Air Traffic Controller
Keep aircraft safely separated in the sky and on the ground.
- $148,080/yr median
- +1.7% growth
- FAA Academy plus 2–4 years on the job
Career field
Transportation & Logistics Careers
Move freight from factories to front doors, on the road, in the warehouse and behind the dashboard.
Transportation and logistics jobs keep shelves stocked and packages moving. Some roles, such as warehouse associate and forklift operator, can start in days with on-the-job training; others, such as truck driving, need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
The field also has a clear ladder into planning and management. Many logistics coordinators and supply chain analysts started on a warehouse floor or behind the wheel and moved up after learning how the whole system fits together.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
54 transportation and logistics careers
Aircraft Cargo Supervisor
Lead ramp crews that load cargo and baggage onto aircraft safely and on time.
- $58,170/yr median
- +9.2% growth
- Ramp experience plus supervisor training
Aircraft Service Attendant
Fuel, clean and service aircraft between flights.
- $40,450/yr median
- +5.6% growth
- A few weeks of training
Airfield Operations Specialist
Keep airport runways, taxiways and ramps safe and running.
- $56,850/yr median
- +7.8% growth
- A year or more of training
Airline Pilot
Fly passenger and cargo jets for airlines.
- $232,140/yr median
- +8.3% growth
- Years of flight training and hours
Ambulance Driver
Drive ambulances and medical vans to move patients safely.
- $35,450/yr median
- -1.3% growth
- A few weeks of training
Bridge Tender
Open drawbridges and run canal locks so boats can pass.
- $57,700/yr median
- -2.3% growth
- A few weeks of training
Cargo Agent
Arrange and track freight shipments by air, truck, rail and ship.
- $52,260/yr median
- +6.2% growth
- A few weeks of training
Commercial Pilot
Fly airplanes and helicopters for charter, cargo, tours, agriculture and more.
- $123,220/yr median
- +5.2% growth
- 1–2 years of flight training
Conveyor Operator
Run conveyor systems that move goods and materials.
- $42,420/yr median
- -2.6% growth
- A few days to weeks
Courier
Pick up and deliver documents, packages and medical samples fast.
- $39,200/yr median
- +8.0% growth
- A few days to weeks
Crane Operator
Lift steel, equipment and materials with cranes on job sites, ports and plants.
- $68,080/yr median
- +3.8% growth
- 3–12 months plus experience
Deckhand
Work aboard tugboats, barges, ferries and ships handling lines, cargo and maintenance.
- $51,520/yr median
- +3.2% growth
- 1–4 weeks
Delivery Driver
Deliver packages and goods to homes and businesses on a daily route.
- $44,860/yr median
- +6.3% growth
- 1–2 weeks
Dredge Operator
Run dredges that deepen harbors, rivers and channels.
- $49,640/yr median
- +0.7% growth
- Months of on-the-job training
Flight Attendant
Keep airline passengers safe and comfortable from boarding to arrival.
- $63,580/yr median
- +8.8% growth
- 3–8 weeks of airline training
Forklift Operator
Move, stack and load materials safely with forklifts and other powered trucks.
- $46,420/yr median
- +1.5% growth
- 1–5 days
Freight Dispatcher
Plan loads, route drivers and keep freight moving on schedule.
- $50,340/yr median
- -0.7% growth
- 1–3 months
Gas Station Attendant
Pump fuel, check fluids and do quick vehicle and boat services.
- $35,670/yr median
- +3.8% growth
- A few days on the job
Hand Packer
Pack products by hand for shipping and sale.
- $36,280/yr median
- -5.0% growth
- A few days on the job
Hoist Operator
Run hoists and winches that lift people and materials.
- $56,450/yr median
- +0.2% growth
- A few weeks of training
Locomotive Engineer
Operate freight and passenger trains safely across the rail network.
- $81,410/yr median
- +0.5% growth
- 1–2 years including conductor time
Logistics Coordinator
Plan and track how products move from suppliers to customers, on time and on budget.
- $82,320/yr median
- +17.6% growth
- 1–4 years
Logistics Manager
Run the warehouses and transportation that move goods to customers.
- $107,230/yr median
- +6.1% growth
- 5+ years of experience
Mail Sorter
Sort and process mail on high-speed machines at postal plants.
- $58,470/yr median
- -5.3% growth
- A few weeks of training
Motorboat Operator
Run small boats for tours, fishing charters, water taxis and crew transport.
- $47,520/yr median
- +4.9% growth
- Sea time plus license course
Parking Attendant
Park cars, collect fees and help drivers at lots, garages and hotels.
- $35,150/yr median
- +2.0% growth
- A few days on the job
Passenger Attendant
Help passengers on trains, buses, ships and in airports.
- $37,720/yr median
- +6.0% growth
- A few days to weeks
Postal Clerk
Serve customers at the post office counter and sort mail.
- $62,130/yr median
- -0.3% growth
- A few weeks of training
Postal Mail Carrier
Deliver mail and packages to homes and businesses for the U.S. Postal Service.
- $60,550/yr median
- -0.3% growth
- 2–4 weeks
Postmaster
Run a post office and its mail delivery operations.
- $96,660/yr median
- -0.3% growth
- Postal experience plus management training
Rail Yard Engineer
Run locomotives in rail yards to move and sort cars.
- $60,600/yr median
- +0.8% growth
- Months of railroad training
Railroad Conductor
Lead train crews, manage paperwork and switch cars in yards and on the road.
- $78,000/yr median
- +0.9% growth
- 3–6 months of railroad training
Railroad Signal Technician
Install and repair the signals, switches and crossing gates that keep trains safe.
- $92,460/yr median
- +1.8% growth
- Railroad training plus months on the job
Railroad Switch Operator
Throw switches, couple cars and help crews move trains safely.
- $68,840/yr median
- +0.8% growth
- Months of railroad training
Railroad Track Equipment Operator
Run machines that lay, repair and maintain railroad track.
- $70,070/yr median
- +1.5% growth
- A few months of training
Reservation Agent
Book trips, sell tickets and help travelers at airports, stations and call centers.
- $44,390/yr median
- +2.5% growth
- A few weeks of training
Route Sales Driver
Drive a route delivering products and taking orders from customers.
- $38,770/yr median
- +7.9% growth
- A few weeks of training
School Bus Driver
Get students to school and home safely every day.
- $47,920/yr median
- +0.7% growth
- 3–8 weeks
School Bus Monitor
Ride school buses to keep students safe and help them on and off.
- $35,100/yr median
- -1.9% growth
- A few days to weeks
Ship Captain
Command and navigate ships, tugs and ferries on oceans, rivers and lakes.
- $92,460/yr median
- +4.0% growth
- Years of sea time and credentials
Ship Engineer
Run and repair the engines and systems that power ships.
- $109,530/yr median
- +2.7% growth
- Years of sea time and credentials
Shipping and Receiving Clerk
Track what comes in and goes out of warehouses, stores and plants.
- $45,260/yr median
- -7.6% growth
- 1–4 weeks
Shuttle Driver
Drive passengers in shuttles, vans and limousines.
- $37,290/yr median
- +7.1% growth
- A few days to weeks
Subway Operator
Drive subway, light rail and streetcar trains through cities.
- $86,380/yr median
- +3.7% growth
- Transit academy plus on-the-job training
Tank Loader
Load and unload liquids and bulk materials into tank cars, trucks and ships.
- $58,870/yr median
- +2.8% growth
- A few weeks of training
Taxi Driver
Drive passengers where they need to go by taxi or rideshare.
- $42,100/yr median
- +11.5% growth
- A few days
Traffic Technician
Study traffic and help keep signals and roads working well.
- $59,090/yr median
- +4.0% growth
- Several months on the job
Transit Bus Driver
Drive city and intercity buses that get people to work, school and home.
- $59,050/yr median
- +4.1% growth
- 6–10 weeks
Transportation Supervisor
Supervise drivers, warehouse workers and material movers.
- $62,890/yr median
- +3.0% growth
- Experience plus supervisor training
Truck Driver
Haul freight safely across town or across the country with a CDL.
- $58,640/yr median
- +3.8% growth
- 3–7 weeks
Vehicle Cleaner
Wash and detail cars, trucks, buses and equipment.
- $35,830/yr median
- +3.9% growth
- A few days on the job
Warehouse Associate
Receive, pick, pack and ship orders that keep stores and customers supplied.
- $40,240/yr median
- +1.8% growth
- Days (on the job)
Weigher and Checker
Weigh, measure and check shipments and materials for accurate records.
- $46,380/yr median
- -4.8% growth
- A few weeks on the job
Compare transportation and logistics careers
| # | Career | Median pay | Growth 2025–35 | Training time | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Airline Pilot | $232,140 | +8.3% | Years of flight training and hours | Bachelor's degree |
| 2 | Air Traffic Controller | $148,080 | +1.7% | FAA Academy plus 2–4 years on the job | Associate's degree |
| 3 | Commercial Pilot | $123,220 | +5.2% | 1–2 years of flight training | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| 4 | Ship Engineer | $109,530 | +2.7% | Years of sea time and credentials | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| 5 | Logistics Manager | $107,230 | +6.1% | 5+ years of experience | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 6 | Postmaster | $96,660 | -0.3% | Postal experience plus management training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 7 | Railroad Signal Technician | $92,460 | +1.8% | Railroad training plus months on the job | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 8 | Ship Captain | $92,460 | +4.0% | Years of sea time and credentials | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| 9 | Subway Operator | $86,380 | +3.7% | Transit academy plus on-the-job training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 10 | Logistics Coordinator | $82,320 | +17.6% | 1–4 years | Bachelor's degree |
| 11 | Locomotive Engineer | $81,410 | +0.5% | 1–2 years including conductor time | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 12 | Railroad Conductor | $78,000 | +0.9% | 3–6 months of railroad training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 13 | Railroad Track Equipment Operator | $70,070 | +1.5% | A few months of training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 14 | Railroad Switch Operator | $68,840 | +0.8% | Months of railroad training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 15 | Crane Operator | $68,080 | +3.8% | 3–12 months plus experience | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 16 | Flight Attendant | $63,580 | +8.8% | 3–8 weeks of airline training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 17 | Transportation Supervisor | $62,890 | +3.0% | Experience plus supervisor training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 18 | Postal Clerk | $62,130 | -0.3% | A few weeks of training | No formal educational credential |
| 19 | Rail Yard Engineer | $60,600 | +0.8% | Months of railroad training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 20 | Postal Mail Carrier | $60,550 | -0.3% | 2–4 weeks | No formal educational credential |
| 21 | Traffic Technician | $59,090 | +4.0% | Several months on the job | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 22 | Transit Bus Driver | $59,050 | +4.1% | 6–10 weeks | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 23 | Tank Loader | $58,870 | +2.8% | A few weeks of training | No formal educational credential |
| 24 | Truck Driver | $58,640 | +3.8% | 3–7 weeks | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| 25 | Mail Sorter | $58,470 | -5.3% | A few weeks of training | No formal educational credential |
| 26 | Aircraft Cargo Supervisor | $58,170 | +9.2% | Ramp experience plus supervisor training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 27 | Bridge Tender | $57,700 | -2.3% | A few weeks of training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 28 | Airfield Operations Specialist | $56,850 | +7.8% | A year or more of training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 29 | Hoist Operator | $56,450 | +0.2% | A few weeks of training | No formal educational credential |
| 30 | Cargo Agent | $52,260 | +6.2% | A few weeks of training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 31 | Deckhand | $51,520 | +3.2% | 1–4 weeks | No formal educational credential |
| 32 | Freight Dispatcher | $50,340 | -0.7% | 1–3 months | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 33 | Dredge Operator | $49,640 | +0.7% | Months of on-the-job training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 34 | School Bus Driver | $47,920 | +0.7% | 3–8 weeks | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 35 | Motorboat Operator | $47,520 | +4.9% | Sea time plus license course | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| 36 | Forklift Operator | $46,420 | +1.5% | 1–5 days | No formal educational credential |
| 37 | Weigher and Checker | $46,380 | -4.8% | A few weeks on the job | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 38 | Shipping and Receiving Clerk | $45,260 | -7.6% | 1–4 weeks | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 39 | Delivery Driver | $44,860 | +6.3% | 1–2 weeks | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 40 | Reservation Agent | $44,390 | +2.5% | A few weeks of training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 41 | Conveyor Operator | $42,420 | -2.6% | A few days to weeks | No formal educational credential |
| 42 | Taxi Driver | $42,100 | +11.5% | A few days | No formal educational credential |
| 43 | Aircraft Service Attendant | $40,450 | +5.6% | A few weeks of training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 44 | Warehouse Associate | $40,240 | +1.8% | Days (on the job) | No formal educational credential |
| 45 | Courier | $39,200 | +8.0% | A few days to weeks | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 46 | Route Sales Driver | $38,770 | +7.9% | A few weeks of training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 47 | Passenger Attendant | $37,720 | +6.0% | A few days to weeks | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 48 | Shuttle Driver | $37,290 | +7.1% | A few days to weeks | No formal educational credential |
| 49 | Hand Packer | $36,280 | -5.0% | A few days on the job | No formal educational credential |
| 50 | Vehicle Cleaner | $35,830 | +3.9% | A few days on the job | No formal educational credential |
| 51 | Gas Station Attendant | $35,670 | +3.8% | A few days on the job | No formal educational credential |
| 52 | Ambulance Driver | $35,450 | -1.3% | A few weeks of training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 53 | Parking Attendant | $35,150 | +2.0% | A few days on the job | No formal educational credential |
| 54 | School Bus Monitor | $35,100 | -1.9% | A few days to weeks | High school diploma or equivalent |
Getting hired in transportation and logistics
A clean driving record, drug-test readiness and a forklift or CDL credential open the most doors fastest.
What affects pay in this field
- Licenses and endorsements (CDL Class A, hazmat, tanker)
- Overtime and peak-season premium pay
- Long-haul versus local routes
- Equipment certifications and safety record
Find your fit
Take the Transportation & Logistics career quiz to see which of these roles matches your interests best.
Transportation & Logistics careers FAQ
What is the highest-paying transportation and logistics career on this list?
Airline Pilot has the highest median pay among our transportation and logistics profiles at $232,140 per year (BLS, May 2025).
Which transportation and logistics career is fastest to start?
Forklift Operator typically takes about 1–5 days of training.
Which transportation and logistics career is growing fastest?
Logistics Coordinator, with projected growth of +17.6% from 2025–35 (much faster than average).
How do I choose the right transportation and logistics career?
Compare day-to-day duties, training time and pay, then take our Transportation & Logistics career quiz for a personalized match. Reading a day in the life for your top two choices helps a lot.