Air Transport Ramp Attendants

(NOC 7534)

in All Trades and Transportation

Air transport ramp attendants operate ramp-servicing vehicles and equipment, handle cargo and baggage and perform other ground support duties at airports. They are employed by airline and air services companies and the federal government.

Job Outlook

Average

Estimate Moderate growth employment change, 2017-2019
Estimate 30 openings due to growth and retirements, 2017-2019
Estimate Moderate rate of unemployment in 2016

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

Estimate Decline slightly employment change, 2017-2019
Estimate 3400 openings due to growth and retirements, 2017-2019
Estimate High rate of unemployment in 2016

The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Air Transport Ramp Attendants most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common. With employment conditions being somewhat seasonal, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year affect some workers. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.

The median employment income for 52% of Air Transport Ramp Attendants who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $39,550. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)

Hourly Pay

$11.00

Minimum

$15.00

Median

$34.02

Maximum

Annual Pay

$5,313

Minimum

$31,252

Median

$58,583

Maximum

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

Hourly Pay

$13.00

Minimum

$20.35

Median

$34.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$7,580

Minimum

$37,269

Median

$79,787

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Job duties

Air transport ramp attendants perform some or all of the following duties:

Drive and operate ramp-servicing vehicles and equipment such as towing tractors, food service trucks, de-ice sprayers and lavatory servicing trucks.
Position passenger loading stairs and operate aircraft cargo doors.
Marshal or tow aircrafts to gate positions for passenger boarding and deplaning and for loading and unloading of cargo.
Sort and load cargo and passenger baggage according to instructions forwarded by load planner to achieve proper balance.
Unload, sort and route cargo and baggage.
Transport freight between aircraft and airport warehouse.
Clean and prepare aircraft interior for passengers and wash aircraft exterior.

Sample job titles

aircraft cleaner
aircraft refueler
airport ramp attendant
baggage loader - air transport
cargo handler - air transport
freight attendant - air transport

Skills

To work in these jobs, you should have good health, physical stamina, and strength. Agility, coordination, and a mechanical aptitude would be helpful. You must be able to work methodically, take direction, work as a member of a team, and carry out instructions given by supervisors. On occasion, protective clothing, goggles, and safety boots must be worn. In these jobs, you may be exposed to noise and fumes.

Job requirements

Completion of high school is usually required.
Experience operating baggage transporting equipment or warehouse experience may be required.
A driver's licence and a good driving record are usually required.

Other considerations

There is mobility among jobs in this group.

By the numbers

Quick look

265

employed in 2016

83.3%

employed full-time

0.0%

self employed

11.1%

88.9%

43.4

median age

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

57,925

employed in 2016

88.8%

employed full-time

12.7%

self employed

5.3%

94.7%

46.8

median age

Where will I likely work?

63.5%

Halifax

22.2%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Northern

3.2%

Cape Breton

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

Northern

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

92.7%

Transportation and Warehousing

3.6%

Wholesale Trade

3.6%

Other Services

What is the age of Employment?

24.1%

55-64

22.2%

15-24

18.5%

45-54

18.5%

25-34

14.8%

35-44

3.7%

65+

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

34.1%

45-54

33.0%

35-44

18.7%

55-64

13.2%

25-34

Top levels of education

45.3%

High school

N/A

17.2%

College certificate or diploma

$55,533 median annual income

12.5%

Less than high school

N/A

12.5%

Trades certificate

N/A

7.8%

Bachelor's degree

N/A

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

29.4%

Trades certificate

$40,890 median annual income

25.5%

High school

$28,089 median annual income

22.6%

College certificate or diploma

$39,023 median annual income

18.2%

Less than high school

$25,753 median annual income

2.7%

Bachelor's degree

$36,972 median annual income

Education & training

Adult high school/secondary diploma programs

This program is typically offered at the high school level.

This instructional program class comprises any program that defines the prescribed requirements, specified by the appropriate jurisdiction, for the completion of and graduation from a secondary school program of academic subject matter offered for adult learners outside of the regular secondary school program. This does not include adult compensatory education programs resulting in completion of a high school equivalency certificate or diploma.

Institutions providing this program

Universite Sainte-Anne

Siège Social: 1695, Route 1

Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0

(902) 769-2114

Blanche.Theriault@usainteanne.ca

Website

Nova Scotia Community College - Annapolis Valley Campus

50 Elliott Road

Lawrencetown, NS B0S 1M0

(902) 825-3491

avc.info@nscc.ca