7 of the best-paying jobs in transportation - Updated
Looking for a job that provides a little more flexibility - and maybe a little adventure?
You should consider a job in transportation. In a COVID-19 world, the transportation industry offers a wide range of jobs requiring various skills and requirements. Perhaps not surprisingly, many of these jobs pay quite well. Take a look at some of the highest-paying jobs in transportation, and consider if one is right for you.
These jobs are projected to grow at least 5% over the next 2-3 years:
1. Bus drivers, transit and intercity
What they do*: Transport people between various places—including work, school and shopping malls—and across state or national borders. Some drive regular routes, while others perform chartered trips or sightseeing tours.
Training/certification needed: A commercial driver's license (CDL), which can sometimes be earned during on-the-job training.
National Median Average: $59,500 annual ($21.00 hour)
Search jobs related to CDL driver:
2. Pilots
What they do: Commercial pilots fly and navigate airplanes, helicopters and other aircraft. Unlike airline pilots, who fly for airlines that transport people and cargo on a fixed schedule, commercial pilots fly aircrafts for other purposes, such as charter flights, rescue operations, firefighting and aerial photography.
Training/certification needed: High school diploma or equivalent as well as a commercial pilot's license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
National Median Average: $95,000 annual ($50.00 hour)
3. Operators
What they do: Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines or products in many directions. Also, operates a forklift to move materials, goods, and machinery.
Training/certification needed: a completion of vocational school, an associate's degree and/or related on-the-job experience is required.
National Median Average: $63,500 ($22.00 hour)
What they do: Transport goods from one location to another. Most tractor-trailer drivers operate trucks with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) capacity exceeding 26,000 pounds and deliver goods over intercity routes - sometimes spanning several states.
Training/certification needed: Typically, a high school diploma and completion of professional truck driving school, along with a CDL.
National Median Average: $63,000 annual ($21.00 hour)
Other related job searches:
What they do: Collect and dump refuse or recyclable materials from containers into a truck. May also drive the truck.
Training/certification needed: On-the-job training and, in some cases, a CDL.
National Median Average: $56,500 annual ($19.00 hour)
6. Engineers
What they do: Research, design, create, maintain, and test the performance of operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment.
Training/certification needed: In most cases, completion of a degree in engineering.
National Median Average: $93,000 annual ($45.00 hour)
7. Shipping Loaders - Warehouse
What they do: Load and unload materials into or from tank cars, trucks or ships using material moving equipment.
Training/certification needed: Typically, a high school diploma along with on-the-job training and/or completion of a recognized apprenticeship program.
National Median Average: $69,000 annual ($46.00 hour)
Other jobs in a warehouse:
*Unless otherwise stated, all information about job functions and training/certifications required comes from the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
