How to hire a Baggage Handler

How to hire a baggage handler, step by step

Here's a step-by-step baggage handler hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a baggage handler job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new baggage handler
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

Post A Baggage Handler Job For Free, Promote It For A Fee

Post Free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   The baggage handler hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine Employee vs Contractor Status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A baggage handler's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, baggage handlers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents baggage handler salaries for various positions.

   Type Of Baggage Handler	Description	Hourly Rate
   Baggage Handler		$10-37
   Doorman	A doorman is responsible for welcoming guests at the entrance of an establishment, verifying their identity and visiting purpose, as well as checking their baggage to inspect possible restricted items or harmful materials. A doorman ensures the safety and security of the building, including inspection of packages and other deliveries, and reporting any suspicious activities within the premises... Show More	$12-20
   Door Person	A Door Person stands guard at the entrance of buildings such as hotels and offices, mainly to greet and assist guests and visitors in a courteous manner. Aside from opening and closing doors, a Door Person also participates in implementing security protocols, checking identification, looking out for suspicious activities, and patrolling areas while coordinating with the security staff... Show More	$12-59

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common Skills:

   • Customer Service
   • Loaders
   • Delta
   • Belt Loaders
   • Operational Processes
   • Safety Procedures
   • Bag Room
   • Transport Carts
   • Conveyor Belts
   • Aircraft Cargo
   • Tow Tractors
   • Ground Support Equipment
   • Transport Baggage
   • Wheelchair

   Check All Skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Assist with cleaning and de-icing aircraft.
   • Help delta employees lift heavy suit cases and move them.
   • Receive shipment of delta cargo and safely store and deliver to customers/plane.
   • Work in extremely loud environment and work at height of planes de-icing.
   • Clear jams and make sure the luggage flow on the carousels are clear.
   • Help cashiers by bagging customers groceries and helping them to their cars if necessary.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your baggage handler job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A baggage handler salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, baggage handlers' average salary in montana is 52% less than in connecticut.
   • Seniority. Entry-level baggage handlers earn 72% less than senior-level baggage handlers.
   • Certifications. A baggage handler with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a baggage handler's salary.

   Average baggage handler salary

   $41,779yearly

   $20.09 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level baggage handler salary

   $22,000 yearly salary

   Updated March 29, 2025

4. Writing a Baggage Handler Job Description

   A baggage handler job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a baggage handler job description:

   Baggage Handler job description example

   We have evening shifts available from 14:00 (2:00pm) to Close (about 10:00pm but could be as late as midnight during irregular operations).

   Full or part-time , you let us know what you're looking for. Weekend coverage is necessary.

   Those with supervisory experience may be interviewed for leadership roles.

   What you'll get from us:

   • Starting wage is $18.75 per hour
   • Medical insurance is available for full-time team members after the introductory period
   • All team members enjoy parking passes or parking/transit reimbursement
   • Paid sick and vacation time available upon accrual

   What do we need from you?

   M U S C L E

   • M indful
   • U LTIMATELY A TEAM PLAYER
   • S afety-Oriented
   • C ourteous
   • L ively
   • E ngaging

   Our baggage handlers must follow established procedures, read baggage tags, and lift, shift, and move internationally inbound passenger luggage from oversized intake to outbound recheck belts. We also recirculate discarded carts from recheck back into the facility and will be newly training to provide portering to our guests coming in from international flights.

   This can be a fast-paced job at times, and SWEAT will happen if you're doing it right. We're looking for that unique person who smiles through their workout and can greet or explain directions swiftly and clearly while lifting. Those who can communicate in commonly spoken languages related to these international flights are welcome to apply such as Korean, Japanese, Spanish, French, German, Hindi, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, Ukrainian, Farsi, and many many more.

   We will provide uniform shirts, personal protective gear (PPE) and on the job training. You bring your winning personality and desire for punctuated, physically demanding work, and we will make a place for you among our VIPs.

   KEY WORDS: FULL-TIME, PART-TIME, WEEKENDS, BAGGAGE HANDLER, TIPPER, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

   
   
   

   Copy This Example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right baggage handler for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your baggage handler job on Zippia to find and recruit baggage handler candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting baggage handlers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new baggage handler

   Once you've decided on a perfect baggage handler candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new baggage handler. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

   Sign Up To Download Full List

   Sign Up

How much does it cost to hire a baggage handler?