Does transport make a career? There is an abundance of transport jobs available. Transportation may provide an interesting career path without requiring much education. In this article, we’ll discuss the various types of travel jobs available and the type of person that suits each job well. Is transportation a good career path? Let’s find out!
Is Transportation A Good Career Path?
TL;DR: Is transportation a good career path? Yes, transportation is a good career path in 2022.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, transportation occupations are expected to grow at a rate of 9% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
Jobs in the transportation industry include truck drivers, airport workers, and railway workers. With the expansion of e-commerce and online shopping, there is increasing demand for goods to be transported quickly and efficiently.
As a result, there is expected to be strong growth in demand for workers in the transportation industry. Individuals who are interested in a career in transportation can expect to find good job prospects and competitive salaries.
In addition, many jobs in the transportation industry offer flexible schedules and opportunities for travel. Anyone who is considering a career in transportation should research the different options and decide what type of job would best suit their skills and interests.
Is Transportation In High Demand?
Job seekers interested in a career in transportation may wonder if there is high demand for transportation work.
The answer is that it depends on the specific job and location. Some transportation careers, such as truck drivers, are in high demand due to the increasing amount of goods shipped across the country.
Other transportation careers, such as bus drivers, are in high demand due to the aging population and the increased need for public transportation.
These jobs are expected to grow at an above-average rate in the coming years, making them a good option for those looking for a stable career.
Why Should I Work In Transportation? Reasons For Choosing Transportation As A Career Path
There are several reasons why you might want to work in transportation. Here are a few of the most important reasons:
The Transportation Sector Is Growing Rapidly.
The transportation industry is growing rapidly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, transportation occupations are expected to grow at a rate of 9% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
The transportation industry growth is driven by several factors, including population growth, the rise of e-commerce, and the retirement of baby boomers.
As the population continues to grow and people increasingly turn to online shopping, the demand for goods and services will continue to increase. This will lead to a need for more workers in the transportation industry, from truck drivers and railway workers to pilots and shipping managers.
In addition, as baby boomers retire, there will be an increasing need for replacement workers. The transportation industry is expected to create nearly 1.1 million new jobs between 2020-2030, making it a great option for job seekers.
There Is A Variety Of Jobs Available in The Transportation Sector, So Individuals Can Find One That Suits Their Interests And Skills.
There are many different types of jobs available in the transportation industry. For example, individuals can work as bus drivers, taxi drivers, or train conductors. Each of these positions offers its own set of challenges and rewards.
For instance, bus drivers may have to deal with heavy traffic and meet various people. Taxi drivers may have to work long hours, but they can set their schedules. Train conductors may have to deal with large crowds, but they get to see beautiful scenery.
Whatever their interests and skills, there is sure to be a job in the transportation industry that is a perfect fit for any individual.
Transport Jobs Often Offer Flexible Schedules And The Opportunity For Travel.
Most people think of transport jobs and envision long hours behind the wheel. However, many transportation jobs offer a great deal of flexibility in terms of scheduling and location.
For instance, many trucking companies allow their drivers to set their schedules, and some even offer the option to travel with a spouse or partner. In addition, many transport jobs involve some degree of travel.
For example, jobs like bus driver or flight attendant often include paid training trips to different parts of the country or world. As a result, These jobs can be an attractive option for those looking for a change of pace.
Transportation Jobs Are Stable And Have Good Job Prospects.
A transportation career path is worth considering for anyone interested in a stable career with good job prospects.
The transportation industry is broad, encompassing everything from public transit to trucking to taxi services.
And while the industry has seen some changes in recent years, overall, it remains stable and is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
This growth means there will be plenty of opportunities for qualified candidates to find employment in the transportation industry.
And because these jobs are essential to the functioning of our economy, they are relatively recession-proof, offering stability even during economic downturns.
So if you’re looking for a secure career with good job prospects, transportation is worth considering.
The Wages For Transportation Jobs are Often Competitive.
In many industries, these jobs are seen as entry-level positions. However, while the wages for these positions may be lower than other jobs, they are often competitive within the industry.
For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for material moving machine operators was $38,381 in April 2022, which is higher than the median annual wage for all occupations.
Similarly, the median annual wage for truck drivers was $48,420 in April 2022, which is also higher than the median annual wage for all occupations.
As a result, these jobs can provide a livable wage for those looking to enter the workforce.
Transportation Jobs Often Offer Good Benefits, Including Health Insurance And Retirement Plans.
Many people are drawn to these jobs because of the good benefits they offer.
Health insurance and retirement plans are two of the most important benefits for many workers, and transportation companies often include these.
In addition, transport jobs may offer other benefits such as paid vacation days and sick days.
For workers who have families, these benefits can be extremely important. Transport jobs can also be a good option for workers looking for job security.
These jobs tend to be stable, even during economic downturns. As a result, these jobs can be a good option for workers looking for good job benefits.
Anyone interested in a career in transportation should consider these factors when deciding if transportation is a good career path for him.
What Are The Different Career Options In Transportation?
When answering “is transportation a good career path?” we need to also review the available career paths in 2022. Here is a list of some of the most common jobs:
Cargo And Freight Movement Agents
Cargo and Freight Movement Agents play a vital role in ensuring the smooth flow of cargo and freight shipments through the airline, train, and trucking terminals and shipping docks.
They take orders from customers and arrange for the pickup of freight and cargo for delivery to the loading platform. They also prepare and examine bills of lading to determine shipping charges and tariffs.
The median salary for Cargo and Freight Movement Agents is around $46,913.
There are a variety of careers available in freight and material movement. The most common jobs in this sector include freight brokers and freight forwarders.
Distribution And Warehouse Operations
In distribution and warehouse operations, there are several employment possibilities. Warehouse employees, forklift operators, and order pickers are the most frequent occupations in this sector.
In addition, distribution and warehouse operations are in high demand, with the package and material handlers being two examples. These occupations generally pay well and provide excellent benefits.
The median annual wage for the distribution operations as of May 13, 2021, is around $98,228
Transportation And Travel Logistics Specialist
Transport logistics specialists can be considered the most important transportation career path. Branches of transport are involved with transporting persons’ goods and services.
These include infrastructure and transport vehicles and carry passengers.
Transportation and logistics professionals typically work within one or more areas, and These professionals can even contribute to developing new transportation technology if required.
Glassdoor says the average transportation jobs pay in the United States is $65,259 per year.
Dispatchers
Dispatchers use radios, phones, or computers to assign drivers and compile statistics. They ensure that workers follow their itineraries by recording the location of each vehicle at all times during a project so it can be tracked efficiently in case there’s an emergency somewhere along its path where help might need to come quickly.
The dispatchers’ most important responsibility is synchronizing employee movements while keeping them on schedule with precise timing constraints throughout every step.
A dispatcher usually works at a company’s office and can use a laptop to locate cars and other items that have been moved in.
The median annual wage for dispatchers is $44,051. This occupation is expected to grow by 4% in the next decade, which is slower than the average for all occupations. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically needed to become a dispatcher, and on-the-job training is usually required.
Transportation mechanics
One of the options would be to become a mechanic. Mechanics work on vehicle maintenance, ensuring they stay safe. In addition, many mechanics are experts in certain vehicles, including trucks and automobiles.
As of Aug 2022, the average hourly wage for a mechanic is $30.29
Air Traffic Controllers
Controlling an aircraft’s flight is the responsibility of an airline’s flight attendant. They operate in aircraft towers and communicate using computers and radios.
Air traffic controllers require an associate’s degree, and their median pay in 2021 was around 129,757 based on government statistics.
Commercial Pilots
Commercial pilots control planes and helicopters. To be certified as a commercial flight pilot, a student must hold an approved pilot’s license with the FAA (Federal aviation administration).
A Commercial Pilot may receive compensation ranging from $51,570 to $203,851 depending on their experience and sector knowledge.
Bus Drivers
A driver is in charge of delivering people on the bus, usually in a city. For a bus driving job, a person must obtain a particular license.
In the United States, a Bus Driver makes around $30,429 per year on average. Salaries range from about $15,597 to over $46,854.
Port Workers
A ship worker is responsible for loading and dumping ship cargo in port areas. Workers use cranes to transport goods from ship to ship.
The average salary for port worker jobs is $74,417.
Truck Drivers
Truck drivers work in large vehicles to move goods between places. For truck driving, one requires obtaining a valid Commercial driver’s License.
The average salary for a truck driver is $70,552 per year in the United States.
Railroad Yardmasters
Railroad yardmasters have a significant role within the railway industry; however, they don’t take trains. Instead, the company is responsible for overseeing the railroad yards’ operation.
These tasks also cover directing railway employees (including brake switch operators) and coordinating the connection and disconnects of trains.
They ensure the correct shipment of goods when a train departs. These are not entry-level jobs. No degrees are necessary but should be deemed necessary if the candidate is considered a rail yard operators job before being offered a job.
The average wage for a Railroad Conductor or Yardmaster can vary depending on their experience level. They can earn between $43,531 and $90,530.
High Paying Jobs in the Transportation Industry (which directly involve moving freight or people)
Train Engineer
Trains are important to the transport industry. Train engineers operate trains that transport passengers, or cargo and inspect trains during trips to check for the proper functioning of all equipment on the journeys.
The transporter or a third party may adjust this information according to conditions of travel or other factors, like the freight size.
Applicants applying for training in engineering jobs must be at least 21. Candidates must have a GED and have good eyesight and excellent hearing.
The average salary of a Locomotive Engineer (Train engineer) is $98,131.
Commercial Airplane Pilot
In addition to the flying passenger on regular bases, some commercial pilots working within the Transport Sector fly cargo aircraft exclusively to move goods through the supply chain.
Just Like truck drivers, commercial pilots have an important role in the transportation industry, and UPS, Amazon, and FedEx managed to build up their supply chain systems.
Commercial cargo pilots also need high training to become FFA-certified pilots.
As we mentioned, A Commercial Pilot may receive compensation ranging from $51,570 to $203,851 depending on their experience and sector knowledge.
Longshore Workers
Longshore workers are commonly referred to as stevedores or dock workers, and this work involves loading and unloading shipments from ships that are docking at a harbor.
Longshore workers are highly experienced occupations that require careful balance and weight management within the ship holding.
Their role at the core of cargo transport across land or sea is a major part of global and national economic systems.
According to payscale, a Longshoreman in the United States makes an average of $80,521 per year.
Delivery Driver
The driver operates in large vans and small panel vehicles. Their daily work includes delivering a product or package directly to customers in a given place.
Demand for transport drivers has risen. Many people have started ordering their products online from shops, such as furniture and household appliances.
UPS employs delivery drivers who assist them with their transportation business by delivering packages.
According to Indeed.com, the average salary of a delivery driver in the United States is $81,542 per year.
Warehouse Workers Are Responsible For The Operation Of The Warehouse
Warehouse workers are responsible for the operation of the warehouse. They earn great starting salaries in the transportation industry.
The job involves many hours of lifting, carrying heavy objects, and working with machinery.
There is a great deal of responsibility involved in the job, and workers must be able to handle stress well. The hours can be long and challenging, but the pay is good.
Warehouse workers are an essential part of the transportation industry and play a vital role in keeping businesses running smoothly.
Without them, products would not reach their destination on time, and the flow of commerce would grind to a halt. If you are interested in a career in the transportation industry, working as a warehouse worker is a great option.
The typical yearly wage of an entry-level warehouse employee in the United States is $39,442.
Highway maintenance worker
Highway maintenance workers are responsible for the upkeep of our roads and highways. Their duties include patching pavement, repairing guardrails, and clearing snow and brush from the roadways. In addition, they may also mow grass or clear brush from along the side of the highway. Highway maintenance workers play a vital role in keeping our roads safe and accessible.
According to the BLS, they make a median yearly salary of $45,880.
The Difference Between Transport And Logistics
Transport and logistics form crucial elements in a supply chain.
Transportation involves transporting goods from one place to one, and logistics involves planning and operation of complicated transportation operations.
Together, these two sectors provide efficient and timely products and transportation services.
Transportation involves various modes such as land, water, and air transportation. Air transportation is usually a quicker alternative but can be more costly.
Land transport is slower but generally more affordable, while sea travel is the quickest and most economical.
Stages Of Logistics And Transportation
Generally, logistics and transport are split into four categories – source and delivery, storage, manufacturing, and distribution.
Sourcing
Initially, sourcing involves identifying and purchasing raw materials and components. This involves using sourcing suppliers for the best prices for goods and services.
Storage
Storage ensures goods’ safety and security when needed and their storage. These could require the utilization of a warehouse.
Production
Production is concerned with supplying raw material with fabricated finished goods. Typically assembly-line production is used.
Distribution
Distribution is the final step during the transport process where the goods are offered to the customer. This is an essential function for the transporter as they ensure delivery of goods from the manufacturer to the consumers or clients at specified dates.
What Is Intermodal Transportation?
Intermodal transportation is a type of transportation that involves more than one mode of transportation.
For example, a shipment might be transported by truck to a railway station, which would then be loaded onto a train and transported to its final destination.
This is a more efficient way to transport goods, as it allows multiple modes of transportation to be used simultaneously.
Required Education
To work in transportation, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. However, many jobs in the industry require some form of post-secondary education.
For example, you may need to complete a commercial driver’s license (CDL) program to become a truck driver. Alternatively, if you want to work in logistics, you may need to pursue a degree in business or engineering.
Is Transportation A Good Career Path? Conclusion
The transportation sector is growing rapidly and is expected to continue in the coming years. If you are interested in a career in this field, now is a good time to start looking into what options are available to you. There are many jobs in the transportation industry, and salaries are often competitive. With the right training and experience, you can find a job you love, allowing you to grow your career.
* Please note that all salary figures are approximations based upon third-party submissions to Skillabilly or its affiliates. These figures are given to Skillabilly users for generalized comparison only. The minimum wage may differ by jurisdiction, and you should consult the employer for actual salary figures.
