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The differences between cargo handlers and baggage handlers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a baggage handler has an average salary of $41,779, which is higher than the $32,044 average annual salary of a cargo handler.
The top three skills for a cargo handler include pallets, safety policies and quality standards. The most important skills for a baggage handler are customer service, loaders, and delta.
| Cargo Handler | Baggage Handler | |
| Yearly salary | $32,044 | $41,779 |
| Hourly rate | $15.41 | $20.09 |
| Growth rate | 6% | - |
| Number of jobs | 59,142 | 26,921 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 45% | High School Diploma, 52% |
| Average age | 40 | 49 |
| Years of experience | - | 12 |
A cargo handler usually works for airline companies and airports where they are primarily in charge of moving baggage and other cargo, ensuring that they reach their destination timely and accurately. Their job entails operating forklifts or conveyor belts to transport cargo, lifting moderate to heavy packages, labeling or scanning items, and maintaining extensive records. Moreover, a cargo handler must keep an open and transparent communication line with fellow cargo handlers to ensure an accurate and smooth workflow.
Baggage handlers are skilled employees who are responsible for loading and unloading travelers' baggage and other cargo at airports. These handlers are required to handle weighty baggage and cargo by operating conveyor belts, tugs, and tow tractors. They are required to keep track of the baggage and cargo to make sure that they are delivered to the rightful owners. Baggage handlers must also protect the baggage of travelers and cargo from theft and damage by implementing safety procedures and standards.
Cargo handlers and baggage handlers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cargo Handler | Baggage Handler | |
| Average salary | $32,044 | $41,779 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $39,000 | Between $22,000 And $78,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | New York | - |
| Best paying company | Worldwide Flight Services Inc | - |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between a cargo handler and a baggage handler in terms of educational background:
| Cargo Handler | Baggage Handler | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 45% | High School Diploma, 52% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between cargo handlers' and baggage handlers' demographics:
| Cargo Handler | Baggage Handler | |
| Average age | 40 | 49 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.6% Female, 24.4% | Male, 83.0% Female, 17.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 13.9% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 6.0% White, 54.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% | Black or African American, 13.1% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.2% Asian, 7.3% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 12% |