Air Cargo
Cargo Operations Manager — Global Hiring Overview
Cargo Operations Managers run cargo terminal and ramp operations for airlines, handlers, and freight forwarders.
Median Salary
$115k
$82.8k – $161k
Demand Score
88/100
High
Monthly Openings
1.8K
tracked globally
YoY Growth
+12%
rolling 12 months
Market Outlook
Demand for cargo operations managers in the global aviation market is robust. Aviation employers report a 12% year-on-year increase in Cargo Operations Manager mandates, driven by e-commerce growth, freighter fleet expansion, and integrator network buildout.
Salary Trend
Cargo Operations Manager compensation typically falls between $82.8k and $161k, with experienced cargo ops managers in the global aviation market commanding $161k+ at flagship airlines, top-tier MROs, and leading aerospace employers. Total compensation often includes housing, schooling, transport, per-diems, profit-share, type-rating bonds, and relocation support.
Career Path
Cargo Operations Managers typically progress to Cargo Supervisor, Airport Operations Manager roles, or into cargo operations manager, freight director, and air cargo leadership across the global hiring aviation market.
Key Responsibilities
- •Lead cargo terminal and ramp ops
- •Drive cargo throughput and on-time performance
- •Manage handling contracts and SLAs
Qualifications
- •Aviation / logistics degree
- •8+ years cargo operations leadership
For Airlines, Airports & Aviation Employers
Hire qualified cargo operations managers on CosmoQuick
Airlines, airports, cargo carriers, MROs, aerospace OEMs, ATOs, ANSPs, and business aviation operators use CosmoQuick to match with vetted cargo operations managers worldwide.
Cargo Operations Manager jobs by city
Cargo Operations Manager jobs in Dubai
3.3K openings · $150k
Cargo Operations Manager jobs in Abu Dhabi
2.8K openings · $147k
Cargo Operations Manager jobs in Sharjah
2.0K openings · $127k
Cargo Operations Manager jobs in Doha
3.0K openings · $150k
Cargo Operations Manager jobs in Riyadh
2.6K openings · $136k
Cargo Operations Manager jobs in Jeddah
2.3K openings · $127k
Cargo Operations Manager jobs in Muscat
1.8K openings · $121k
Cargo Operations Manager jobs in Manama
1.7K openings · $127k
Cargo Operations Manager jobs in Kuwait City
1.9K openings · $138k
Cargo Operations Manager salary insights
Cargo Operations Manager salary in Dubai
$150k
Cargo Operations Manager salary in Abu Dhabi
$147k
Cargo Operations Manager salary in Sharjah
$127k
Cargo Operations Manager salary in Doha
$150k
Cargo Operations Manager salary in Riyadh
$136k
Cargo Operations Manager salary in Jeddah
$127k
Cargo Operations Manager salary in Muscat
$121k
Cargo Operations Manager salary in Manama
$127k
Cargo Operations Manager salary in Kuwait City
$138k
Hiring by aviation industry
Commercial Airlines hiring Cargo Operations Managers
Full-service and low-cost passenger airlines hiring pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and ground staff at scale
Cargo Airlines hiring Cargo Operations Managers
Dedicated cargo airlines and integrators hiring across freighter operations, cargo handling, and logistics
Charter Airlines hiring Cargo Operations Managers
Charter operators and ACMI providers hiring across on-demand and seasonal flight operations
Private Aviation Operators hiring Cargo Operations Managers
Private jet operators, VVIP fleets, and fractional companies hiring across business jet operations
Business Aviation Companies hiring Cargo Operations Managers
Corporate flight departments and business jet operators hiring across crew, dispatch, and management
Airports hiring Cargo Operations Managers
International, regional, and cargo airports hiring across operations, terminal, and commercial functions
Airport Service Companies hiring Cargo Operations Managers
Airport concessionaires and service providers hiring across passenger services, retail, and F&B
Ground Handling Companies hiring Cargo Operations Managers
Independent ground handlers and airline subsidiaries hiring ramp, passenger, and cargo handling staff
MRO Providers hiring Cargo Operations Managers
MRO providers — airframe, engine, component — hiring engineers, technicians, and avionics specialists
Related specialties
Related aviation roles
Frequently Asked Questions
The median salary for a Cargo Operations Manager in the global aviation market is around $115k, typically ranging from $82.8k to $161k based on experience, type ratings, and the type of aviation employer.