The Best Paying Jobs in Air Freight and Delivery Services (2023)

Over the years, flying has become an indispensable means of transportation. The high demand for transport by air leads to the creation of millions of aviation jobs. Multiple branches make up the aviation industry. One such branch has to do with air freight and delivery services.

It deals with the efficient and quick transportation of products around the globe through air transport. Air freight and delivery services help drive the global economy. It also offers many job opportunities with good pay and benefits. Read on for a detailed description of the best-paying jobs in air freight and delivery services.

As expected, pilots are one of the highest-paid individuals in the aviation industry. Their role entails transporting people and cargo safely. Charter pilots operate airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft. Those who fly cargo planes and passenger planes have more or less similar duties.

Apart from flying aircraft, charter pilots also check the cargo's storage to ensure everything is in line with safety standards. Upon landing, charter pilots sign paperwork to verify the delivery of goods. In this job, you'll have a variable work schedule that may include overnight layovers.

To become a charter pilot, you need a bachelor's degree and relevant experience as a commercial pilot. Getting both can take a few years. The more experience you gain with specific aircraft types, the better your chances will be of landing certain roles.

The job can be demanding and stressful since a pilot is responsible for the safety of the crew and cargo. On the upside, charter pilots are well compensated. The median yearly pay is $202,180. As the economy changes, the employment rate of charter pilots is set to keep growing.

A flight test mechanic's main role is to ensure the plane is airworthy. They repair and carry out regular maintenance on aircraft. Flight test mechanics work in repair stations, hangers, or airfields.

Their work environment can be quite loud because of engine noise and other equipment. A mechanic must ensure that nothing is wrong with an aircraft before takeoff by following extensive procedures. So, what must you do to take on the role of a flight test mechanic? You must satisfy multiple requirements, including:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language
• Have relevant practical experience or Graduate from an FAA-approved school
• Pass written, oral, and practical tests

The work of a flight test mechanic plays a vital part in ensuring the safety of everyone on a freighter. The median yearly pay for the position is $65,380. The salary depends on your experience and scope of work. The job of flight test mechanics is growing even as the economy changes.

You can't leave out aircraft engine assemblers when listing the best-paying jobs in air freight and delivery services. They build finished products like aircraft engines and the components that go into those products. An engine assembler must review product specifications to know which materials they need and the steps to follow.

Aircraft engine assemblers also inspect and test the engines they build. In doing so, they're able to eliminate malfunctioning parts. As an engine assembler, you'll likely work in manufacturing plants. Your work may entail sitting or standing for extended periods, so staying physically fit will be most beneficial.

You must have a high school diploma or equivalent to get into the occupation of assembler. You'll then receive several months of on-the-job training. Depending on the employer, you may also need an associate's degree, special training, and certification.

The average pay for the position of assembler is $49,000. Your income will depend on your skill and education level. The employment of aircraft engine assemblers may fluctuate as our economy shifts, but they are still in demand for the time being.

Aerospace engineers mainly work on designing aircraft, missiles, spacecraft, and satellites. They also come up with prototypes, ensuring that they work as desired. Other duties of an aerospace engineer include the following:

• Making sure projects satisfy quality standards
• Evaluating project proposals to determine their feasibility
• Identifying the source of problems in a design and potential solutions

Aerospace engineers typically work in industries that design or build aerospace products. Thus, they work in industries that deal with manufacturing and research and development. The federal government is also an employer of aerospace engineers. These professionals spend a considerable chunk of their time in an office setting because they use computer equipment for their work.

So, how do you land the job of aerospace engineer? First, you need a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering. Alternatively, you can have a degree in a different engineering field related to aerospace systems. Many professionals also go on to gain advanced degrees.

Being an aerospace engineer is one of the best-paying jobs in air freight and delivery services. The median yearly salary is $122,270. This will also be one of the fastest-growing jobs in the field.

Freight handlers move cargo manually from one place to another. They may also perform the following roles:

• Packing or wrapping stock
• Keeping a clear record of the freight they move
• Cleaning equipment and work areas
• Collaborating with machine operators to move freight

Freight handlers work full-time and many take on overnight shifts because goods get shipped 24/7. The job is very physically demanding since handlers must move all sorts of heavy materials. The work also involves repetitive movement, such as bending and crouching. Thus, there can be a risk of injuries while on the job (i.e., most people don't stay in this role for more than a few years).

You typically don't need any formal education to be a freight handler. However, you must have the physical ability to do the job. The position requires on-the-job training, after which you can work independently. The average annual pay for the position is around $45,000.

Air freight and delivery services are crucial in the global supply chain. Thus, there's an ever-increasing demand for professionals who can work in the sector. You can live a comfortable life by working in one of the best-paying jobs in air freight and delivery services. As you can see, there are plenty of high-paying jobs to choose from — no matter your skill or education level. So, where will you begin?