A career in the transportation industry can be incredibly rewarding when you get the best paying jobs in transportation. This will be not only in terms of earnings and retirement benefits, but also the satisfaction that comes with services rendered to humanity. The industry has been around since the onset of human civilization, and it has proven to be a resilient one in terms of adapting to technological advancement. Transportation is wide in scope and covers roads, water, and air travel. The U.S Bureau of labor statistics stipulate that1.53 billion truck drivers exist in the U.S in 2022. This marks an increase of about 0.9% from what was on record in the year 2020. It is also worth mentioning that the transportation industry contributes $76.9 Billion in revenue to the US economy.
Benefits of Working in Transportation Industry
Four important aspects that really matter when it comes to career choices include a passion for the work done, the freedom to demonstrate one’s creativity, expertise to get the job done, and the feeling that what is done brings value to humanity. A career in the any of the top jobs in transportation allows one to enjoy massive benefits:
Trainings and Education
In the fast-paced economy the ability to unlearn, relearn, and learn is essential. Most of the careers in public transportation offer massive learning opportunities to employees. Most of the firms ensure they have the best employees in every role, and this is achieved through continuous training and learning. There are plenty of avenues for learning in the industry, making it possible for those interested in expanding their skill sets to grow and thrive in their careers.
Individual Satisfaction and Fulfillment
Of all careers in existence, jobs that entail direct interactions with other humans prove to be highly fulfilling. Working in the transportation industry can he hugely rewarding by the fact that every day is a day to be helpful in guaranteeing human mobility. The industry is the backbone of the US economy, without which most stores will run out of products and work will never get done by the many stakeholders in diverse industries. The industry directly impacts our existence.
Adaptive and Resilient Industry
In the ever-changing digital economy, most industries have been wiped out by the changes in trends and technology. The best paying jobs in transportation industry have however proven to be adaptive and resilient. It makes it possible to move zillions of cargos each year within and over borders. Various industries, ranging from manufacturing, agriculture, retail, and commercial enterprises rely heavily of the transport sector. Underneath the demand for service exist millions of roles that make it possible for employees to enjoy stable and long-term work within the transportation industry. The transport industry is without a doubt needed and will be needed in coming days. It is ideal for individuals seeking secure work.
Unlimited Growth Potential
As mentioned earlier, the best paying job in transportation contributes a huge portion of the revenue the US economy enjoys every year. This is achieved courtesy of the approximately $1 trillion of freight that moves across the nation every year. The revenue that accrues from this huge industry trickles down to the employees that enjoy huge bonuses, salary raise, more commission, and attractive 401K packages. The industry offers unlimited growth avenues for anyone willing to advance in their careers. It makes it possible for anyone to earn above average income.
Dynamic and Unpredictable
Every day in the fast-paced transportation industry is full of new challenges. A typical day can never be boring, stale, or underwhelming. It is thus ideal for problem solvers. With deadlines and tough decisions to be made each day in every role in the best paying jobs in transportation, you will certainly find every assignment interesting and not mundane and repetitive. It is also impossible to get work done without the help of a team in this industry.
Downside of Working in Transportation
Truth be told, no single industry out there is 100 percent perfect. High paying transportation jobs do have their share of challenges. Some of these include:
Stiff Competition
this is one of the most competitive industries, with every participant holding the belief that they are the best in what they do. This in a way is an advantage since everyone strives to please the customer.
Dynamism
the industry is ever-changing and unpredictable. Rules and regulations keep changing. The fuel prices and rates in the markets also keep changing. There is simply no time for rest and comfort in this industry. This provides an ideal ground for fast and critical thinkers. It is however not favorable for those that love predictability in a job.
External Elements
many external factors come into play in the transport industry unlike some other industry where success is determined by the performance of your coworkers. Every unit within the transportation chain is impacted by the action of those underneath or above, even in instances where an external factor came into play. Examples of these include weather, truck breakdown, inaccurate pricing, and many others.
What are some of the best paying jobs in transportation?
Below are some of the top jobs in transportation with the estimated annual salaries:
Pilots
These comprise airline and commercial pilots. They are primarily responsible for operating airline and commercial helicopters, aircraft, and airplanes. The average salary for a pilot is $134,630. Certified pilots undertake rigorous training and learning. They hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering/transportation. They are also trained in specialized courses offered by the Federal Aviation Administration. A career as a pilot is one of the best paying jobs in transportation.
Air Traffic Control
The air traffic controller takes lead in directing take off and landing of planes, at a control tower, route center, or approach control facility. They help keep planes within a safe distance from one another. They help maintain safety of the aircraft, crew, and passengers. Their average salary is $129,750, making this one of the best paying jobs in transportation.
Flight Attendant
These are the individuals responsible for issuing briefings and instructions to passengers onboard. They also serve drinks and food on the aircraft and cater for any other needs of the passengers. They are primarily in charge of the welfare and safety of travelers. Their average pay is $59,050.
Highway Engineers
The work of the highway engineer is to supervise budgets, estimations, plans, and execution of assignments. The work is wide in scope and entails conducting daily surveys, producing designs, managing delivery packages, and many others. This is one of the best paying jobs in transportation with employee average salary being $100,000.
Tractor and Heavy Truck Drivers
Well, to answer what type of trucking makes the most money? Drivers of heavy trucks and tractors are among the top paid in the various careers in transportation. Their take home salary averages at $47,130 in addition to many other benefits. They are responsible for moving cargo that weighs 26000 pounds and more. They usually ferry goods within a local region, between cities, and within and across urban areas. They are trained on the job with required qualifications being a post-secondary award.
Bus Drivers
Bus driver job is among the best paying jobs in transportation with drivers enjoying an average salary of $60816 per year. Their main work entails the safe transportation of passengers within and across various locations. They are assigned specific bus routes within a town or metropolis. The job requires excellent customer services skills since it involves direct interaction with the public.
Logistic analyst
With its average salary of $84,927 a year, this is an ideal transportation job titles for those who love working in an office setting. The job requires exceptional skills in analytical thinking and problem-solving. It also demands proficiency in computer packages since it involves the use of modern technology. The logistic analyst is responsible for managing the movement of cargo from one location to the other.
Freight Handlers
The freight handler is paid on average $30 an hour, and $69120 a year. The job does not require any specific qualifications, but the employee is trained on the job. The freight handler coordinates the movement of freight and ensures the process is seamless and smooth. They will prepare, move, wrap, pack, and unload items into trucks, boats, or planes. Every day presents a new challenge and therefore it is never boring with such a transportation job description.
Marine Engineer
The marine engineer enjoys a whooping $77690 in average salary annually for designing and constructing boats and other maritime vessels, making this the best paying jobs in transportation. They are involved in the whole process of building the boat, that is, drawing and construction of the vessels. They will also troubleshoot faults in marine vessels. This is one of the highest paying transportation jobs.
Other Lucrative Jobs
The careers in public transportation are diverse and keep evolving. In addition to above mentioned careers other best paying jobs in transportation that come with attractive packages include trucking dispatcher, railroad yardmasters, material movers, longshore workers, ship captain, aircraft maintenance technicians, cab drivers, warehouse manager, snowplow operator, private fleet driver, truck driver trainers, van driver, and many others.
FAQ
1. What is a Career in Transportation?
The transport industry is wide in spectrum and entails some of the best paying jobs in transportation in road, water, and air transportation. Pilots, postal workers, truck drivers, traffic controllers, clerical work, managerial jobs, and many other specialized workers are all within the umbrella of the transportation industry. It requires extensive, specialized training, and experience to succeed and thrive in transportation career. The salary and benefits vary just like the work description in the various jobs in transportation industry. At the top as the most paid include commercial pilots, followed by air traffic controllers, railroad workers, water transport workers, and then flight attendants.
2. Is Transportation Industry a Good Career Path?
Yes. The transportation industry is an indispensable part of the US economy, contributing huge revenue to the GDP. The movement of people and goods is a necessity, without which the entire industry would be crippled. The industry is a big one and offers many well-paying jobs. You can also enjoy specialized training and education advancement that can contribute to your career growth within the transport industry. A job in transportation is not only fulfilling but is also rewarding. You have plenty of the best paying jobs in transportation to choose.
3. Why Should I Work in Transportation?
It takes passion, teamwork/community, skill, and experience to excel in transportation. Best paying jobs in transportation thus requires some rigorous learning and training. You will therefore grow in your career and as a person. The exposure to problems outside your comfort zone such as law, technology, mathematics, customer relations, economics, and others will expand your knowledge and scope of thinking. The industry is particularly favorable for the young professionals given the massive opportunities it presents for growth.
4. How Do I Start a Career in Transportation?
Hard work and commitment are the ingredients for success in the transportation industry. Most of the best paying jobs in transportation do not demand a formal education and on the job training and learning make it possible for employees to develop and grow in their careers. Some of the most important credentials for anyone desiring to grow in this industry include problem-solving skills, excellent customer service skill, inquisitive nature, an ability to follow and examine market trends, and strong negotiation skills. Once you have that in mind, it is important to tailor your resume to fit the position for which you are applying. Highlight mentioned skills in your application letter. You can also apply for an internship in the industry of your interest to gain the experience in best jobs in transportation. Finally, network. Create relationships in professional networks such as LinkedIn.
5. What Does a Transportation Worker Do?
Anyone that carries out transport activities is referred to as a transportation worker. The duties of a transportation worker vary immensely and include driving, loading, and offloading, technical maintenance, supervisory role of loading and offloading, helping passengers board and alight from cars, planes, boats, etc, cleaning, and many others. Transport workers operate cars, trains, boats, buses, and planes. They also coordinate traffic and address customer issues.
Conclusion
Human mobility is an essential part of the technological world. The industry therefore offers some of the best paying jobs in transportation for anyone that would love to be a part of the industry. For starters, it is important to point out that pay and benefits from careers in transportation are alluring but also comes with its challenges. One’s willingness to work irregular hours and a strict adherence to industry guidelines and rules are at a part of the industry. Career growth in the industry is also pegged on your knowledge and experience. If you have been looking for a stable and exciting career, then the various careers in transport management are worth considering. The culture of self-drive and high expectation makes this industry more lucrative since individuals are pushed beyond their limits and they will achieve more. The transport industry is here to stay and there will always be a need to move goods and humans. The industry is ideal for those who would love to directly impact communities as they grow and develop their skills.
