Airport Jobs in Atlanta, GA: How to Get Hired at ATL and Nearby Airports

If you’re searching for “airport in Atlanta GA hiring”, you’re in one of the best cities in the country for aviation-related work. Atlanta is home to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), one of the world’s busiest airports, plus smaller nearby airports that also hire local workers.

This guide walks you through who’s hiring at Atlanta airports, common jobs, requirements, pay expectations, and how to apply—all focused on the Atlanta, Georgia area.

The Major Airports in the Atlanta Area

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Most people searching “airport in Atlanta GA hiring” are looking for work at ATL, located just south of downtown Atlanta:

• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Main hiring categories: airlines, concessions, ground handling, customer service, security, maintenance, and more

Hartsfield–Jackson doesn’t directly employ everyone you see working at the airport. Jobs are split among:

• City of Atlanta / Department of Aviation
• Airlines (Delta, Southwest, etc.)
• TSA and federal employers
• Concession companies (restaurants, shops)
• Ground handling / ramp / cargo companies
• Cleaning and facilities contractors
• Rental car companies at the ATL Rental Car Center

Other Airports Near Atlanta

While ATL has the largest number of openings, you may also find hiring at:

• DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK)
  2000 Airport Rd, Atlanta, GA 30341
  Smaller, general aviation airport in Chamblee with jobs in operations, FBOs, maintenance, and admin.

• Cobb County International Airport – McCollum Field (RYY)
  1723 McCollum Pkwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144
  Opportunities with fixed-base operators (FBOs), maintenance shops, flight schools, and county roles.

These smaller airports often have tight-knit teams and less hectic environments than ATL, which some applicants prefer.

Who Actually Hires at ATL?

To find airport jobs in Atlanta, it helps to understand who the employers are. Many roles are not posted under “airport,” but under the hiring company’s name.

1. City of Atlanta / Hartsfield–Jackson Department of Aviation

The City of Atlanta employs people in:

• Airport operations and management
• Administration and office roles
• Maintenance and facilities
• Public safety (non-police/security functions)

You’ll typically see these jobs listed under “City of Atlanta” or “Department of Aviation”, not just “ATL Airport.”

2. Airlines

Major airlines hiring at ATL commonly include:

• Delta Air Lines (Atlanta is a major hub)
• Southwest Airlines
• United, American, Spirit, Frontier, and others

Typical airline roles at ATL:

• Customer service agents / gate agents
• Ticketing agents
• Ramp agents / baggage handlers
• Aircraft cleaners
• Flight attendants and pilots (most hiring happens at the corporate level, but ATL is a key base)
• Cargo agents

These jobs are usually posted on each airline’s careers page and on general job boards, with “Atlanta” or “ATL” as the location.

3. TSA and Federal Jobs

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) hires for:

• Transportation Security Officers (TSOs)
• Supervisors and managers
• Administrative and support staff

These positions are federal jobs with structured pay scales and benefits. They are usually listed through USAJOBS and TSA’s own hiring channels, with postings for “Atlanta, GA – Hartsfield–Jackson Airport.”

4. Concessions: Restaurants, Shops, and Services

Inside ATL, you’ll find:

• Fast food and sit-down restaurants
• Coffee shops
• Retail stores and newsstands
• Spas, lounges, and specialty services

These are typically run by concession management companies and big retail or food brands. Common jobs:

• Cashiers and baristas
• Cooks and prep workers
• Servers and bartenders
• Sales associates
• Shift supervisors and managers

Hiring often happens through:

• Each brand’s or operator’s careers portal
• In-store signs at locations inside and outside the airport
• Local job fairs hosted by ATL or concession operators

5. Ground Handling, Ramp, and Cargo Companies

Several third-party companies at ATL handle:

• Baggage loading and unloading
• Aircraft parking and towing
• Cargo and freight operations
• Cabin cleaning and lavatory services

Common job titles:

• Ramp agent
• Cargo handler
• Ground service agent
• Aircraft cleaner

These positions are often entry-level and can be a gateway into the aviation industry.

6. Cleaning, Maintenance, and Facilities Contractors

These companies support:

• Terminal and restroom cleaning
• Janitorial services
• HVAC, electrical, and building maintenance
• Parking operations

If you have experience in maintenance trades or custodial services, there is steady demand in airport operations.

7. Rental Car Center Employers

At the ATL Rental Car Center (connected by SkyTrain), rental companies hire for:

• Customer service and counter agents
• Car wash and detailing staff
• Shuttle bus drivers
• Lot attendants

These jobs are located just off the main airport property but are very much part of the ATL ecosystem.

Common Types of Airport Jobs in Atlanta

Here’s a quick breakdown of typical roles people in Atlanta look at when they search “airport in Atlanta GA hiring.”

Customer-Facing Roles

• Ticketing/Gate Agent
• TSA Officer
• Retail Sales Associate
• Restaurant Server/Cashier
• Rental Car Counter Agent

Best if you:

• Like interacting with travelers
• Stay calm under pressure
• Can handle long lines, complaints, and problem-solving

Airside / Outdoor Roles

• Ramp Agent / Baggage Handler
• Aircraft Fueler
• Ground Support Equipment Operator

Best if you:

• Don’t mind working in heat, cold, and rain
• Are comfortable with physical work
• Want a job that isn’t behind a desk

Security and Safety Roles

• TSA Officer
• Airport security contractor roles
• Operations and safety coordinators (usually require more experience/education)

These jobs prioritize:

• Attention to detail
• Following strict procedures
• Passing background checks and screenings

Administrative and Professional Roles

• Human resources and recruiting
• Finance and accounting
• IT and systems
• Marketing and communications
• Planning and engineering

Many of these are housed within the City of Atlanta Department of Aviation or airline corporate offices that have a large presence at ATL.

Skilled Trades and Technical Roles

• Aircraft mechanics (A&P licensed)
• Electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs
• Facility engineers
• Fleet mechanics (for ground vehicles, tugs, buses)

These roles often pay more but require trade school, certifications, or industry experience.

Basic Requirements to Work at an Atlanta Airport

Different employers have different standards, but there are common requirements across ATL and nearby airports.

Age and Education

• Many entry-level airport roles require you to be at least 18 years old
• Some security-related positions (like certain TSA or law enforcement roles) may require 21+
• A high school diploma or GED is commonly required for most full-time positions

Background Checks and Security Badges

Because airports are secure facilities, expect:

• Criminal background checks
• Fingerprinting
• Employment verification

To work in secure areas, you generally need an airport security badge, which is issued only after you pass the required checks.

Drug Screening

Most airport-related jobs in Atlanta, especially safety- and security-sensitive ones, require:

• Pre-employment drug screening
• Possible random drug testing

Physical Requirements

Some roles, especially ramp and baggage jobs, may require:

• Lifting 50–70 pounds frequently
• Standing and walking for long shifts
• Working early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays

Job postings usually list these requirements clearly.

Citizenship and Work Authorization

• TSA and most federal roles require U.S. citizenship
• Airlines and private companies may hire lawful permanent residents or others with valid work authorization in the United States
• Always check the eligibility section of each job posting

Typical Pay and Schedules at Atlanta Airports

Pay varies by employer and experience, but here are general patterns people in Atlanta can expect:

• Entry-level customer service or retail roles: Often start around the lower-to-mid hourly range for the Atlanta metro
• Ramp and baggage jobs: Frequently offer slightly higher starting pay than basic retail due to the physical work and outdoor conditions
• TSA Officers: Federal pay bands with locality adjustments for Atlanta
• Skilled trades, mechanics, and supervisory roles: Higher pay based on experience and certifications

Schedules are often:

• Shift-based, covering 24/7 operations
• Involving weekends and holidays
• Including early morning (pre-dawn) and late-night shifts

If you need set hours or only weekdays, look closely at the schedule details before applying.

How to Find Airport Jobs Hiring in Atlanta Right Now

Here’s a simple, Atlanta-focused strategy to search efficiently.

1. Use “Atlanta” and “ATL” in Job Sites

On major job boards, search combinations like:

• “airport jobs Atlanta GA”
• “Hartsfield Jackson ATL hiring”
• “TSA officer Atlanta”
• “ramp agent ATL”
• “retail airport Atlanta”

Filter by:

• Location: Atlanta, GA or Hartsfield–Jackson
• Type: Full-time, part-time, seasonal
• Employer: If you prefer airlines, government, concessions, etc.

2. Check Employers That Are Known to Operate at ATL

Go directly to:

• Airline “Careers” sections and search Atlanta or Hartsfield–Jackson
• City of Atlanta employment portal and look for Department of Aviation jobs
• TSA and federal job platforms for “Atlanta Hartsfield–Jackson”

This helps you find official, up-to-date listings beyond general job boards.

3. Look for Atlanta Airport Job Fairs

ATL periodically hosts or participates in:

• Airport-wide job fairs at or near the terminal
• Concession-only hiring events
• Virtual hiring fairs for TSA and airlines

These events are often advertised:

• On the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport official channels
• Through the City of Atlanta or local workforce development offices
• Through local Atlanta news outlets and community boards

Bringing multiple copies of your resume, dressing professionally, and being ready for on-the-spot interviews can help you walk away with a conditional offer the same day.

4. Visit Local Workforce and Career Centers

Atlanta-area job seekers can get help with airport job applications from workforce agencies such as:

• WorkSource Atlanta
  Often provides job search assistance, resume help, and sometimes connections to airport hiring events.

• Georgia Department of Labor Career Centers in the Atlanta metro
  Staff can direct you to current openings at ATL, PDK, RYY, and related employers.

Calling ahead can help you confirm services, hours, and whether you need an appointment.

Application Tips for Airport Jobs in Atlanta

To stand out in the Atlanta airport job market:

Tailor Your Resume for Aviation and Customer Service

Highlight:

• Customer service experience (retail, call centers, restaurants, hospitality)
• Physical or outdoor work (warehouses, landscaping, delivery)
• Multi-lingual skills if you speak more than one language
• Reliability (show steady work history and punctual roles)

Use specific examples:
“Handled 60+ customer transactions per shift” or “Lifted and moved packages up to 50 lbs throughout 8-hour shifts.”

Emphasize Availability and Flexibility

Hiring managers at ATL pay close attention to:

• Willingness to work early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to work full-time or flexible shifts

Being honest but open (for example, “Can work weekends and evenings”) can improve your chances.

Prepare for Background and Security Questions

Be ready to:

• List your previous addresses and employers
• Explain any gaps in employment
• Discuss prior arrests or convictions honestly, if applicable (many roles have specific disqualifying offenses, but not all history is automatically disqualifying)

Practice Interview Answers Around Safety and Service

Common topics for ATL and other airport interviews include:

• A time you handled a difficult customer
• How you follow procedures even under pressure
• How you’d handle safety or security concerns
• Your comfort with standing for long hours or lifting bags

Having a few clear, brief stories ready makes you sound more prepared and confident.

Getting to and From ATL for Work

If you live in the Atlanta metro, your commute matters, especially for early or late shifts.

MARTA Access

Hartsfield–Jackson is directly served by:

• MARTA Red and Gold lines
  Terminal stop: Airport Station, inside the Domestic Terminal

Many airport employees in Atlanta use MARTA to avoid parking costs and traffic, especially those on day or evening shifts.

Driving and Parking

Some employers:

• Offer employee parking in designated lots with shuttle service
• Provide reduced-cost or free parking

Ask about parking arrangements during the hiring or onboarding process, especially if you’ll be working overnight or early morning shifts when transit options are limited.

Quick Reference: Where Airport Jobs in Atlanta Usually Come From

Use this to narrow your search: once you know the type of work, you know which employer category to focus on.

If you’re in or near Atlanta and searching for airport jobs, start by deciding what kind of work you prefer—customer service, outdoor ramp work, security, trades, or administration—and then target the employers who run those parts of Hartsfield–Jackson and nearby airports. From there, consistent applications, flexible availability, and readiness for background checks will put you in a strong position to get hired.