Let’s answer this question that keeps popping up in our mail. It’s about, ‘Is transportation a good career path.’ If you are also asking yourself this question, we understand your plight. And we will be glad to tell you that you are not alone. Career choice is one of the most dreadful moves in the life of anyone and usually brings many varied emotions in many people. Why? Your career choice will determine your future. It indirectly shapes your future.
We understand this, and we are always all out to bring you the best information to help you make the best career choice. So, in this post, we will be addressing the question, ‘is transportation a good career path.’ Let’s get straight into it!
Is Transportation A Good Career Path?
If you’ve been searching for a great career path, then this might be a perfect one for you! Transportation is one of the most in-demand fields out there, and with good reason: it’s growing by leaps and bounds. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in transportation occupations has increased by more than 20 percent since 2010.
And apart from that, there are lots of entry-level roles you can apply for in the transportation industry even without necessarily having a degree. Jobs in this sector pay well, and you can enjoy high security because of the high demand for transport workers.
Even if you don’t have a thing for staying behind the wheels, there are many jobs you can take in the industry that has nothing to do with driving. That is how vast the sector is. Working as a transport worker also comes with the perk of being able to travel to new places, especially if you are an over-the-road worker. It gives you the chance to experience new cultures, food, and environment, and develop new skills that might be useful for you in the future in case you decide to cross careers.
All these make the transportation industry a good one to consider for a career choice. In the latter section of this lost about, ‘is transportation a good career path,’ we will open up more perks that might encourage you to pick a career path in the industry.
What Is Transportation, And Logistics?
To answer the question, ‘is transportation a good career path,’ it is important to know what the transportation and logistic industry look like and what jobs are available there. The transportation industry is a broad segment that deals majorly with moving people and freight from one place to another.
Think of shipping, trucking, material moving, oceangoing vessels, and commercial airlines. All these are included in the transportation industry. And that shows that there is a wide variety of jobs and career options in the field.
If you would like to make an impact in the lives of people by helping to move them and their goods from one place to another, then picking a career path in this sector will make a lot of sense. While some of them might require you to travel far away from home, not all jobs in transportation demand that you always be behind the wheel and far away from your loved ones. And if you already love traveling, that will definitely be a pro to you.
Transportation Jobs Are Some of the Most In-Demand in the Country
Without any doubt, the transportation industry is one of the most in-demand job markets in the country. And this is an important factor anyone should consider when thinking of picking a career path in the industry. You want to be sure there are enough jobs in the sector before you delve into it. Fortunately, transportation has enough job availability for all.
Transportation is a promising career path that employs numerous people. In the United States alone, about 426,362 people work in the public transport industry. The demand for transportation workers is projected to grow at a rate of 9% by 2024, which means it will be one of the fastest-growing industries over that period.
The demand for truck drivers alone is estimated at 1 million per year through 2024! The problem with this growth is that there aren’t enough qualified workers to fill those positions. In fact, according to the American Trucking Association (ATA), there are currently more than 900,000 unfilled jobs nationwide among carriers who require CDL-certified drivers.
Career Types in the Transportation Industry
Transportation is a vast sector and cuts across a wide variety of niches. That means working in the transportation industry doesn’t necessarily mean you will be transporting people. You can be involved in transporting goods and material from one place to another too. This can be on land, air, or across the sea. Below are the different career types you can find in the transportation industry.
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Truck Driving
This is a section of the industry that deals with transporting goods from one place to another in trucks. Their job usually includes transporting products from manufacturers to their distribution centers. And from there, they can be moved to anywhere the goods should go.
Working in this niche may oftentimes require that you be on the road for long hours and maneuvering trucks safely.
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Distribution and warehouse operations
Transportation workers are also required in high demand in this field. That’s because warehouse and distribution is one part of cargo transport that cannot be taken with levity. Therefore, workers here are known for high coordination and planning. They strategically carry out their duties and are also required to multi-task most times.
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Freight and material movement
People working in this sector are usually involved with moving such items as stock or freight. They are not behind-the-wheel workers. Instead, their job is more about helping to prepare goods for transport or unload them after delivery.
They may also be involved in packing or wrapping materials and cleaning equipment. This is usually an entry-level position, so you don’t necessarily need to have any formal education to get a job there. However, since it requires a lot of moving stuff, you will need to be physically fit and have the required stamina to move things from one place to another, which most times, could be heavy things.
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Traffic, transportation, and travel logistics
Yes, these are also part of the transportation industry. So, when you are asking, ‘is transportation a good career path,’ you should know what you are asking for. People who work in travel and transport logistics are usually involved in moving people or cargo from the point of departure to their destination.
This is a growing field, and so there is high demand for workers to take care of some important tasks in the sector. Technology is also a significant factor in this sector, so you may be required to have some tech experience before getting a job here.
Is Transport a Good Career Path; A Closer Look at the Industry
We’re living in a time of unprecedented mobility. You can fly halfway around the world in less than 24 hours and meet people from countries you didn’t even know existed. If you’re interested in exploring new places and meeting new people, transportation is a great career path to pursue.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the transportation and logistics industry to see some of the pros of picking a career there.
Job growth
One of the biggest pros of working in the transportation industry is job growth. The transportation sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States and is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. This means that there will be plenty of job opportunities for those looking to enter the field.
Chance to make an impact in the economy
Transportation is essential to our economy, as it helps to move goods and people around. Without a well-functioning transportation system, our economy would grind to a halt. This makes working in the transportation industry a very rewarding experience, as you know that you are playing a vital role in keeping our economy moving.
Plenty of opportunities
If you’re looking for a career that will allow you to travel and see the world, transportation is a great choice. If your dream job involves being at the wheel of an 18-wheeler hauling freight across states or in charge of your own charter flight, then this job is right up your alley. There are lots of different kinds of transportation jobs out there – from drivers to pilots, dispatchers, and mechanics, and each one has its own unique set of responsibilities.
In addition to offering dozens upon dozens of different kinds of jobs within the industry itself (including everything from trucking routes to flight planning), there are also many opportunities in other industries that require someone with knowledge about how things get moved around.
Whether it’s moving cargo through airports or ensuring that transport vehicles stay on schedule, companies need people who can help them move their products efficiently and safely by land, sea, or air.
Never boring
You’ll never be bored. There is constant change, and you’ll always have something new to learn. If you’re looking for a career path that will always keep you challenged, transportation is the right choice for you. Transportation careers provide opportunities for advancement in several fields.
High job security
Transportation is a stable career choice with high job security. Transportation is an essential service that cannot be done away with. Therefore, the industry has continued to grow and evolve as the world becomes more dependent on it. And that also means there will always be openings in this field.
So, if job security has always been a thing of concern to you, you don’t have to worry about that when thinking of securing a career path in transportation.
Chance to see the world
If you’re looking for a career that will allow you to see the world and make new friends, then transportation is an excellent choice. The industry is really a very captivating one – you will be blown away by how much there is to see and do. There are so many interesting places around the globe, each with its own unique culture, history, cuisine, and experience. And a job in transportation may be the golden ticket you need to experience all of this in your lifetime.
Good pay
The average salary for someone in this field is around $73,000. This could change depending on your location and job title, but it’s still a lot higher than the national average salary of $52,539.
Good benefits
Transportation companies also tend to offer good employee benefits packages, including health insurance coverage and retirement plans such as 401(k)s or 403(b)s.
Good work environment and work/life balance opportunities
You’ll likely enjoy working at a company that values your time outside of work so much that they provide paid vacation time (up to 12 weeks per year), paid holidays off each year, plus paid sick days! On top of that, many employers offer flexible schedules so employees can balance their workloads between work and family obligations without sacrificing their careers in any way whatsoever.
You can enjoy all of these while getting paid more than average wages every single paycheck cycle throughout your tenure at the company!
Is Transportation A Good Career Path; Top Paying Jobs in Transportation
#1: Airplane Pilot ($148,000 per year)
One of the top-paying jobs in transportation is airplane pilot. Airplane pilots are responsible for all aspects of flight, including takeoff, landing, and navigation. They must be able to deal with any problems that arise during a flight, such as mechanical issues or weather conditions. Airplane pilots must have a bachelor’s degree in aviation, a license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and at least 1,500 hours of flying time. The average salary for an airplane pilot is $148,000 per year.
Airplane pilots may work for airlines or as independent contractors. The most common type of pilot is an airline pilot who flies commercial jetliners on scheduled routes within countries or between countries. Airline pilots must have a commercial pilot’s license issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Independent contract pilots fly charter flights, often carrying passengers on vacation or business trips; those flights are arranged through private companies.
#2: Aircraft Mechanic ($72,220 80 per year)
Of all the jobs in transportation, the one that pays the most is aircraft mechanics. Aircraft mechanics are responsible for maintaining and repairing airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft parts. They also perform routine inspections and prepare planes for takeoff and landing. These professionals will typically work on a team with other mechanics or technicians to ensure that all mechanical systems are working properly.
Aircraft mechanics earn an average salary of $72,220 80 per year or more, depending on their experience level and where they work. This is much higher than many other jobs in transportation or even outside of transportation!
#3: Helicopter Pilot ($100,000 per year)
If you’ve ever wanted to make your way through the skies, then becoming a helicopter pilot might be just the career for you.
With aeronautical technology advancing at an incredible pace, there are more opportunities than ever before to become a helicopter pilot. Helicopters have been used by the military, law enforcement, and emergency service professionals for decades, but now they’re also being used by civilians as well.
Helicopter pilots earn on average $100,000 per year, making them one of the top-paying jobs in transportation. Helicopter pilots must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and experience flying helicopters.
#4: Transportation Engineer ($85,000 per year)
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, transportation engineers make an average of $85,000 annually. That’s more than double the national average wage of $40,000 per year.
Transportation engineers work in a variety of industries and settings. They might design roads, bridges, and tunnels, or they might work on public transportation systems. Whatever their area of expertise, they focus on designing safe and efficient ways to move people and goods from one place to another.
#5: Airworthiness Safety Inspector ($82,000 per year)
Airworthiness safety inspectors make sure that aircraft are safe enough for flight. This includes inspecting planes, helicopters, drones, and other aircraft for defects and potential hazards. They also perform tests on aircraft and their engines before they take off into the air.
These inspectors are responsible for making sure that each plane has been properly maintained and is ready for flight. The average salary of an airworthiness safety inspector is $82,000 per year.
#6: Railroad Engineer ($79,000 per year)
Railroad engineers operate locomotives and other trains on tracks that carry freight or passengers across land or water. Railroad engineers do more than just what we know engineers to do. They actually pilot trains. Their job is similar to the plane’s captain.
To become a railroad engineer, you need years of experience working on transportation equipment such as cars, buses, or trucks; college coursework in mechanical engineering or electrical engineering; and additional training specific to your employer’s requirements. The average salary of a railroad engineer is $79,000 per year.
Is Transportation A Good Career Path; Entry-level Jobs in Transportation
#7: Bus Driver ($43,000 per year)
As a bus driver, you’ll be responsible for transporting students to and from school. You’ll also be in charge of making sure that students are safe and accounted for at all times.
Transportation companies usually require a CDL, or commercial driver’s license, which requires that you pass written tests on things such as road signs, laws and regulations, and safety practices. You will also need to pass a physical exam, which checks your vision, hearing, reflexes, and other physical abilities. The average salary of a bus driver is $43,000 per year.
#8: Courier ($36,000 per year)
Couriers are people who deliver packages, letters, and other items to customers on a regular basis. Sometimes they’re also called delivery drivers. Couriers can work for a company that delivers goods to businesses or homes, or they can work for themselves.
Couriers work in all kinds of weather conditions and at all times of day or night. They must be able to lift heavy objects and drive long distances without getting tired. The average salary of a courier is $36,000 per year.
#9: Deckhand ($45,000 per year)
If you love the water, this is the job for you. Deckhands work on ships and boats to help manage the loading and unloading of cargo, as well as any other duties assigned by their captain.
Deckhands may also be responsible for cleaning the ship or boat, making repairs to equipment, or performing maintenance on machinery. It’s important to note that deckhands often work long hours with little privacy since they’re often in tight quarters with other crew members. The average annual salary of a deckhand is $45,000 per year.
#10: Flight Attendant ($35,000 per year)
A flight attendant is responsible for keeping passengers safe and comfortable during a flight. They do this by caring for passengers’ needs, ensuring that they follow the rules set out by the airline, and helping to resolve any issues that arise during the trip.
Flight attendants are also responsible for ensuring that the aircraft is safe to fly. They perform thorough checks on the plane before takeoff, check that all of its systems are working properly throughout the journey, and assist with emergency procedures if necessary. The annual average salary is $35,000 per year.
Some downsides of Working In Transportation?
There are plenty of pros to working in the transportation industry, but there are also a few cons. If you’re thinking about a career as a truck driver, here are some downsides you should know:
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Excessive time away from home
The life of a truck driver is not for everyone. Truckers spend weeks at a time on the road and are required to be away from home for long periods of time. This can be difficult on both the driver and their family or partner at home.
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It can be tough on the body
The job can also take a toll on your body as well. Truckers have to sit for long periods of time, which can lead to back pain and other issues.
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Weather issues can cause dangerous work conditions
Weather conditions can also create dangerous situations for truck drivers. Heavy snowfall or rain can make roads slippery, which can lead to accidents and injuries for drivers who are unable to stop quickly enough because of their speed limit restrictions or lack of traction control (if applicable).
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The danger is real in many of these career opportunities
In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that transportation workers face a fatality rate that is three times the national average. The most dangerous job in the transportation industry is truck driver, which has an injury rate more than five times higher than all other occupations.
And while there are benefits to working in this field, including good pay and flexible schedules, there are also some downsides. For example, it can be hard to find work if you don’t live near an airport or don’t have a car. And if you’re looking for a full-time job with benefits, those are hard to come by in this field too.
