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The transportation and logistics industry is slated to grow faster than most sectors between 2010 and 2020. Jobs in the transportation industry are available right now. Trucking and warehouse experience can prove invaluable to those pursuing careers in transportation. Most jobs in the transportation industry require a high school diploma and a willingness to participate in on the job training. Having a military background is an added bonus.
Get your career in gear and check out these transportation jobs that are set to experience impressive growth!
Average Annual Salary: $37,150
Growth Rate 2010-2020: 29%
Education: High school diploma
Tip: If you’re interested in becoming a cargo and freight agent, be prepared to run a tight ship–or make that shipment center. This job involves routing and keeping track of incoming and outgoing deliveries.
Construction Equipment Operators
Average Annual Salary: $39,460
Growth Rate 2010-2020: 23%
Education: High school diploma
Tip: Mechanical knowledge and experience as well as an understanding of construction can help get your leg in the door.
Heavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers
Average Annual Salary: $37,770
Growth Rate 2010-2020: 21%
Education: High school diploma
Tip: As older workers transition out of the field, these positions along with new jobs present opportunity for job seekers.
Average Annual Salary: $62,230
Growth Rate 2010-2020: 10%-19%
Education: Two years of training, certification and/or degree in related field
Tip: If becoming a transportation inspector is your goal, consider earning a bachelor’s degree to set yourself apart from the competition. Extensive industry experience and relevant certifications may substitute for education requirements.
Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians
Average Annual Salary: $42,630
Growth Rate 2010-2020: 16%
Education: High school diploma
Tip: Take courses in automobile repair, math and/or computers to supplement your resume experience and stand out to employers.
Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Average Annual Salary: $40,850
Growth Rate 2010-2020: 15%
Education: High school diploma
Tip: Owner/operators are under great pressure to keep their fleet sweet. Increasingly strict regulations contribute to the need for truck mechanics.
Hand Laborers and Material Movers
Average Annual Salary: $22,560
Growth Rate 2010-2020: 14%
Education: High school diploma or less
Tip: Candidates who demonstrate critical thinking skills and have no problem lifting heavy loads can command the attention of hiring managers.
Average Annual Salary: $27,050
Growth Rate 2010-2020: 13%
Education: High school diploma
Tip: Handle packages, paperwork and people with care. Learning the products you deliver, completing forms accurately and establishing good customer relationships will make you a good fit for this position.
Average Annual Salary: $27,050
Growth Rate 2010-2020: 13%
Education: High school diploma
Tip: Strong customer service skills contribute to your ability to perform successfully in this role.
Average Annual Earnings: $29,160
Growth Rate 2010-2020: 13%
Education: High school diploma
Tip: Public safety knowledge and patience are essential if you’re interested in becoming a bus driver. The ability to provide a quality experience for passengers will take you a long way in this capacity.
Material Moving Machine Operators
Forklift Drivers/Operators
Average Annual Salary: $30,800
Growth Rate 2010-2020: 12%
Education: High school diploma or less
Tip: Depending on your work environment (warehouse or construction site), the ability to use forklifts, conveyor belts, crane and tower operators, industrial truck and tractor operators and other types of machinery comes in handy.
Shipping, Receiving and Traffic Clerks
Average Annual Salary: $30,480
Growth Rate 2010-2020: slower than average
Education: High school diploma
Tip: While employment projections for shipping, receiving and traffic clerks reveal slower than average growth due to a general shift toward automation, positions will become available as workers leave the field. The switch to automated systems is good news for those familiar with computers and electronic equipment. Bonus: Accuracy is vital to your success in this role.
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Driver jobs for OTR or Dedicated accounts are lousy this time of year. 1 or 2 loads per week. Less than 1800 miles per week. You end up stuck in the truck stop waiting for a day or more for the next load. This is BS and abuse by trucking firms. Drivers are stuck like slaves, begging for work in order to pay for lousy food, cell phone bills, rent for a place hardly seen and perhaps health care insurance they can’t use. Flipping burgers pays more once you run the numbers.
Thanks for sharing, Paul. Of course, there are good and not-so-good aspects of any job. Each driver’s experience varies. In cases such as the one you described, switching carriers or even careers within the transportation industry might be an option worth considering.
You need to show jobs that pay enough to live on, at least 65.000 and up
Randy–Sounds like a future post! Stay tuned and thanks for your comment.
Seems to me that everything has gone up in the way of cost of doing business. Everything that is except the drivers pay. Freight rates have went up due to the cost of fuel, but the pay rate for experienced drivers stays on the bottom of the cookie jar as crumbs. what is $10. and $12. an hr. when 15 & 20 yrs of service should fetch from $19 to $25. per hr. Consumer goods and services have went up. Things cost more now then they did 8yrs ago.???? Give what is due to the drivers who have earned the rate we deserve. The industry would have alot less turn over if it would straighten out the brokers and scheisters.