Aircraft marshaller
Also known as: aeroplane marshaller, aeroplane signal crewman, aircraft ground handler, aeroplane ground handler, ground marshaller, aircraft ground marshaller
About this occupation
Aircraft marshallers signal pilots to assist them in operations such as turning, slowing down, stopping, and shutting down engines. They lead aircrafts to their parking stands or to the runway. They also indicate directions to the pilots by driving a "follow-me" car.
Essential skills and knowledge
- work in an aviation team
- aircraft marshalling signals
- comply with air traffic control operations
- ramp safety requirements
- execute necessary procedures prior to take off
- civil aviation regulations
- identify airport safety hazards
- operate follow-me vehicles
- dangers of marshalling activity
- perform necessary checks before moving aircraft onto stand
- apply airport standards and regulations
- ensure efficient communication in air traffic services
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (O*NET 53-1041.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Determine the quantity and orientation of cargo, and compute an aircraft's center of gravity.
- Direct ground crews in the loading, unloading, securing, or staging of aircraft cargo or baggage.
- Train new employees in areas such as safety procedures or equipment operation.
- Distribute cargo to maximize use of space.
- Calculate load weights for different aircraft compartments, using charts and computers.
- Accompany aircraft as a member of the flight crew to monitor and handle cargo in flight.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 2 of 5
- Interests
- Enterprising, Conventional, Realistic
Top skills: Critical Thinking, Management of Personnel Resources, Active Listening, Speaking, Monitoring, Time Management
US median pay: US$58,170 a year (2025), 9,760 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.3)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.8)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.5)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.4)
- GeographyO*NET: GeographyImportant (3.2)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
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- Airfield Operations Specialists
- Transportation Inspectors
- First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants
- First-Line Supervisors of Helpers, Laborers, and Material Movers, Hand
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
- Cargo and Freight Agents
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.