The highest-paying jobs in transportation include positions in aviation and trucking. Annual wages, health benefits, and retirement support are among the additional perks that come with working in the transportation industry. The industry includes air, water, and road travel, offering a wide range of career opportunities so that you can find your ideal role.
To excel in the transportation sector, you need to be willing to work nontraditional hours and be systematic when following rules and guidelines to fulfill job duties and meet industry standards and safety regulations. If you are wondering what transportation jobs pay, the career outlook, and how to get jobs in the transportation field, read on.
What Do the Transportation Jobs Pay?
In May 2024, transportation jobs pay a median annual salary of $42,740, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS); however, this number has a wide range depending on whether you’re an aviation professional, like an air traffic controller, or a logistics professional, like a truck driver.1 Other factors that heavily influence most jobs’ salaries in the transportation industry include the company you work for, the location you’re based in, and the expertise and years of experience you possess.
Transportation Job Outlook
According to the BLS, the transportation industry is estimated to “grow about as fast as the average for all occupations from 2024 to 2034.”1 The BLS also projects an average of 1.8 million job openings to be available each year, through 20341 In nearly all transportation operations sectors, various jobs will continue to transport people and goods—prioritizing safety protocols and operational efficiency.
Transportation Job Satisfaction
Job satisfaction in the transportation field heavily depends on benefits, salary, and working conditions. If you work full-time for a trucking company or logistics and distribution center, you may experience working conditions, compensation, and management practices that may not be ideal. Conversely, if you work for yourself as a truck driver, you have the ability to control those variables—but job security isn’t always guaranteed.
Highest-Paying Jobs in Transportation: Salaries at a Glance
| Transportation Careers | National Average Salaries (BLS May 2024) | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Airline and Commercial Pilots | $198,100 | 4% |
| Air Traffic Controllers | $144,580 | 1% |
| Railroad Workers | $75,680 | 1% |
| Water Transportation Workers | $66,490 | 1% |
| Flight Attendants | $67,130 | 9% |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $57,440 | 4% |
Highest-Paying Jobs in Transportation: In-Depth Look
Airline and Commercial Pilots
Average Salary: $198,100
The primary responsibility of the airline and commercial pilots is to operate helicopters, airplanes, and other aircraft while following strict safety protocols. Airline pilots examine aircraft conditions before embarking on a trip. Pilots often need a bachelor’s degree in engineering or transportation. In addition, you’ll need to pass a series of specialized training courses from the Federal Aviation Administration to become a certified pilot. Along with the financial rewards comes a lot of responsibility, as you will play a pivotal role in getting passengers to their destination safely.
Air Traffic Controllers
Average Salary: $144,580
Air traffic controllers have one of the highest-paying jobs in transportation. They use devices like radars and computers to monitor and direct aircraft on the ground and in the air, as well as update pilots on weather conditions. It takes a highly skilled professional to do this job, especially if it’s a long-term career choice. This is a crucial role in aviation and—similar to that of a commercial pilot—the level of responsibility of following strict safety protocols comes at a price. According to Aircraft Performance Group, as of May 2025, “Research published by the Collegiate Aviation Review International found that air traffic controllers experience higher levels of occupational stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances compared to other aviation roles. Prolonged exposure to this pressure without adequate rest or support increases the risk of burnout, cognitive fatigue, and even mental health crises.”8
Railroad Workers
Average Salary: $75,680
Railroad workers operate trains and maintain the systems that keep rail transportation running efficiently. They inspect equipment, switch tracks, couple and uncouple cars, and monitor signals to ensure safe movement of freight and passenger trains. Conductors coordinate train activities, while locomotive engineers drive trains and control speed. Many railroad workers also perform routine maintenance to prevent breakdowns and delays. Because this job involves heavy machinery and strict scheduling, workers must follow detailed safety procedures set by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
Water Transportation Workers
Average Salary: $66,490
Water transportation positions include sailors, ship operators, ship engineers, and captains. The responsibility of sailors, also called deckhands, includes maintaining the vessel and deck equipment. Sailors ensure that there are no obstructions in their ship’s path and load and unload the vessel. Captains control the vessel’s operations, and ship engineers conduct maintenance and repairs. All water transportation workers are expected to abide by strict safety regulations, especially when hauling hazardous materials across long distances.
Flight Attendants
Average Salary: $67,130
Flight attendants give preflight briefings and safety instructions to passengers on board an aircraft. Along with serving food, drinks, and catering to passengers’ needs, flight attendants are responsible for the safety and well-being of each traveler. Because the job demands specialized skills in public safety and a thorough understanding of U.S. safety regulations, this position is among the highest-paying jobs in transportation.
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Average Salary: $57,440
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers are responsible for the timely delivery of heavy materials in vehicles that weigh more than 26,000 pounds. Truck drivers may drive around a local region, an urban area, or cross-country. To become a heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver, you need a postsecondary non-degree award, a commercial driver’s license, and on-the-job training.
Resources to Find the Best-Paying Jobs in Transportation
- Job Boards. A good place to start your job search for a transportation job is an online job board like Indeed, LinkedIn, and more. Job boards offer descriptions of the job you’re applying for, as well as any certifications or other requirements needed to qualify for the role. Since positions on job boards receive many applications, you’ll need to learn how to write an effective cover letter and resume to land the job.
- Company Websites. You can check out job opportunities directly on company websites, which might be a more strategic approach than applying through a third-party job board. Most employers will typically post open job opportunities on their website for candidates to apply to. Always check the job description and expertise required before you send in your application.
- Social Media. Companies may also advertise job openings on their social media accounts. If you have a dream job or a dream company you’d like to work for, be sure to follow specific company accounts and hashtags that fall within the transportation sector you want to work in. This could help you see, in real time, what job opportunities are available.
- Recruiting Agency. Transportation companies may prefer to use job recruitment agencies to fill various positions, like truck drivers, diesel mechanics, and aviation engineers. Use discernment when working with recruiting agencies, as agents typically work on commission and may not be your best advocate.
Is Transportation a Good Career Path?
The transportation industry keeps the economy and everyday life moving (literally). Without transportation, passengers and goods cannot arrive at their destinations. While you may work nontraditional hours, the compensation and benefits of becoming a transportation professional may lead you to feel like you’ve landed your dream job.
To get top-paying jobs at the best transportation companies, you’ll need to stand out with more than just a driver’s license and a love for driving or flying. Upgrade your resume by attending courses and earning certifications that boost your expertise in the area of transportation you are interested in.
Highest-Paying Jobs in Transportation FAQ
What are some high-paying jobs in the transportation industry?
Some of the highest-paying jobs in transportation include airline and commercial pilots, truck drivers, air traffic controllers, and flight attendants.
What will it take to become a truck driver?
The educational requirements to become a truck driver are a postsecondary training program and a series of training courses to get certified in the trucking industry. Truck drivers need to attend professional driving schools to perfect their driving on difficult routes because of the size of their vehicles.
What is the hourly wage of a truck driver?
On average, truck drivers earn an hourly wage of $27.62 in May 2024, according to the BLS.7 Some truck drivers earn more, depending on their experience and the trucking companies they work for. Trucking jobs require a commercial driver’s license, a clean driving record, comfort with driving long distances, and knowledge of basic car maintenance.
Sources:
1 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/home.htm
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
2 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/airline-and-commercial-pilots.htm
3 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/air-traffic-controllers.htm
4 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/railroad-occupations.htm
6 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/flight-attendants.htm
8 https://ojs.library.okstate.edu/osu/index.php/CARI/article/view/10019
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
