Regan Brown
Aircraft fuelers are responsible for ensuring that aircraft are routinely equipped with fuel. The average salary for this role in the US is $34,395, with salaries typically ranging from $25,000 to $45,000 per year. However, salaries can vary widely, with some aircraft fuelers earning up to $92,200 per year. The hourly rate for aircraft fuelers ranges from $11.54 to $27.40, with an average of $18.12 per hour. The salary for this role is influenced by factors such as location, education, and experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average base salary | $73,461 to $86,427 |
| Average total cash compensation | $72,228 to $89,868 |
| Average hourly rate | $16.54 to $27.40 |
| Average hourly rate in Chicago, IL | $19 |
| Average salary | $34,395 to $92,200 |
| Average salary in Nevada, Colorado, and Washington | $37,700 |
| Average salary in San Jose, CA | $122,451 |
| Entry-level average total compensation | $13.55 |
| Early career average total compensation | $16.61 |
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What You'll Learn
Salary range
The salary of an aircraft fueler in the United States varies depending on several factors, including location, education, experience, and employer.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly pay for an aircraft fueler in the US is $18.12, with the hourly salary ranging from $11.54 to $27.40. In Chicago, Illinois, and the surrounding area, the average hourly rate is $19, which is higher than the national average.
The average annual salary for an aircraft fueler in the US is reported differently across various sources. Salary.com states that the base salary ranges from $73,461 to $86,427, with an average of $80,086. Including annual incentives, the total cash compensation can vary from $72,228 to $89,868, with an average of $83,157. However, Zippia reports a lower average annual salary of $34,395, with salaries typically ranging from $25,000 to $45,000. Payscale provides a different perspective, with an entry-level aircraft fueler earning an average total compensation of $13.55 per hour, while an early-career fueler with 1-4 years of experience earns an average of $16.61 per hour.
The salary for aircraft fuelers also differs based on location. For example, the average salary in Napa, California, is reported to be $37,700, while in San Jose, California, it rises to $122,451. Additionally, aircraft fuelers in Nevada, Colorado, and Washington earn higher average salaries compared to those in Arkansas, Kansas, and Michigan.
It is worth noting that salary growth is possible within this profession. For instance, gaining specialized skills, targeting high-paying regions, and acquiring advanced degrees or certifications can lead to higher income potential and promotions.
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Location
The salary of an aircraft fueler varies depending on the location. For example, in the United States, the average hourly pay for an aircraft fueler is $18.12, with some sources citing an average of $15.38 to $18.75 across the country. However, in certain cities like Chicago, Seattle, Napa, Berkeley, Aspen, Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont, the average hourly rate is higher, ranging from $19 to $39. In contrast, the median salary for an aircraft fueler in the United Kingdom is around £34,087 per year, with entry-level positions starting at £29,000 and experienced professionals earning up to £40,000. In India, the annual salary for an aircraft fueler is estimated to be around ₹6,90,000 to ₹8,50,000. In Portugal, a fueler reported earning €15.50, with the potential to earn close to €30 with union membership and overtime.
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Experience
The salary of an aircraft fueler varies depending on several factors, including location, experience, and the specific employer. In the United States, the average hourly pay for an aircraft fueler ranges from $11.54 to $27.40, with a national average of $18.12 per hour. However, wages can vary significantly depending on the region and the specific city. For example, in Chicago, Illinois, and the surrounding area, the average hourly wage for an aircraft fueler is $19, which is higher than the national average.
Additionally, there are related jobs in the aviation industry that offer higher salaries than the average aircraft fueler position. These include jobs such as Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Aircraft Operations, and Aviation Fuel Manager. These positions can offer pay between $4,030 and $43,089 more than the average aircraft fueler salary, which is approximately $37,700 per year.
When considering salary, it is important to also take into account the cost of living in different locations. While some cities, such as Napa, California, offer significantly higher salaries, the high cost of living in these areas may offset the potential economic advancement. Therefore, it is advisable to consider the overall compensation package, including benefits, and opportunities for growth when evaluating aircraft fueler positions.
Overall, the salary of an aircraft fueler can vary widely depending on a variety of factors. While the national average hourly wage is around $18, there are opportunities to earn more through specific employers, gaining experience, and pursuing related positions in the aviation industry.
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Education
Aircraft fuelers are usually required to have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Nearly half of aircraft fuelers (48%) hold a high school diploma, while 17% hold a bachelor's degree. A valid state driver's license and a clean driving record are also typically required.
While a bachelor's degree is not always required, a degree in engineering or a related field may provide useful background knowledge for the role. Some sources suggest that attending a Part 147 FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school, which awards a certificate of completion recognized by the FAA, is typically the first step to becoming an aircraft fueler. Avionics technicians typically earn an associate's degree before entering the occupation.
Aircraft fuelers can also obtain certifications in areas such as Unmanned Systems Aircraft Maintenance and Forklift Safety and Inspector.
In terms of on-the-job training, new aircraft fuelers typically receive 6-12 months of training to learn the skills and techniques required for their specific job and employer. This includes training in areas such as aircraft safety rules and regulations, military combat training, firearms training, and fuel handling. Aircraft fuelers must also have a sound knowledge of FAA standard guidelines and requirements.
Some of the best colleges for aircraft fuelers in the US include Stanford University, SUNY Farmingdale, and SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill. The most common colleges for aircraft fuelers include DeVry University and the University of Phoenix.
The most affordable schools for aircraft fuelers include SUNY Farmingdale, California State University-Bakersfield, and Baruch College of the City University of New York. The hardest universities for aircraft fuelers to get into include Stanford University, Northwestern University, and the University of Pennsylvania.
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Career progression
Aircraft refuelers are responsible for refueling aircraft and related equipment, as well as filling out relevant documentation. While a college degree is not required for this role, having one in a related field such as Business, Aviation, or Automotive Technology can provide an advantage in the job market.
Regarding career progression, an aircraft refueler can advance to a lead or supervisory position within the field. Additionally, there are opportunities to become fuel mechanics or specialize in quality control. With further experience, progression to operations manager or general manager roles is possible, and eventually, senior positions such as vice president or president.
Salary-wise, the average annual salary for an aircraft refueler in the US varies across sources. ZipRecruiter reports an average hourly rate of $18.12, with wages ranging from $11.54 to $27.40. In contrast, Zippia estimates the average annual salary to be $32,978, or $16 per hour, with a range of $25,000 to $43,000 per year. Another source suggests that aircraft refuelers can earn between $43,000 and $50,000 per year, or up to $20 per hour at major airports if unionized.
Location plays a significant role in salary variations, with some sources citing annual salaries as high as $92,200 in certain regions. For example, in California, the average salary is reported to be $37,700, while in Chicago, it is $19 per hour, or $39,520 annually.
To increase earnings, acquiring specialized skills or certifications is beneficial. Related jobs in the aviation fuel industry, such as Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Aircraft Operations, and Aviation Fuel Manager, offer higher salaries, ranging from $4,030 to $43,089 more than the average aircraft refueler salary. Therefore, upskilling and gaining experience can lead to more lucrative opportunities within the industry.
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Frequently asked questions
The salary of an aircraft fueler in the US ranges from $25,000 to $92,200 per year. The average base salary is $80,086, while the average total cash compensation is $83,157.
An entry-level aircraft fueler with less than one year of experience can expect an average total compensation of $13.55 per hour.
An aircraft fueler with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $16.61 per hour.
San Jose, CA, pays the highest salary for aircraft fuelers, with an average total compensation of $122,451.
