How To Become An Air Cargo Agent: What It Is and Career Path

What is an air cargo agent and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Air cargo agents facilitate the movement of goods through airline terminals and airports. They ensure that cargo is shipped on time, all related paperwork is complete, and bills are settled--all of which imperative in ensuring great customer service and minimizing the loss or damage of cargo.

If you are interested in becoming an air cargo agent, the job responsibilities that you can expect include checking import/export documents, communicating with vendors and claims adjustment departments to resolve shipment problems, directing delivery trucks, and estimating shipping rates, among others.

To become an airline cargo agent, you must have at least a high school diploma or GED. Some employers require certification in a relevant program in cargo operations, so acquiring one can increase your chances of job placement. More than that, you must have at least basic skills in bookkeeping, inventory management, and customer service.

Airline cargo agents take home around $43,000 per year. They typically work in airports, specifically in the warehouse or storage area where cargo is stored.

ScoreAir Cargo AgentUS Average

Salary

2.8

Avg. Salary $36,182

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity

7.3

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.77%

Asian 16.05%

Black or African American 6.88%

Hispanic or Latino 26.48%

Unknown 6.80%

White 43.02%

Gender

female 46.39%

male 53.61%

Age - 41.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41.5

Stress Level

6.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

5.0

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

3.5

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an air cargo agent

Explore air cargo agent education requirements

Most common air cargo agent degrees

Bachelor's

48.6 %

Associate

20.0 %

High School Diploma

16.2 %

Start to develop specific air cargo agent skills

Skills	Percentages
Data Entry	11.78%
Reservations	9.35%
DOT	5.88%
FAA	5.78%
Import Shipments	5.78%

Complete relevant air cargo agent training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New air cargo agents learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an air cargo agent based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real air cargo agent resumes.

Research air cargo agent duties and responsibilities

Manage and carry out specific program and regulatory activities such as enforcing hazmat and weight restrictions.
Direct inbound and outbound logistics operations, such as transportation or warehouse activities, safety performance, and logistics quality management.
Service aircraft as needed for aircraft lavatories, portable water, de-icing and commissary items.
Operate vehicles to convey ULD dollies and baggage carts to and from aircraft terminal.

Prepare your air cargo agent resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your air cargo agent resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an air cargo agent resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

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