As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aircraft Load Controller in the United States is $101,955 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.
However, an Aircraft Load Controller's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Aircraft Load Controller's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Aircraft Load Controller's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Flight In... Level Aircraft Load Controller | $75,975 |
| Flight In... Level Aircraft Load Controller | $85,556 |
| Aircraft ... Level Aircraft Load Controller | $100,568 |
| Flight In... Level Aircraft Load Controller | $136,224 |
| Flight In... Level Aircraft Load Controller | $168,160 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Aircraft Load Controllers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 6.76% |
| Quality Assurance | 4.97% |
| Microsoft Office | 0.99% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Standard Operating Procedures
|
$122,346 |
20%
|
|
Installation
|
$111,131 |
9%
|
|
Quality Assurance
|
$111,131 |
9%
|
|
Pneumatics
|
$111,131 |
9%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$111,131 |
9%
|
|
Leadership
|
$109,092 |
7%
|
For Aircraft Load Controller roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and MFG Durable sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Aircraft Load Controller positions in Aerospace & Defense or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Aircraft Load Controller as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $152,932 | $74.0 | 50% |
| MFG Durable | $122,346 | $59.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Aircraft Load Controllers enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Aircraft Load Controller with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $97,406 and $102,586).
Aircraft Load Controller Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 33.3% |
| High School | 33.3% |
| Associates | 33.3% |
| Bachelors | 0.0% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 33.3% |
Understanding how an Aircraft Load Controller's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for an Aircraft Load Controller can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $67,998 in 2023 to around $65,635 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Aircraft Load Controller salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $67,998 |
| 2024 | $67,183 |
| 2025 | $65,635 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Aircraft Load Controller roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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