Air Transport Ramp Attendants
(NOC 7534)
in All Trades and TransportationAir transport ramp attendants operate ramp-servicing vehicles and equipment, handle cargo and baggage and perform other ground support duties at airports. They work for airline and air services companies and the federal government.
Job Outlook
Average
Read more
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
This small occupation has been severely impacted by the pandemic, with a large proportion of workers laid off. Unlike many other occupations, ramp attendants have not been rehired in large numbers since the reopening of the economy in June. In March, the federal government restricted international flights to four airports, which do not include Halifax. Additionally, the continued requirement for travellers from outside the Atlantic Region to self-isolate upon arrival in Nova Scotia, as well as general advisories against nonessential travel, have caused an extreme decline in the number of passengers passing through the Halifax and Sydney airports. In response to the collapse of passenger counts and revenue, airlines have cancelled routes and laid off workers in the region.
During the decade prior to the pandemic, the number of air travellers in Nova Scotia increased by an average of 2% per year, representing a positive trend for ramp attendants and other airline and airport staff. The introduction of international live seafood flights also created employment opportunities in the cargo sector. Despite the promising changes in airport activity, this occupation is relatively small. Vacancies do not happen frequently and opportunities for jobseekers are normally somewhat limited.
The cancellation of regional flights may have a lasting impact on demand for ramp attendants. It is not known whether any will be reinstated, or how the air travel industry in general will recover after the pandemic.
The median employment income for the 49% of Air Transport Ramp Attendants who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $39,550. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, the 59% of those who worked full-time, year-round had a median employment income of $43,600. (Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$12.95
Minimum$16.25
Median$29.63
MaximumAnnual Pay
$5,313
Minimum$31,252
Median$58,583
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.50
Minimum$27.25
Median$35.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Air transport ramp attendants operate ramp-servicing vehicles and equipment, handle cargo and baggage and perform other ground support duties at airports. They work for airline and air services companies and the federal government.
Job duties
Air transport ramp attendants:
- Use ramp-servicing vehicles and equipment like 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.
- Carry 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
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
- 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
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
North Shore
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Transportation and warehousing
Manufacturing
Wholesale trade
Other services (except public administration)
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
15-24
45-54
25-34
35-44
65+
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
High school
$24,788 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$44,719 median annual incomeLess than high school
$32,367 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$23,186 median annual incomeBachelor
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trade Certification
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor
$30,527 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.