vegas offer higher hourly rates, with Napa, CA, Berkeley, CA, and Aspen, CO also topping the list of highest-paying cities. The state of Nevada has, on average, the highest salary in the US for aircraft fuelers. In contrast, Arkansas, Kansas, and Michigan have the lowest average aircraft fueler salaries.

Experience is another crucial factor influencing salary. Entry-level aircraft fuelers with less than a year of experience can expect an average hourly wage of $13.55, while those with 1-4 years of experience earn an average of $16.61. As fuelers gain more experience and move into lead or supervisory roles, their salaries can increase significantly, with some reporting salaries of up to $90,000 with overtime.

The employer is also a factor in aircraft fueler salaries. For example, FlightSafety International and Hawthorne Global Aviation Services offer highly competitive salaries, while companies like Menzies Aviation and Swissport have hourly rates ranging from $14.04 to $12.63, respectively. Additionally, certain skills and qualifications can increase earning potential, such as gaining advanced degrees or certifications through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

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Salary in Canada

The salary of an aircraft fueler in Canada depends on several factors, including experience, qualifications, and specific employers. According to Glassdoor, the national average salary for an aircraft fueler in Canada is $48,123 per year. However, other sources suggest that the average annual salary is around $38,162, with entry-level positions starting at $36,075 and experienced workers earning up to $49,094 per year. The hourly rate for this position ranges from $15.45 to $22.67, with an average of $19.57 per hour.

Experience plays a crucial role in increasing salaries. Some companies may offer higher wages, such as Menzies Aviation, which pays $20 per hour for this position. Additionally, previous employment experience in transportation or a related field can also impact earnings.

It is worth noting that aircraft fuelers in Canada often receive on-the-job training and are required to have a high school diploma, a valid driver's license, and relevant certifications. The job involves handling jet fuel and high-octane aviation gas for various aircraft, operating fueling trucks, and maintaining equipment.

Overall, the salary for aircraft fuelers in Canada appears to be competitive, with opportunities for advancement and salary increases based on experience and qualifications.

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Salary in Germany

In Germany, an airplane fueler's salary is around €1,800 ($1,942.34) per month. With experience, the pay increases to around €5,000 ($5,395.38) per month. This equates to an hourly rate of around €11.43 - €28.67.

The salary of an aircraft refueler varies depending on location, experience, qualifications, and specific employers. For example, in Canada, the salary is around CAD 38,162 ($26,784.95) per year, or an hourly rate of CAD 19.57 ($13.74). Entry-level candidates can expect a salary of around CAD 36,075 ($25,320.14) per year. Some airlines pay more, such as Menzies Aviation, which offers an hourly rate of CAD 20 ($14.04).

In the United States, the average salary for an aircraft fueler is around $34,395 per year, with salaries typically ranging from $25,000 to $45,000. The average hourly rate is $16.54, with rates ranging from $12.82 to $27.40 per hour. The highest-paying cities for aircraft fuelers in the US are North Las Vegas, Denver, and Seattle.

In South Africa, the salary for this position typically ranges from R200,000 to R350,000 ($10,965.50 to $19,189.63) per year. In Malaysia, the salary falls between RM 3,000 and RM 6,000 ($677.20 to $1,354.40) per month.

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Salary by city in the US

As of May 2025, the average hourly pay for an Aircraft Fueler in the United States is $18.12 per hour, with hourly wages ranging from $11.54 to $27.40. The average yearly salary for an Aircraft Fueler in the US ranges from $25,000 to $45,000, with some salaries reaching as high as $84,871.

When it comes to salary by city in the US, Seattle and Chicago are mentioned as cities that offer higher hourly rates for aircraft fuelers. The highest-paying cities for aircraft fuelers, however, are said to be North Las Vegas, Nevada, Denver, Colorado, and Seattle, Washington. The average aircraft fueler salary in Nevada is the highest in the US, followed by Colorado and Washington. In contrast, the lowest average aircraft fueler salary states are Arkansas, Kansas, and Michigan.

In New York, an aircraft fueler can make an average of $20 per hour, which is $1.70 more than the national average hourly salary. New York ranks third out of 50 states nationwide for aircraft fueler salaries.

While salary ranges for specific cities are not readily available, it is evident that location plays a significant role in determining the salary of an aircraft fueler in the US.

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Salary by experience

An entry-level aircraft fueler with less than a year of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of $13.55 per hour. With 1–4 years of experience, this number rises to $16.61 per hour. The average hourly rate for an aircraft fueler in the United States is around $18.12, with some reaching up to $27.40.

Location plays a significant role in determining an aircraft fueler's salary. For example, the average aircraft fueler salary in Nevada, Colorado, and Washington are the highest in the US, while the lowest-paying states are Arkansas, Kansas, and Michigan. Within these states, North Las Vegas, Denver, and Seattle offer the highest salaries for aircraft fuelers.

In Canada, the average salary for an aircraft refueler is around CAD 38,162 per year or CAD 19.57 per hour. Entry-level candidates can expect to make around CAD 36,075 per year. However, experience plays a crucial role in increasing salary. Some airlines, such as Menzies Aviation, offer higher hourly rates, with a wage of CAD 20 per hour compared to Swissport's rate of CAD 18 per hour.

In Germany, an airplane fueler's salary is around €1,800 per month, increasing to €5,000 per month with experience. In South Africa, an aircraft fueler's salary typically ranges from R200,000 to R350,000 per year, and experience and relevant certifications can lead to higher pay.

While salary estimates vary, it is clear that experience plays a significant role in determining the salary of an aircraft fueler.

Frequently asked questions

The average salary for an airplane fueler in the United States is around $34,395 per year, with salaries typically ranging from $25,000 to $45,000. The average hourly rate is $16.54, with a range of $12.82 to $27.40 per hour.

An entry-level aircraft fueler with less than a year of experience can expect to make an average of $13.55 per hour.

The average salary for an aircraft refueler in Canada is around CAD 38,162 ($26,784.95) per year, with an hourly rate of CAD 19.57 ($13.74). Entry-level candidates can expect to make around CAD 36,075 ($25,320.14) per year.

In Germany, the average salary for an airplane fueler is around €1,800 ($1,942.34) per month, increasing to around €5,000 ($5,395.38) per month with experience.

The highest-paying cities for aircraft fuelers in the US are North Las Vegas, Denver, Seattle, Napa, Berkeley, and Aspen. The average salary in these cities ranges from $37,700 to $48,845.

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