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How to hire an aircraft fueler

Aircraft fueler hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring aircraft fuelers in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire an aircraft fueler is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new aircraft fueler to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire an aircraft fueler, step by step

To hire an aircraft fueler, you should create an ideal candidate profile, determine a budget, and post and promote your job. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a aircraft fueler:

Here's a step-by-step aircraft fueler hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write an aircraft fueler job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new aircraft fueler
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does an aircraft fueler do?

Aircraft fuelers' primary role is to ensure the proper refueling of aircraft before and after a flight. The position is essential, as proper refueling determines the safety of an aircraft. An aircraft fueler manages refueling equipment, transports fuel, and ensures adherence to safety protocols. They are also responsible for monitoring the functionality of all equipment and ordering repairs. This position requires a high level of safety-consciousness.

Learn more about the specifics of what an aircraft fueler does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you post your aircraft fueler job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find an aircraft fueler for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    Hiring the perfect aircraft fueler also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

    Here's a comparison of aircraft fueler salaries for various roles:

    Type of Aircraft FuelerDescriptionHourly rate
    Aircraft FuelerAircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians repair and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft. They also may perform aircraft inspections as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).$12-21
    Structures MechanicA Structures Mechanic maintains the frame and structural components of machinery. They fabricate and repair metallic and nonmetallic materials, as well as perform inspections and supervision of machinery.$21-40
    Systems MechanicA systems mechanic specializes in repairing and maintaining systems, ensuring machines operate smoothly and efficiently. Although the extent of their responsibilities varies upon their company or place of employment, it typically includes meeting with clients to identify their needs, inspecting machinery, troubleshooting problems, replacing and fixing wirings, and recommending other services when necessary... Show more$24-43
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Basic Math
    • Commercial Vehicles
    • Aircraft Weight
    • Safety Procedures
    • Quality Control Checks
    • FAA
    • Aircraft Equipment
    • Aircraft Fuel
    • Ground Support Equipment
    • Fuel Loads
    • Fuel Farm
    • Fuel Systems
    • Airplanes
    • De-icing
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Sound knowledge of aircraft safety rules and regulations as well as the FAA's standard guidelines.
    • Train with accuracy and precision in military combat training, firearms training and safety, and fuel handling.
    • Operate all aircraft fueling operations per FAA requirements and make sure aircraft have right amount a fuel for each flight.
    • Experience in removal and application of aerospace coatings.
    • Train incoming personnel on local military and firefighting standards.
    • Operate firefighting vehicles and equipment during emergencies and training operations.
    More aircraft fueler duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your aircraft fueler job description helps attract top candidates to the position. An aircraft fueler salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

    For example, the average salary for an aircraft fueler in Arkansas may be lower than in Nevada, and an entry-level aircraft fueler usually earns less than a senior-level aircraft fueler. Additionally, an aircraft fueler with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

    Average aircraft fueler salary

    $16.54hourly

    $34,395 yearly

    Entry-level aircraft fueler salary
    $25,000 yearly salary
    Updated January 30, 2026

    Average aircraft fueler salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1Nevada$39,667$19
    2Colorado$39,489$19
    3Washington$38,434$18
    4Alaska$38,190$18
    5California$37,286$18
    6Minnesota$36,867$18
    7Ohio$36,359$17
    8Massachusetts$35,901$17
    9Wisconsin$34,267$16
    10South Carolina$34,247$16
    11Virginia$34,087$16
    12New York$33,921$16
    13Pennsylvania$33,769$16
    14Texas$32,934$16
    15Indiana$32,916$16
    16Illinois$31,660$15
    17Utah$31,561$15
    18North Carolina$31,174$15
    19Oklahoma$30,719$15
    20Oregon$30,681$15

    Average aircraft fueler salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1FlightSafety International$37,842$18.19
    2Hawthorne Global Aviation Services$37,113$17.84
    3Outagamie County$35,987$17.30
    4Menzies Aviation$35,594$17.1162
    5Tailored Management$33,443$16.08
    6PrimeFlight Aviation Services$33,210$15.9752
    7Duncan Aviation$33,078$15.90
    8Eagle Aviation$33,043$15.89
    9Swissport Holdings Inc$33,034$15.88
    10Elliott Aviation$33,021$15.882
    11Atlantic Companies Holding Corporation$32,990$15.8641
    12Global Aviation$32,942$15.84
  4. Writing an aircraft fueler job description

    An aircraft fueler job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of an aircraft fueler job description:

    Aircraft fueler job description example

    1. Competently refuels, tows and wing walks all maintenance, transient and airlines aircraft using applicable ground support vehicles according to Duncan approved processes, procedures and Best Practices. Checks and adds oil, fuel additives and other fluids as needed. Assists maintaining functioning and cleanliness of departmental equipment and work areas. Monitors weather conditions to ensure safety of aircraft and the need for storm stacking.

    2. Greets team members, customers, vendors, visitors and the general public, and serves as company liaison in promoting a professional and positive company image per Duncan Aviation customer service standards. Initiates dialogue with our guests to understand and exceed their needs (i.e. fuel, ground transportation, baggage handling, etc.). Directs maintenance customers to appropriate persons/areas of Duncan Aviation. Monitors flight tracking software for inbound aircraft. Marshals all incoming and outgoing aircraft.

    3. Performs additional specialized functions, including front desk back-up, fuel farm back-up, OJT to lesser experienced representatives, inventory control, working alternate shifts, etc.

    4. Calculates and records fuel usage and sales, and completes necessary paperwork for proper billing and inventory accounting.

    5. Provides exterior and interior cleaning of company and transient aircraft. Assists with maintaining and cleanliness of department equipment, designated work areas, courtesy and ramp vehicles.

    6. Fills Jet and Avgas trucks at the fuel farm. Maintains fuel and fluid levels for GSE, courtesy and ramp vehicles. Assists with general fuel farm maintenance and upkeep.

    7. Monitors ramp and facility for safety and security and assesses, and responds as appropriate.

    8. Performs other duties as assigned by management.

    Job Specific Requirements

    • Licenses/Certificates: Man-lift and Forklift Certification; Tow qualified; NATA Safety 1 Certification; eligible for Airline Fueling Certification and required FAA/TSA Certifications; meets TSA security requirements; valid driver's license and acceptable driving record; respirator fit eligible
    • Attendance: Regularly scheduled attendance required
    • Physical: Routinely lifts 50 lbs., occasionally lifts 100 lbs.; reads small print; hearing sounds associated with mechanical deficiencies; repetitive motion; works with moving parts and vibration; works in heights above four feet; tolerates standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, climbing and sitting
    • Environmental: Tolerates working in extreme temperatures and noisy environments
    • Work Schedule: Must be available for all shifts

    Education and Experience

    Line Service Representative I:

    • High School graduate or equivalent required
    • Previous Line Service, aviation and/or customer service experience required

    Line Service Representative II:

    • High School graduate or equivalent required
    • Minimum one year previous Line Service, aviation and/or customer service experience required

    Line Service Representative III:

    • High School graduate or equivalent required
    • Minimum three year previous Line Service, aviation and/or customer service experience required

    Available Benefits

    • Moving is expensive and hard work! Relocation Assistance is available for those that qualify.
    • Duncan offers a comprehensive Benefits Package (Medical, Dental, Vision, Vacation/Holiday) that is available to team members on day one.
    • Plan for your medical needs with a Health Savings Account (employer and employee contributions).
    • Save for your future through our 401(k) program where you can begin contributions within your first 45 days, 50% match on first 6% contributed
    • Participate in Duncan Aviation's Tool Account Program , to acquire & grow your Tool Inventory all while making interest free payments
    • Take advantage of a variety of In-House Training opportunities, or use Tuition Assistance to further your education.

    Duncan Aviation is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled

  5. Post your job

    There are various strategies that you can use to find the right aircraft fueler for your business:

    • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your aircraft fueler job on Zippia to find and recruit aircraft fueler candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Recruiting aircraft fuelers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

    You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new aircraft fueler

    Once you've decided on a perfect aircraft fueler candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

    You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

    After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new aircraft fueler. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire an aircraft fueler?

There are different types of costs for hiring aircraft fuelers. One-time cost per hire for the recruitment process. Ongoing costs include employee salary, training, onboarding, benefits, insurance, and equipment. It is essential to consider all of these costs when evaluating hiring a new aircraft fueler employee.

You can expect to pay around $34,395 per year for an aircraft fueler, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for aircraft fuelers in the US typically range between $12 and $21 an hour.

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