Aircraft Service Attendants
Aircraft service attendants maintain and service aircraft between flights at airports and maintenance facilities. They perform tasks like refueling, de-icing, water and sewage tank servicing, and exterior cleaning. The work takes place on the tarmac and in hangars, requiring attention to safety protocols and equipment operation.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against aircraft service attendants and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical day involves preparing aircraft for departure or storage. Service attendants may refuel planes, check and refill water and cooling systems, de-ice surfaces in winter conditions, empty sewage tanks, and service air and oxygen systems. Work often follows flight schedules, meaning early mornings, evenings, or overnight shifts are common. Tasks require coordination with ground crews and pilots to ensure aircraft readiness.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCE. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to prefer hands-on work with clear procedures and equipment rather than abstract tasks. You're organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable following established rules and safety standards. You work well in structured environments where job expectations are straightforward and measurable results matter.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $44,500 | $71,740 | $75,250 | 240 |
| Tennessee | $39,950 | $56,620 | $56,960 | 580 |
| Hawaii | $50,820 | $53,770 | $59,160 | 290 |
| Washington | $48,150 | $50,520 | $61,000 | 710 |
| Minnesota | $39,510 | $46,930 | $47,700 | 380 |
| Utah | $38,660 | $46,900 | $47,440 | 180 |
| California | $43,320 | $46,800 | $54,100 | 2,300 |
| Alaska | $46,660 | $46,760 | $51,790 | 300 |
| Montana | $44,110 | $46,310 | $57,440 | 170 |
| New Jersey | $40,570 | $46,210 | $54,850 | 920 |
| Kansas | $36,490 | $45,960 | $47,470 | 260 |
| New Hampshire | $37,890 | $45,610 | $45,610 | 60 |
All 46 states
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against aircraft service attendants and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 53-6032.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.