Aircraft loadmaster vs cargo lead

The differences between aircraft loadmasters and cargo leads can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an aircraft loadmaster and a cargo lead. Additionally, a cargo lead has an average salary of $62,842, which is higher than the $56,658 average annual salary of an aircraft loadmaster.

The top three skills for an aircraft loadmaster include detect problems, aircraft weight and cargo aircraft. The most important skills for a cargo lead are cargo operations, computer system, and air cargo.

Aircraft loadmaster vs cargo lead overview

	Aircraft Loadmaster	Cargo Lead
Yearly salary	$56,658	$62,842
Hourly rate	$27.24	$30.21
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	2,961	2,181
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 41%	High School Diploma, 35%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	2	2

Aircraft loadmaster vs cargo lead salary

Aircraft loadmasters and cargo leads have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Aircraft Loadmaster	Cargo Lead
Average salary	$56,658	$62,842
Salary range	Between $34,000 And $92,000	Between $30,000 And $130,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between aircraft loadmaster and cargo lead education

There are a few differences between an aircraft loadmaster and a cargo lead in terms of educational background:

	Aircraft Loadmaster	Cargo Lead
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 41%	High School Diploma, 35%
Most common major	Aviation	Business
Most common college	-	-

Aircraft loadmaster vs cargo lead demographics

Here are the differences between aircraft loadmasters' and cargo leads' demographics:

	Aircraft Loadmaster	Cargo Lead
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 88.9% Female, 11.1%	Male, 79.2% Female, 20.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 12.4% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.6% Asian, 6.2% White, 58.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%	Black or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 26.4% Asian, 5.0% White, 51.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between aircraft loadmaster and cargo lead duties and responsibilities

Aircraft loadmaster example responsibilities.

Perform required aircraft pre and post-flight inspections in accordance with FAA regulations.
Perform airdrop operations using parachutes to deliver supplies, equipment and people.
Train multiple personnel on UAV operating systems and grind equipment in the field.
Arm and train to secure aircraft, completing tasks under duress and combat scenarios.
Perform and direct aircraft backing, airdrop of cargo and personnel along with combat offload procedures.
Perform special operations tactical airlift and airdrop missions.

Cargo lead example responsibilities.

Manage payroll for individuals, and administrative duties to include counseling and mentoring individuals to maximum potential.
Manage payroll for individuals, and administrative duties to include counseling and mentoring individuals to maximum potential.
Attain a grind security coordinator (GSC) status.

Aircraft loadmaster vs cargo lead skills

Common aircraft loadmaster skills

Detect Problems, 12%
Aircraft Weight, 10%
Cargo Aircraft, 9%
Extraction, 8%
Pallets, 8%
C-17, 6%

Common cargo lead skills

Cargo Operations, 45%
Computer System, 29%
Air Cargo, 26%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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