Transportation and material moving
Aircraft service attendant
Service aircraft with fuel. May de-ice aircraft, refill water and cooling agents, empty sewage tanks, service air and oxygen systems, or clean and polish exterior.
Median pay
$40,450
Growth to 2035
+6%
about as fast as average
Openings a year
4,000
Time to qualify*
1 month
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Aircraft service attendant
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Aircraft service attendant: 63% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Guide aircraft to designated areas using hand signals, batons, or other methods.
- Radio to flight dispatchers or other personnel to discuss incoming or outgoing aircraft.
- Complete forms describing tasks completed.
Also called: Aircraft Deicer · Aircraft Refueler · Fueler · Refueler
Outlook and AI
Aircraft service attendants held 31,200 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 32,900 by 2035 (+6%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Aircraft service attendant vs. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
- Aircraft service attendant vs. Avionics technician
- Aircraft service attendant vs. Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers
- Aircraft service attendant vs. Commercial pilot
- Aircraft service attendant vs. Cleaners of vehicles and equipment
- Aircraft service attendant vs. Rail car repairer
- Aircraft service attendant vs. Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
- Aircraft service attendant vs. Automotive and watercraft service attendants
- Aircraft service attendant vs. Aircraft cargo handling supervisor
- Aircraft service attendant vs. Maintenance and repair workers, general