Movement is at the heart of human progress. As civilizations advanced, our modes of transportation have also improved tremendously. We used to walk to cover entire continents over a few months. Now, we travel to the other side of the world in a few hours. This shows that humankind has come a long way indeed. Since movement and travel are pivotal to our daily life, there is always a high demand for workers in this industry. In this article, we shall look at the responsibilities and monetary benefits of some of the best-paying jobs in transportation.
Methodology: We have used the averages of the salaries mentioned on the website of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Salary, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter. Salaries of CEOs or Vps have been excluded from this sample.
Table of Contents:
- What Is The Transportation Field?
- What Are The Best Paying Jobs in Transportation?
- Best Paying Jobs In Transportation (From $233K to $70K)
- Best Paying Jobs in Transportation (Between $70K and $40K)
- Jobs in Transportation Salaries Under $40K
What Is The Transportation Field?
The transportation field is an exciting and dynamic industry with many career paths. From commercial airline pilots to local delivery drivers, the transportation field is integral in keeping our society moving forward.
At its core, transportation involves moving people or goods from one place to another. This can be accomplished through various modes, including air, sea, rail, and road. For these modes to work effectively together, professionals within the industry must possess a unique set of skills and knowledge.
Careers within the transportation field are diverse and offer something for everyone. Whether you enjoy working with your hands as a mechanic or prefer solving complex logistical problems as a supply chain manager, this exciting industry has no shortage of opportunities within several transportation companies.
What Are The Best Paying Jobs in Transportation?
Transportation jobs are some of the most critical positions in modern society. They ensure that goods and services can be moved quickly and efficiently worldwide, enabling individuals, businesses, and whole societies to benefit from a more robust global economy.
In this article, we shall look at examples of transportation bets paying jobs so readers can understand just how many different opportunities for such positions are out there. The best-paying jobs in transportation are:
- Owner Operator Driver
- Logistic Professionals
- Pilot
- Air Traffic Control
- Highway Engineers
- Railroad Engineer
- Marine Engineer
- Warehouse Manager
- Locomotive Engineer
- Aircraft Mechanic
- Flight Attendant
- Operators
- Train Conductor
- Water Transportation Workers
- Truck Driver
- Dispatcher
- Dump Truck Driver
- Crane Operator
- Transportation Coordinator
- Bus Driver
- Light Truck Drivers
Best Paying Jobs In Transportation (From $233K to $70K)
In this section, we shall look at some career paths that come under the best-paying jobs in transportation.
1) Owner Operator Driver
An owner-operator is an independent contractor that drives vehicles and delivers items to consumers. The majority of owner-operators operate their own small businesses and semi-trailer vehicles.
They can work in various fields, such as logistics, the healthcare industry, and restaurant franchises. They typically begin their careers as truck drivers, gather experience, and launch their own firms.
The other responsibilities of an owner-operator include transporting cargo over long distances and engaging with dispatchers. Moreover, they are also responsible for loading and unloading materials.
Plus, they also plan the most efficient routes. Some business tasks, such as accounting, also fall under their purview.
An owner-operator driver makes about $233,000 on average every year.
2) Logistic Professionals
From intern and analyst up to Director or vice president, the range of a logistic professional can go from 61,340/year to $231,343.
The Logistics Vice President is responsible for leading the logistics team and making all major decisions regarding company logistics. They are in charge of developing strategies to improve the efficiency of the company’s supply chain and ensuring that all orders are fulfilled promptly and accurately.
The Logistics Vice President is also responsible for overseeing the budget for the logistics department and ensuring that all operations are run smoothly and efficiently.
3) Pilot
A pilot is a person who works in the aviation industry. Also, he is qualified to fly an airplane and transfer people or cargo safely from one place to another. There are various opportunities in the public and private sectors and educational settings as a trainer in the broad aviation domain.
Pilots may be responsible for carrying people, military personnel, private goods, commercial cargo, or other forms of freight. This depends on what area of aviation they operate in.
Some other responsibilities of a pilot include:
- Conducting pre and post-flight inspections of the aircraft.
- Choosing effective and safe flying routes.
- Identifying potential threats.
- Maintaining accurate records for compliance-related reasons.
- Communicating with the necessary persons and agencies.
- Ensuring the comfort and safety of the crew, passengers, and aircraft.
The median salary of an airline pilot is $139,000 a year. (Other Sources)
4) Air Traffic Control
An air traffic controller issues permissions for aircraft to safely take off or land from control towers, approach control facilities, or route centers
They coordinate air traffic patterns to ensure that airplanes are kept at a safe distance from one another. They can alter flight courses as needed since they maintain the safety of the aircraft, flight crew, and airline passengers.
The median salary of an air traffic controller is close to $130,000.
5) Highway Engineers
A highway engineer supervises a project’s budgeting, estimating, planning, and execution. Because of this, a job in highway engineering is both varied and exciting, requiring daily tasks, including conducting site surveys, creating design requirements, organizing delivery packages, and much more.
Also, the job requires one to alter existing roads if necessary. Moreover, engineers must examine present traffic patterns to estimate project expenses.
The median salary of highway engineers is slightly more than $100,000.
6) Railroad Engineer
A railroad engineer is responsible for the operation of a train and its crew. They must ensure that the train runs on time and safely. Railroad engineers typically work for a railway company or as part of a team of engineers.
The railroad engineer will be responsible for operating a train and its crew as a railroad engineer. You must ensure that the train runs on time and safely. Railroad engineers typically work for a railway company or as part of a team of engineers.
A railroad engineer operates a train and its crew. They must ensure the train arrives at its destination on time and without any accidents. To do this, they must have strong leadership skills and knowledge of the rail system.
The average salary of a Railroad Engineer is $94,310 in the US.
7) Marine Engineer
A career in marine transportation may be full of options for a skilled professional. A marine engineer is a person who creates, constructs, tests, and fixes ships, boats, underwater vehicles, offshore platforms, and drilling apparatus. They frequently collaborate closely with naval architects to make everything from little yachts and fishing boats to submarines and aircraft carriers.
Marine engineers are also needed in the energy sector for crucial tasks.
People who have studied marine engineering frequently carry out tasks such as supervising and maintaining ships, bunkering fuel oil, planning, and record keeping. Also, they repair the ship as needed.
The median pay for a marine engineer is more than $93,000.
8) Warehouse Manager
The management of activities in storage facilities rests with warehouse managers. They are in charge of organizing and retrieving the activities related to storing various objects safely and securely. They frequently oversee a team, hire new employees, give them tasks, and evaluate their progress.
A warehouse manager is responsible for accepting shipments of supplies, commodities, records, or other items. He monitors compliance with health and safety guidelines. Also, he assigns tasks to a staff team.
Additionally, he has to maintain details of the inventory, sales, fast-moving products, and security measures. Also, he needs to ensure a risk-free environment. Lastly, he responds to requests for the retrieval of goods.
The median salary of a warehouse manager is more than $91,000 a year.
9) Locomotive Engineer
Train engineers operate locomotives that can transport passengers or cargo. They communicate with other train crew members and ensure they comply with safety regulations. The average base salary of $74,502.
10) Aircraft Mechanic
An aircraft mechanic is one of the many transportation jobs in today’s global economy.
Aircraft mechanics are responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining all types of aircraft engines, both gas and diesel-powered.
They must thoroughly know how an airplane works, including identifying any mechanical problems or defects within the plane’s various parts and systems.
Furthermore, they must be proficient in conducting tests on an aircraft engine to ensure its optimal performance levels at all times.
Qualifications required by most employers include certification from either the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or another accredited organization and the completion of hands-on training programs focusing on aviation technology and safety protocols. In addition to their technical duties, these professionals often take up roles such as supervising new hires or teaching students about airplane maintenance techniques, thus providing them with ample opportunity to grow professionally and personally in this field.
The average salary of an aircraft mechanic is $73,000.
11) Flight Attendant
On commercial aircraft, flight attendants are tasked with caring for passengers. The work goes well beyond providing for passengers. Additionally, flight attendants assist with preflight briefings with pilots, check emergency equipment before takeoff, uphold safety protocols on board, and look after passengers with special requirements.
Moreover, they can be asked to deliver and organize emergency medical treatment, soothe anxious passengers, and give instructions during an airplane evacuation.
The employment includes unpredictable hours, including nights and weekends, which can necessitate spending the night in a far-off city.
The median salary of a flight attendant is more than $70,000. (Other Sources)
Best Paying Jobs in Transportation (Between $70K and $40K)
We have now reached the last lap of our best-paying jobs evaluation. This section will look at some of the best-paying jobs in transportation between $70K and $40K.
12) Operators
Operators are a vital component of any modern transportation system. They monitor and control the transportation of goods and services worldwide, often through computer systems, radios, or other advanced technology. In many cases, operators must be familiar with logistics processes such as routing, scheduling, and cargo management to manage and direct these operations successfully.
A typical operator may work on an airport ground crew managing incoming flights while ensuring the passengers’ safe transition once they disembark from the aircraft to their destination. This could include supervising baggage loaders unloading luggage into specific sections of a plane, depending on its destination.
Other operators might work with freight forwarders to arrange for carriers to transport these cargoes between specified points in potentially challenging conditions. They require special consideration due to safety regulations involving hazardous materials or perishables needing temperature-controlled vessels.
This type of labor helps ensure schedules can be met without fail whilst efficiently mastering logistical complexities along their path.
All these examples indicate considerable skill requirements associated with operating different aspects within widely varied roles in today’s transportation industry. All showcase unique challenges awaiting job candidates ready to take up their respective responsibilities that affect people’s lives.
The salary of an operator varies between $60,933 and $71,581, and the average is $65,742
13) Train Conductor
A train or railway conductor is a person who works onboard trains, supervising the everyday duties of the crew. A freight train conductor also performs similar duties keeping an eye on the loading and unloading of cargo at each stop.
This position frequently entails long hours and either national or regional routes.
This job role involves ensuring the safety of every passenger. A train conductor is also responsible for checking the tickets. Further, he informs passengers of the upcoming halt and contains the track for any issues. Also, he coordinates with other staff regarding the timetable.
The median salary for train conductors is greater than $64,000.
14) Water Transportation Workers
Workers in the water transportation industry manage and operate non-military ships. In addition to running ships, the role entails preserving passenger and cargo safety.
They could be employed by massive deep-sea container ships transporting manufactured products, bulk carriers transporting iron ore, coal, and other heavy items, tankers transporting gasoline and other liquids, or other shipping companies.
Captains, mates, pilots, sailors, ship engineers, marine boilers, and motorboat drivers are among the several classes of water transportation workers.
They have a median salary of greater than $62,000.
15) Truck Driver
A truck driver is a person who makes a living by operating a vehicle and moving materials and products over land. They often travel to and from production facilities, distribution centers, and stores while working any day or night. They offer industrialized societies a vital service.
The median salary of a truck driver is between $48,000 -$50,000. (Other Sources)
16) Dispatcher
Service sectors, such as emergency, courier, and taxi, employ dispatchers to fulfill requests — a dispatcher first receives them, often by phone, and then speaks with mobile units. In a communications center, they often collaborate with additional dispatchers.
A dispatcher can progress to a senior job with education and experience. A dispatcher has varied responsibilities. These include answering queries in a collected, personable, and professional way.
Also, since this is a highly time-sensitive job, he must get critical and precise information as soon as possible. The ability to identify and prioritize emergency calls is highly crucial here.
Also, he must be able to pass on the relevant information clearly and concisely. Further, he must have records of all calls.
A dispatcher’s median salary is around $47,000 a year. (Other Sources)
17) Dump Truck Driver
Working as Dump Truck drivers, individuals deliver materials such as sand, gravel, or dirt from one location to another. It’s usually done in conventional dump trucks with an open-top trailer body.
The Dumpo Truck Driver delivers from quarries, coal mines, or other sites where excavation occurs due primarily to site preparation or repairs. Drivers will also be responsible for introducing new loads into trailer beds ensuring items are accurately placed within vehicles.
Depending on varying state laws and regulations applicable to driving Class 5 commercial vehicles, overstated weight limitations and requirements must also be adhered to.
Given the nature of this role, they must have exceptional knowledge regarding safety protocols and rules. At the same time, they must have the good physical health to perform duties such as loading/unloading materials when needed. They may often amend equipment breakdowns at extremely short notice. A high school diploma usually provides enough qualifications. However, more complex jobs may require additional training, whilst DOT (Department Of Transportation) certification can assure greater success. It offers ensured credibility upon hire, which employers seek after, given some demands may carry significant time constraints, concrete mixing skills, etc.
It will also require employees to be acquainted with specialized assessments pre & post-reaching destination points decreasing potential risks involved during the distribution processes.
The average salary of Dump Truck Drives is $46,000.
18) Crane Operator
Crane operators work on tower or bridge cranes. Construction companies often need crane operators. They move large loads of building materials to inaccessible places by collaborating with other workers to ensure all work is carried out safely.
Also, they ensure that the entire process complies with safety standards and the construction plans or loading schedules. They ensure that loads are correctly balanced and within the specified weight capacity for the operational conditions.
The median salary of crane operators is between $38,000 -$45,000 a year. (Other Sources)
19) Transportation Coordinator
When coordinating transportation, establishing schedule parameters entails looking into schedule requests, cargo, distances, and other crucial data. Using the software, transportation planners may create or change new timetables.
They may highlight how effectively the routes save time and money by scheduling special events, busiest traffic times, and construction. As part of their job, a coordinator may assign routes, plan shifts for other employees, create operations reports, and write user manuals.
The average salary of a transportation coordinator is greater than $43,000.
20) Bus Driver
A bus driver drives passengers around the country to work, school, and many destinations. Some bus drivers operate on set routes, while others take tourists on sightseeing trips.
Also, a bus driver has other responsibilities, such as ensuring all the passengers are safely transported. Additionally, he ensures to follow a planned route and timetable. A bus driver should also adhere to traffic rules and regulations. He must provide customer service when required.
A bus driver’s average salary is around $42,000 a year. (Other sources)
21) Light Truck Drivers
Tractor trailers are big vehicles operated by light truck drivers. They transport goods from manufacturers to merchants, warehouses, and other sites.
Light truck drivers commonly pick up freight at intermodal rail yards or seaside ports. Some light truck drivers travel extensively and spend a lot of time away from home when working over the road (OTR).
The median salary of a light truck driver is about $42,000 a year.
Jobs in Transportation Salaries Under $40K
We have covered many diverse roles in the transportation sector so far. But, in this section, we will look at some of the not-very-best-paying jobs in transportation. The ones below $40K.
Chauffeur
A chauffeur offers private driving services, typically for both professional and social occasions. They could make contracts work for a company, a family, or an individual.
Additionally, drivers can work on various clients’ ad hoc or temporary contracts. Unless they are hired on a retainer by a client who may have a flexible schedule, chauffeurs are typically reserved for specific journeys.
His main tasks are to perform periodic maintenance on their car to ensure it is safe and roadworthy. He is also responsible for changing tires, checking oil levels, etc. Also, a chauffeur maps out the most efficient routes and takes care of the luggage when traveling.
The median salary of a chauffeur is between $30,000 – $35,000. (Other Sources)
Cab Drivers
Cab drivers take customers from their starting point to their final destination in a taxi in return for payment. For peak or off-peak operating hours, separate fixed rates are used to determine fares.
Someone good with people is the ideal candidate for this position since it demands an outgoing attitude. Taxi drivers might be employed on a temporary basis or a long-term contract. While some cabbies own their vehicles, others rent them.
A cab driver has to follow traffic rules. Also, he must know the shortest and most efficient routes to each destination. Plus, he has to assist passengers with their luggage and help specially-abled passengers.
The median salary of a cab driver is more than $37,000 per year. (Other Sources)
Warehouse Shipping Loaders
Warehouse shipping loaders play some of the most critical roles in transport and logistics. They ensure that goods are loaded onto vehicles quickly and correctly so they can be transported to their destination safely, on time, and within budget. As a warehouse shipping loader, people must work close attention to detail by ensuring that items have been securely packed into the containers for safe transportation and accurately recording all items as they move out of storage ready for transit.
Warehouse loading often includes lifting heavy packages or merchandise from ground level onto shelves or into an appropriate container/vehicle.
In addition, rigorous safety protocols should be followed at all times when operating machinery to avoid any hazards, such as accidents or injuries happening throughout the workplace.
As well as physical qualifications, those wishing to pursue this career should possess organizational skills specific enough to manage stock inventories whilst packing orders correctly with no margin for error.
It is essential that anyone considering this job has excellent spatial awareness plus an aptitude in basic mathematics to calculate weight restrictions on different shipments accurately without fail each time these operations take place every day during business hours across industries around the world today.
The average salary of a warehouse shipping loader is $36,000.
Van Driver
A van driver can transport packages and parcels, newspapers, bakery, dairy goods, and other goods while operating vehicles, vans, and light trucks. By planning routes, delivering items, or selling things along the way by taking and processing payments, they may load and unload the cargo and offer customer service.
In addition to scanning and sorting the freight or cargo, they could be in charge of building, installing, or putting up the items they supply.
A van driver’s work includes scheduling delivery trips and inspecting their vehicle before and after the journey, just like other transportation occupations.
A van driver makes close to $35,000 on average.
In Conclusion
The transportation industry offers many high-paying jobs with great responsibilities. With the ever-growing need for faster and more efficient ways to transport people and goods, the possibilities in this field are endless.
If you’re looking for a stable and exciting career, there are many job opportunities in the transportation sector. A career in transportation offers several opportunities for development and expansion.
You will be exposed to a variety of fields through your work. Most transportation and logistics companies provide internal training programs; many will also pay for continuing education outside. In selecting one of the best-paying jobs in transportation, you will gain exposure to multiple sectors.
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Ranu Kumari is a Professional Writer and a Marketing enthusiast who currently runs her own Marketing Consultancy, LatitudeBOX. She has written promotional articles for multiple brands and has published her work in Scopus indexed journals. She is passionate about expressing her thoughts and ideas to connect with her readers in a voice that they understand.