The US aviation industry, facing a shortage of skilled workers, is actively hiring ground crew and technicians, with many roles offering visa sponsorship for foreign workers in 2026. Salaries range from $45,000 to $100,000 annually, driven by high demand at major airlines and airports. This guide details 15 US airlines hiring, job roles, eligibility, visa pathways, and application steps, using government-verified resources.
Why Ground Crew and Technician Jobs Are In-Demand
The US aviation sector, handling over 2.9 million daily passengers, faces a shortage of 30,000 ground crew and technicians due to retirements and post-pandemic recovery (FAA, 2025). Roles like ramp agents and aircraft mechanics are critical, with airlines like United and Delta offering visa sponsorship through H-2B and EB-3 visas to fill gaps in major hubs like Chicago, Atlanta, and Dallas.
The demand is also fueled by:
- Rising passenger traffic projected to hit pre-pandemic peaks by 2026.
- Fleet expansions, with airlines ordering thousands of new aircraft.
- Aging workforce, as many technicians are approaching retirement age.
- Federal aviation safety standards, requiring a steady pipeline of licensed maintenance professionals.
Key Job Roles and Salaries
The following roles, classified under SOC codes 53-6031 (Ground Crew) and 49-3011 (Aircraft Mechanics), offer salaries between $45,000 and $100,000 with visa sponsorship:
Ramp Agent
Loads baggage, directs aircraft, and ensures ground safety. No formal education required.
- Salary: $45,000–$60,000/year.
Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT)
Performs scheduled maintenance and repairs. Requires FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license.
- Salary: $60,000–$100,000/year.
Avionics Technician
Maintains aircraft electronics and navigation systems. Needs A&P license or electronics training.
- Salary: $65,000–$95,000/year.
Ground Operations Coordinator
Oversees ramp activities and crew schedules. Requires 1–2 years of experience.
- Salary: $50,000–$70,000/year.
Aircraft Cleaner
Cleans aircraft interiors and exteriors. Minimal experience needed.
- Salary: $45,000–$55,000/year.
Other roles available with sponsorship include fueling operators, cargo handlers, and ground safety inspectors, all of which contribute to smooth operations in busy airports.
15 US Airlines Hiring with Visa Sponsorship
The following airlines are actively recruiting ground crew and technicians with visa sponsorship in 2026, based on industry trends and job postings:
- United Airlines – Hiring ramp agents and AMTs in Chicago (ORD) and Houston (IAH). Offers H-2B and EB-3 sponsorship.
Salary Range: $45,000–$95,000. - Delta Air Lines – Seeks ground crew and avionics technicians in Atlanta (ATL) and Minneapolis (MSP). Provides EB-3 visas.
Salary Range: $50,000–$100,000. - American Airlines – Recruits AMTs and ramp agents in Dallas (DFW) and Miami (MIA). Sponsors H-2B and EB-3 visas.
Salary Range: $45,000–$95,000. - Southwest Airlines – Hiring ground operations coordinators in Dallas (DAL) and Phoenix (PHX). Offers H-2B sponsorship.
Salary Range: $50,000–$70,000. - Alaska Airlines – Seeks ramp agents and cleaners in Seattle (SEA) and Portland (PDX). Provides H-2B visas.
Salary Range: $45,000–$60,000. - JetBlue Airways – Recruits AMTs and ground crew in New York (JFK) and Boston (BOS). Sponsors EB-3 visas.
Salary Range: $50,000–$95,000. - Hawaiian Airlines – Hiring ground crew and technicians in Honolulu (HNL). Offers H-2B sponsorship.
Salary Range: $45,000–$85,000. - Spirit Airlines – Seeks ramp agents and AMTs in Fort Lauderdale (FLL). Provides H-2B and EB-3 visas.
Salary Range: $45,000–$90,000. - Frontier Airlines – Recruits ground crew in Denver (DEN). Sponsors H-2B visas.
Salary Range: $45,000–$60,000. - Allegiant Air – Hiring AMTs and ramp agents in Las Vegas (LAS). Offers EB-3 sponsorship.
Salary Range: $50,000–$95,000. - Sun Country Airlines – Seeks ground crew in Minneapolis (MSP). Provides H-2B visas.
Salary Range: $45,000–$65,000. - SkyWest Airlines – Recruits AMTs and coordinators in Salt Lake City (SLC). Sponsors EB-3 visas.
Salary Range: $50,000–$90,000. - Horizon Air – Hiring ramp agents in Portland (PDX). Offers H-2B sponsorship.
Salary Range: $45,000–$60,000. - Mesa Airlines – Seeks AMTs and ground crew in Phoenix (PHX). Provides EB-3 visas.
Salary Range: $50,000–$95,000. - Endeavor Air – Recruits technicians and ramp agents in Minneapolis (MSP). Sponsors H-2B and EB-3 visas.
Salary Range: $45,000–$90,000.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for these jobs with visa sponsorship, candidates must meet:
- Qualifications: High school diploma for ground crew; FAA A&P license or equivalent for technicians. Foreign credentials may need evaluation via WES.
- Experience: 0–2 years for ground crew; 2–5 years for technicians, with verifiable aviation experience.
- Language Skills: Basic English proficiency (IELTS 4.0–5.0 or equivalent) for safety and communication.
- Driving Record: Clean record for roles requiring vehicle operation (e.g., ramp agents).
- Health and Character: Pass medical exams and provide police clearances from home country.
Full requirements can be confirmed on the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
Visa Options for Ground Crew and Technicians
Non-US citizens need a work visa. Key options include:
- H-2B Visa: For temporary non-agricultural roles like ramp agents or cleaners, requiring a Labor Certification from the US Department of Labor. Valid for up to 1 year, renewable for 3 years.
- EB-3 Visa: For permanent skilled or unskilled roles like AMTs, requiring employer sponsorship and PERM certification. Leads to a green card.
- TN Visa (NAFTA): For Canadian/Mexican citizens with relevant qualifications, valid for 3 years, renewable.
For details, check the US Department of State website.
Application Process for Airline Jobs
Securing a visa-sponsored airline job involves:
- Research Opportunities: Use job boards like Indeed or airline career pages (e.g., United, Delta) to find roles offering sponsorship. Search “ground crew visa sponsorship” or “aircraft technician.”
- Prepare Documents: Create a US-format resume (1–2 pages) and cover letter, highlighting aviation experience, A&P license (if applicable), and visa needs. Include certifications and driving records.
- Apply: Submit applications via airline websites or agencies like Aviation Job Search, specifying sponsorship requirements.
- Interview: Prepare for questions on safety protocols, teamwork, and technical skills (e.g., aircraft maintenance procedures).
- Secure a Job Offer: Obtain a contract and Labor Certification or PERM documents from an approved employer.
- Apply for a Visa: Submit job offer, qualifications, health checks, and police clearances via USCIS. Processing takes 3–6 months for H-2B, 6–18 months for EB-3.
- Relocate and Train: Complete employer-provided training (e.g., FAA compliance) and apply for a Social Security Number.
Key Responsibilities
- Ramp Agent: Loads baggage, marshals aircraft, and operates ground equipment.
- Aircraft Maintenance Technician: Performs inspections, repairs, and maintenance per FAA standards.
- Avionics Technician: Troubleshoots and repairs aircraft electronics and navigation systems.
- Ground Operations Coordinator: Manages ramp schedules and ensures operational efficiency.
- Aircraft Cleaner: Maintains aircraft interiors, ensuring compliance with hygiene standards.
Benefits of Airline Jobs
- Competitive Salaries: $45,000–$100,000/year, with overtime opportunities.
- Visa Sponsorship: Employers may cover visa fees ($460–$2,805 for H-2B).
- Career Growth: Pathways to supervisory roles or advanced certifications.
- Job Stability: High demand ensures consistent employment in major hubs.
- Residency Pathways: EB-3 visa holders can apply for permanent residency after employment.
Tips for Success
- Target Major Hubs: Focus on airports like ATL, ORD, or DFW for the most opportunities.
- Obtain A&P License: Enroll in FAA-approved schools ($10,000–$20,000) for technician roles if needed.
- Network: Connect with recruiters via LinkedIn or aviation job fairs like NBAA.
- Verify Employers: Ensure airlines are registered with USCIS to avoid scams.
- Learn FAA Regulations: Familiarize yourself with safety and maintenance standards for better employability.
Statistics on Ground Crew and Technician Jobs
Job Vacancies
In 2025, over 30,000 ground crew and technician vacancies were reported, with 20% offering visa sponsorship, mainly in Texas and California (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025).
Salary Ranges
- Ramp Agent: $45,000–$60,000/year
- Aircraft Maintenance Technician: $60,000–$100,000/year
- Avionics Technician: $65,000–$95,000/year
Visa Processing Times
H-2B visa: 3–6 months; EB-3 visa: 6–18 months; TN visa: 1–3 months (USCIS, 2025).
Demand Growth
Aviation support roles are projected to grow 7% by 2030, driven by air travel recovery (BLS, 2025).
