here’s a clear, realistic breakdown of how much you can earn collecting trolleys at an airport, plus what affects your pay, and whether it’s worth it as a job or side hustle.
What Does a Trolley Collector Do?
A trolley (or cart) collector:
- Gathers luggage trolleys from car parks, terminals, drop-off zones.
- Returns them to designated bays for passengers.
- Often works outside in all weather.
- May help passengers with directions or minor assistance.
Average Pay for Airport Trolley Collectors
Pay depends on:
Country & airport Whether you’re direct staff or working for a contractor Union coverage, overtime, night shifts
Here’s a rough idea:
| Country | Hourly Pay (Typical) | Monthly Full-Time (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| USA | $12 – $18/hour | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| UK | £10 – £12/hour | £1,600 – £2,000 |
| Australia | AUD $22 – $30/hour | AUD $3,500 – $4,800 |
| Canada | CAD $15 – $20/hour | CAD $2,400 – $3,200 |
| Middle East (Gulf airports) | USD $300 – $600/month | Often lower, includes accommodation & transport |
| EU (Germany, France) | €10 – €14/hour | €1,600 – €2,400 |
Do Trolley Collectors Get Tips?
Generally, no.
- It’s not common or expected to tip trolley collectors in airports.
- But in some premium airports, porters (who actively help with bags) do get tips — but that’s a separate role.
Full-Time vs. Part-Time
Most trolley collecting jobs are:
- Full-time: 35–40 hours/week.
- Shift work: Early mornings, nights, weekends.
- Overtime: Can increase pay by 20–50%.
Is It Hard Work?
Yes — physically demanding:
- You walk a lot (10,000–20,000 steps/day).
- You push/pull heavy lines of trolleys.
- You work in rain, heat, snow, depending on location.
Can You Make Good Money Collecting Trolleys?
- It’s usually minimum wage or slightly above — not high-paying.
- Good for students, short-term work, or people who want stable but entry-level jobs.
- Long-term: Many workers move into supervisor or other airport ground roles for better pay.
How to Get a Trolley Job
Directly with the airport’s ground services company With a cleaning/maintenance contractor Sometimes via temp agencies
No special qualifications needed — but basic English and physical fitness help.
Bottom Line: How Much Can You Make?
Typical take-home:
- Part-time: $500–$1,200/month
- Full-time: $1,500–$3,000/month (depending on country & shifts)
It’s decent for entry-level or student work, but unlikely to be a long-term career unless you move up.
Key Takeaway
Collecting trolleys = steady, honest work, but it’s basic pay — if you want to grow income, aim to use it as a step toward a better-paid ground operations or logistics job at the airport.