Boom operator vs loadmaster

The differences between boom operators and loadmasters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a boom operator, becoming a loadmaster takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a loadmaster has an average salary of $71,838, which is higher than the $38,499 average annual salary of a boom operator.

The top three skills for a boom operator include building materials, boom truck and CDL. The most important skills for a loadmaster are cargo aircraft, aircraft weight, and hazardous materials.

Boom operator vs loadmaster overview

	Boom Operator	Loadmaster
Yearly salary	$38,499	$71,838
Hourly rate	$18.51	$34.54
Growth rate	7%	6%
Number of jobs	31,804	231
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 50%	Bachelor's Degree, 39%
Average age	47	44
Years of experience	4	2

Boom operator vs loadmaster salary

Boom operators and loadmasters have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Boom Operator	Loadmaster
Average salary	$38,499	$71,838
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $57,000	Between $49,000 And $104,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between boom operator and loadmaster education

There are a few differences between a boom operator and a loadmaster in terms of educational background:

	Boom Operator	Loadmaster
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 50%	Bachelor's Degree, 39%
Most common major	Photography	Aviation
Most common college	-	-

Boom operator vs loadmaster demographics

Here are the differences between boom operators' and loadmasters' demographics:

	Boom Operator	Loadmaster
Average age	47	44
Gender ratio	Male, 90.2% Female, 9.8%	Male, 88.8% Female, 11.2%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.2% Asian, 0.7% White, 64.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%	Black or African American, 11.9% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 6.1% White, 57.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	2%	8%

Differences between boom operator and loadmaster duties and responsibilities

Boom operator example responsibilities.

Operate various boom cranes to deliver building materials to residential and commercial construction sites.
Prepare for rigging and hoisting.
Fix cab crane operator and CDL driver dump truck.
Make sure all crewmembers are wearing PPE, and also securement of job site
Direct activities of workers placing blocks and outriggers to prevent capsizing when lifting heavy loads.
Make sure enough spotters or swampers are adequate with the amount of equipment is being run.

Loadmaster example responsibilities.

Manage multiple aircraft systems in the extremely dynamic environment associate with combat search and rescue.
Check tie downs, parachutes, containers, suspension systems, and extraction systems to ensure proper cargo extraction or release.
Inspect cargo and platforms, extraction systems and connect static lines.
Brief passengers according to company and FAA requirements.
Complete all phases using checklists to ensure compliance with USAF regulations and technical orders.
Involve in air delivery operations using parachutes to deliver supplies, equipment and people.

Boom operator vs loadmaster skills

Common boom operator skills

Building Materials, 27%
Boom Truck, 21%
CDL, 13%
DOT, 8%
Audio Equipment, 5%
Construction Materials, 3%

Common loadmaster skills

Cargo Aircraft, 18%
Aircraft Weight, 18%
Hazardous Materials, 7%
Combat, 5%
Aircraft Systems, 5%
FAA, 4%