Are you seeking a career that offers both impact and excitement? Join us as we explore some of the highest-paying jobs in the transportation sector, a vital industry responsible for the movement of goods and people.
Our society's increasing globalization is poising the transportation industry for significant growth, presenting new challenges and opportunities. This dynamic field is particularly well-suited for innovators with strong problem-solving abilities.
So, let's delve deeper and discover more about the world of transportation careers.
Top 10 transportation jobs
Here are the top 10 jobs in transportation today, along with each role’s responsibilities and salary.
1. Owner-operator driver
Owner-operator truck drivers are business owners who deliver all sorts of goods and raw materials, and their median yearly payis $48,310. This job is a good option for those with an entrepreneurial spirit who like working independently.
The job entails planning routes to get to destinations on time, loading and unloading cargo, and driving long distances. Every long-haul truck driver must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). This shows employers you know the federal laws and regulations for transporting goods and raw materials interstate.
2. Pilot
Pilots fly planes carrying cargo and passengers and check the aircraft’s overall condition before and after every flight. In addition, pilots must submit a flight plan to air traffic control and communicate their progress through the plane’s radio system. Commercial pilots are often employed in airlines and other flight activities, such as firefighting, aerial tours, or charter flights. The median annual pay for pilots is $134,630.
Pilots must obtain a formal education and acquire substantial flight experience. While enrolling in either a college degree program or a specialized training program is crucial, aspiring pilots must also log many flight hours before applying for airline pilot positions. As a result, many new graduates start their careers as flight instructors or on-demand charter pilots to gain the necessary experience.
3. Highway engineer
A highway engineer draws and designs roads, bridges, and other highway-related construction projects. As such, this role involves developing highly analytical thinking and design skills to collaborate with architects, developers, and transportation planners. They may also supervise highway maintenance workers to keep roads in good condition.
A highway engineer’s average annual salary is $83,296. Minimum educational requirements for a highway engineer include a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Most employees also require experience in computer-aided design (CAD) software.
4. Railroad engineer
A railroad engineer — commonly called a train engineer — keeps trains on schedule and observes safety procedures, whether carrying cargo or passengers. Their duties include understanding and following speed limits and signals and communicating with dispatchers, traffic controllers, and conductors.
Though the job entails working long hours and being away from home on holidays and weekends, it pays well: Railroad engineers typically earn around $95,000 per year.
5. Air traffic controller
Air traffic controllers direct planes while following specific rules, regulations, and procedures. They instruct pilots to climb, turn, land, and move safely both on the ground and in the sky. The work environment is stressful at times, making a calm demeanor critical for those interested in air traffic control career opportunities.
This job requires a degree from the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative program. You must also complete Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Academy training. The latest median salary for air traffic controllers is $129,750 per year.
6. Dispatcher
A dispatcher’s main duty is to ensure everything runs smoothly when moving goods or passengers. You’ll find job opportunities for dispatchers in many industries, including public transportation and warehouse operations. They earn an average annual salary of $65,887.
This role is the point of contact between customers and delivery drivers and between departments. Many entry-level positions only require a high school diploma and excellent customer service skills.
7. Flight attendant
Flight attendants conduct safety checks before flights and guide and assist passengers during air travel. They also receive rigorous training in case of emergencies and earn a median yearly income of $61,640.
You can get hired with a high school diploma if you’re certified by the FAA. A college degree and multi-language fluency will give you a competitive advantage if you want to work on international flights.
8. Civil engineer
Civil engineers work in the transportation services industry and plan, design, and oversee the construction of infrastructure projects like bridges, roads, and tunnels. They also supervise the repair, maintenance, and replacement of said transportation systems.
Those who pride themselves on their precision and accuracy might enjoy being a civil engineer. The job also pays well, at just over $88,000 per year, on average. A civil engineer needs at least a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, engineering technologies, or a related study like construction.
9. Aircraft mechanic
Aircraft mechanics ensure the planes in their care, from single-engine aircraft to large, multi-engine jets, are in good repair. They check planes for mechanical or electrical problems and repair or replace defective parts.
Expect a loud working environment because of the plane engines and equipment. But average pay is decent, at around $80,000 per year. You’ll need at least an associate degree from an FAA-approved program and a passing FAA certification exam score to become an aircraft mechanic.
10. Supply chain analyst
Most of the world’s material needs revolve around supply chains — from food and clothing to luxury items. Hence, supply chain analysts enjoy great job security. The work is impactful, and the pay is not too bad: $75,625 per year, on average.
Supply chain analysts collect and study supply chain data with the goal of improving supply chain operations’ efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This requires analytical skills and attention to detail.
Supply chain analysts need a bachelor's degree in business, systems engineering, or supply chain management. Most employers also ask for relevant experience and familiarity with supply chain processes.
What education do you need for a career in transportation?
Some career opportunities within the transportation industry are entry-level positions requiring minimal education (a high school diploma) and job training. However, earning a college degree would give you a competitive advantage if you’re eyeing the best-paying jobs. You also may need to complete certain certifications for some of these roles, which can vary by state and industry.
The best college majors for transportation jobs
Not all employers offer apprenticeships or on-the-job training. If you’re interested in becoming part of the transportation industry, it’s in your best interest to arm yourself with foundational knowledge. Here are some college majors to consider:
- Transportation sciences and technologies: This specialization covers designing infrastructure and improving existing transportation systems. With this major, you can work as a transportation engineer, a pilot, or an aircraft mechanic.
- Systems engineering: These degrees typically teach you the aspects of installing, designing, analyzing, and maintaining complex systems. Those who major in systems engineering can work in many different industries.
- Business: You’ll learn how to apply finance, marketing, and management theories to real-world problems in this field of study. With some experience, you can use your business major to work as a transportation company manager, administrator, or owner.
- Logistics: You can use a logistics degree to become a transportation manager, logistics manager, or supply chain analyst. These programs help you learn about supply chain processes, storing materials, and transporting goods.
- Aviation management: This field of study gives you a foundational knowledge of the technical and business components of air transportation. You’ll learn about aviation policies, safety, and regulations.
Find the best school for your career goals with College Rover
Choosing a career path is a huge decision. Consider your interests, abilities, and career goals, and learn about each program’s cost and earning potential to help you determine the return on investment (ROI). Sound complicated? It doesn’t have to be.
We’ve done a lot of the research, so you don’t have to. Find the schools and programs that suit you best at College Rover, where you can search for schools using the criteria that are most important to you. We’re here to help you find the college of your dreams.
