Airport Station Agent

Airport Station Agent Job Description & Salary Information

Job Duties
The demanding job of a station agent encompasses a variety of tasks and working flexible schedules with hours that depend on the daily operations of the airport. Terminals and airports open 24 hours a day will require the station agent to be capable of directing and informing passengers as well as crew in the late night and early morning hours. Typically, these ground operations agents work in the arrival and departure terminals of an airport offering information, announcing delays, assisting with checked luggage, and helping young and elderly passengers. Other duties may include filing incident reports, writing log entries, answering questions to English speakers, and carrying out written and oral instructions. Personal appearance and uniforms must comply with the airline’s standards. Beyond passenger duties, station agents are responsible for ground and flight operations, placing safety equipment, loading cargo, operating aircraft doors, loading baggage, and replacing the fluid in the lavatory tanks.

Job Qualifications
When considering a career as a station agent, bear in mind that you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma. It is also helpful to have several years of experience in the field, although this may be substituted with the appropriate education. Due to the amount of communication and interaction with passengers and support staff, patience, multitasking, and a high degree of interpersonal skills are a must. Passing a drug test and possessing a valid driver’s license is mandatory for most airlines and you must be eligible to obtain a security clearance. Station agents frequently begin by doing other airport jobs including ramp and ticket agents as well as reservation or passenger service. These agents work closely with the other operations agents. Unlike airport managers, station agents are hired by specific airlines.

Salary & Compensation
The starting wage for an airport station agent ranges from $9.00 to $10.00 an hour. On average, airport station agents earn pay between $10.00 and $12.00 per hour. An experienced airport station agent may earn a higher than average salary. In addition to experience level, location and employer may affect the wages an airport station agent earns. Qualified station agents receive comprehensive employee benefits packages, including healthcare coverage, 401(k) plans, and paid time off.