Also called: Catering Truck Driver, Flight Kitchen Driver
Drives the lift trucks that raise meal carts and drinks up to airplane doors.
Catering drivers load trucks at the flight kitchen, drive across the ramp, raise the truck body to the plane's door, and swap carts quickly before departure.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. Driver's license and airport security clearance; trained on the job.
Ways in: On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Growing faster than average (about 5% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 53-3033: Faster than average (5% to 6%).
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Self-driving airport vehicles are being tested; loading carts at plane doors keeps people on the truck for now.
Age 21+. One way to start: Apply to airline caterers (like Gate Gourmet or LSG Sky Chefs) at your airport First: Airport security badge and airfield driving permit; most caterers require 21+
Classes: Driver's education, PE or fitness.
Official data: O*NET occupation 53-3033.
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