What Do Transportation Jobs Pay?

Transportation jobs are a crucial part of the economy, responsible for moving goods and people from one location to another. Whether it's through trucks, planes, trains, or boats, transportation workers ensure that essential goods and services are delivered efficiently and on time.

However, many people may be curious about what do transportation jobs pay and what the job outlook is like. In this article, we will explore the salaries and job outlooks for some of the most common transportation jobs.

What Is Transportation Job?

A transportation job is a profession that involves the movement of goods and people from one location to another. These jobs include a variety of roles, such as pilots, truck drivers, railway workers, ship captains, and delivery drivers, among others.

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Transportation jobs may involve driving, flying, sailing, or operating heavy machinery to move goods and people across various distances, from short local trips to long hauls across the country or even internationally. These jobs are critical to the economy and play an essential role in ensuring that goods and services are delivered safely and efficiently.

What Do Transportation Jobs Pay?

The pay for transportation jobs varies depending on the specific occupation, the level of experience, and the location of the job. Here are some examples of the median salaries for various transportation jobs in the United States according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2020:

• Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers - $47,130 per year
• Delivery Truck Drivers and Driver/Sales Workers - $32,020 per year
• Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers - $161,280 per year
• Ship and Boat Captains and Operators - $63,970 per year
• Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters - $66,240 per year
• Subway and Streetcar Operators - $72,220 per year
• Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs - $28,450 per year

It's worth noting that transportation jobs often include benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Additionally, some transportation jobs offer bonuses or incentives for meeting performance goals or for working in certain conditions, such as hazardous or remote environments.

List Of Jobs In The Transportation Industry And Their Pay Rates

Here is a list of some common jobs in the transportation industry, along with their median pay rates in the United States as of May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

• Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers - $47,130 per year
• Delivery Truck Drivers and Driver/Sales Workers - $32,020 per year
• Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers - $161,280 per year
• Ship and Boat Captains and Operators - $63,970 per year
• Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters - $66,240 per year
• Subway and Streetcar Operators - $72,220 per year
• Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs - $28,450 per year
• Bus Drivers - $44,210 per year
• Air Traffic Controllers - $130,420 per year
• Commercial Pilots - $93,760 per year
• Marine Engineers and Naval Architects - $93,110 per year
• Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics - $44,050 per year
• Material Moving Machine Operators - $36,140 per year
• Shipping, Receiving, and Traffic Clerks - $35,070 per year
• Freight and Cargo Inspectors - $69,960 per year

It's important to note that salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and employer. Additionally, some transportation jobs offer bonuses or incentives for meeting performance goals or for working in certain conditions.

What Transportation Job Pays The Most?

The transportation job that pays the most varies depending on factors such as level of experience, industry, and specific job duties.

• Air Traffic Controllers - Median annual salary of $130,420
• Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers - Median annual salary of $161,280
• Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers - Median annual salary of $97,630
• Commercial Pilots - Median annual salary of $93,760
• Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers - Median annual salary of $147,220

It's important to note that salaries can vary depending on location, employer, and other factors. Additionally, some transportation jobs offer bonuses or incentives for meeting performance goals or for working in certain conditions, such as hazardous or remote environments.

What Does A Truck Driver Do?

A truck driver is a professional driver who operates large commercial vehicles to transport goods over long distances. Truck drivers are responsible for transporting goods and materials safely and efficiently from one location to another. Their primary duties include:

• Inspecting their vehicle before and after each trip to ensure it is safe and in good working condition.
• Planning and executing a route to their destination, taking into account road conditions, weather, and other factors that may affect their journey.
• Loading and unloading cargo from their truck, ensuring that it is properly secured and protected during transit.
• Adhering to federal and state regulations governing the transportation of hazardous materials, oversized loads, and other specialized cargo.
• Maintaining accurate records of their driving time, mileage, and cargo, as required by federal regulations.
• Communicating with dispatchers, shippers, and receivers to coordinate deliveries and resolve any issues that may arise.

Truck drivers may work for trucking companies, shipping firms, or other businesses that require the transportation of goods. They typically spend long hours on the road and may be away from home for extended periods of time.

Is A Job In Transportation Physically Demanding?

The physical demands of a job in transportation can vary depending on the specific occupation. Some transportation jobs, such as truck driving or heavy equipment operation, can be physically demanding due to long hours of sitting or standing, frequent lifting and moving of heavy objects, and exposure to weather conditions. Other transportation jobs, such as air traffic controllers or dispatchers, may require prolonged periods of sitting and intense mental focus.

In addition to physical demands, transportation jobs can also be mentally demanding due to the need for quick decision-making, attention to detail, and adherence to safety protocols.

It's important to note that many transportation jobs have specific physical and mental requirements that must be met in order to obtain and maintain employment. These requirements can vary depending on the occupation and may include factors such as vision, hearing, physical fitness, and mental acuity.

What Is Class 1 License?

A Class 1 license, also known as a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in the United States, is a type of driver's license that allows an individual to operate the heaviest and largest type of commercial vehicles, such as tractor-trailers and other combination vehicles.

In Canada, a Class 1 license allows an individual to drive a truck with a total weight of more than 11,000 kilograms, including any towed vehicles with a weight of up to 4,600 kilograms. A Class 1 license also allows the holder to operate all lower classes of commercial vehicles, such as Class 3 and Class 5 vehicles.

To obtain a Class 1 license, an individual must typically meet certain requirements, such as a minimum age of 21 years old, a clean driving record, and successful completion of a written and practical driving test. Additionally, some jurisdictions may require individuals to complete a training course or apprenticeship program before obtaining a Class 1 license.

Top 7 Paying Jobs In Transportation

• Air Traffic Controllers - Median annual salary of $130,420
• Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers - Median annual salary of $161,280
• Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers - Median annual salary of $97,630
• Commercial Pilots - Median annual salary of $93,760
• Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers - Median annual salary of $147,220
• Ship Engineers - Median annual salary of $82,900
• Ship Captains, Mates, and Pilots - Median annual salary of $80,970

It's important to note that salaries can vary depending on location, employer, level of experience, and other factors. Additionally, some transportation jobs may offer bonuses or incentives for meeting performance goals or for working in certain conditions, such as hazardous or remote environments.

People Also Ask

How Do I Get A Job In Transportation?

To get a job in transportation, you typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and relevant training or certifications, depending on the specific job.

What Are The Working Conditions For Transportation Jobs?

Working conditions for transportation jobs vary depending on the specific job. Some transportation jobs, such as truck driving and piloting, require long hours and time away from home, while others, such as railway work, may involve working in harsh weather conditions.

What Skills Are Required For Transportation Jobs?

Skills required for transportation jobs include good driving skills, attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, good communication skills, and the ability to work independently.

Are Transportation Jobs In Demand?

Transportation jobs are in demand, with a projected job growth rate of 2 to 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, depending on the specific job.

Conclusion

Transportation jobs offer a range of salaries and job outlooks, depending on the specific occupation. While some jobs, such as piloting and ship captaincy, offer higher salaries, others, such as truck driving and railway work, offer more modest salaries.

However, many transportation jobs offer good job security and a favorable job outlook, making them attractive career options for those interested in this field. Ultimately, it's essential to research and understands the salary and job outlook of a transportation job before pursuing it as a career.

About The Authors

Keith Peterson - I'm an expert IT marketing professional with over 10 years of experience in various Digital Marketing channels such as SEO (search engine optimization), SEM (search engine marketing), SMO (social media optimization), ORM (online reputation management), PPC (Google Adwords, Bing Adwords), Lead Generation, Adwords campaign management, Blogging (Corporate and Personal), and so on. Web development and design are unquestionably another of my passions. In fast-paced, high-pressure environments, I excel as an SEO Executive, SEO Analyst, SR SEO Analyst, team leader, and digital marketing strategist, efficiently managing multiple projects, prioritizing and meeting tight deadlines, analyzing and solving problems.