You’ve probably come across transportation positions if you’re searching for jobs. While it’s a vast and diverse field, many people wonder whether the area is viable. Stay with our post if you also bear the question “Is transportation a good career path?” in mind.
Today, our Jobandedu’s team will lend you a detailed and closer look into the industry and introduce some highly rewarded positions in the sector for your consideration.
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Is Transportation A Good Career Path?
Yes, transportation has a viable job prospect. Transport is critical to the global economy and daily life; thus, its demand will remain strong for years to come. Furthermore, although vehicles are becoming more automated, there is little evidence that the market for a trained person will be gone anytime soon.
Indeed, according to ZipRecruiter, over 426,362 individuals are working in the public transportation sector in the United States today.
Because a large proportion of transportation positions involve training or higher learning, most of them reward handsomely. Most of them likewise entail significant levels of personal accountability and autonomy.
Transportation is a vast and vital sector with different positions at different levels, so everyone can quickly locate a suitable job. Many of the skills obtained in this profession are transferable to other industries, so it shouldn’t be too complicated if you choose to pursue other career interests later.
What Do Transportation Jobs Pay?
On average, transportation positions earn $57,500 annually. However, various job options in the field result in different paychecks.
For instance, a helicopter pilot with many years of service in a top-tier business may earn up to $142,000 annually in transportation. An entry-level cab driver, on the other hand, an entry-level cab driver only earns roughly $23,000 annually.
11 Best Paying Jobs In Transportation
Bus Driver
With a domestic average annual salary of $60,816, surprisingly, bus drivers are among the decent paying positions in transportation. A bus driver’s prime responsibility is to safely transport people from one destination to another.
They frequently drive from one stop to another, in or around a specific city or region. Bus drivers often communicate with the public; therefore, they commonly develop good customer service skills.
Train Engineer
Train engineers control the quality of locomotives that transport passengers or goods. To ensure safe performance, they must constantly supervise a handful of electronics on travels. They are in charge of implementing changes as ordered by emergency responders or as a consequence of bad weather or various factors.
They are also involved in the checkups that take place between travels, which serve to ensure that all things are in a proper working order. Train engineers receive over $70,000 per year on average.
Warehouse Manager
This position is more precisely among supply-chain jobs; yet, it’s also considered transportation work.
A warehouse manager may expect to earn at least $71,319 annually. Warehouse managers work directly with other professionals in the freight industry to ensure that items are transported safely from one site to the next.
This job usually requires excellent communication with vendors and other industry professionals to guarantee that things are picked up on time by the warehouses. They also strive to foresee and handle any supply chain bottlenecks.
Crane And Lifting Equipment Operator
Crane and lifting equipment operators receive a median of $75,727 per year. They are in charge of loading heavy products and goods in the warehouses by the delivery schedule and follow the industry principles like first-in, first-out.
They may also carry goods purchased or grouped for exports and distribution following the safety requirements established for this purpose.
Marine Engineer
Does the idea of earning an average annual income of $77,690 appeal to you? If it is, then a position as a marine engineer may just be ideal for you.
A marine engineer is a person who models and manufactures ships and other forms of maritime transportation. They are involved in the entire shipbuilding operation, from preliminary blueprints to serving onboard ships and addressing any problems.
HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) Drivers
HGV drivers may expect to get up to $77,714 annually. A heavy goods vehicle (HGV) or a truck driver will operate a lorry or truck across the states delivering cargo, necessities, or construction products.
Such professionals are experienced in long-distance traveling, which might entail an extended stay in the driver’s seat. Driver opportunities are available on a regional, national, and worldwide scale.
Logistic Analyst
A logistic analyst is a line of work typically chosen by those who prefer administrative positions in the transportation industry. They are handsomely compensated, collecting $84,927 each year.
Logistics professionals oversee the transportation of products from one site to another. It is a complicated position that frequently requires refined analytical and problem-solving abilities.
With a rising world population and freight, this is a booming profession. The job may also necessitate the application of cutting-edge technologies, meaning that a high level of computer skills is required.
Pilots
Among the highest-paying positions in transportation are pilots. Pilots can earn up to $87,912 annually. They are in charge of flying passengers from one location to another and are professionals in all elements of aviation operations, especially keeping airplanes safe in inclement conditions.
How hard is it to become a pilot? We’d say extremely!
Due to the life-affecting nature of the job, a pilot often requires many years of schooling and job expertise. Those with bachelor’s degrees in physics or engineering might find it simpler to get the job.
Pilots usually fly hours, including evenings, holidays, and sometimes 24/7 operations; thus, they require exceptional health.
Ship Captain
Ship captains are the top-ranking officers of a seafaring ship. Usually, freight ship captains operate cargo vessels or towboats. Like tourist boats, only a few ship captains steer commercial boats.
They are primarily responsible for safely transporting commercial products and/or travelers, together with the staff, across different kinds of oceans. They are responsible for planning and regulating the ship’s itinerary using other navigational devices and crewmates. On average, ship captains earn over $92,000 annually.
Train Conductor
Train conductors are responsible for driving trains from one destination to the next. They often run or inspect the train before it leaves. Train conductors have the authority to examine for and notify necessary maintenance to engineers.
They may also disclose necessary information to customers and staff. Train conductors are among the highest-paid positions in transportation, with an average income of $145,383 annually.
Highway Engineer
Highway engineers design and manage new highway constructions. Their job comprises assessing where new highways are warranted, selecting the type of highway, and finalizing the route’s appearance.
As a road expert, you will also oversee contractor personnel to ensure the project is proceeding properly. Highway engineers earn a median compensation of $159,624 annually, among the highest-paying transportation positions.
Wrapping Up
Is transportation a good career path? Without a doubt!
Indeed, transportation positions are highly in demand, and they show no sign of slowing down in the near future. Likewise, the field also offers a wide range of jobs that match nearly all levels and skillsets, transferable skills, and for some positions, desirable earnings.
Thus, if you cannot decide which career to follow yet still want to make a decent paycheck, transportation is an excellent option!
For more career advice, visit our Career Advice section!
