10 Best-Paying Jobs in Transportation

The transportation industry moves people and goods through the skies and along the nation’s rails, roads and waterways. This exciting field includes a variety of jobs for every skill set and working style.? Some of the best-paying jobs in transportation don’t even require an advanced degree.?

The transportation industry includes any occupation that involves moving people or goods. To earn a high salary — and experience a bit of adventure — workers can look to the skies, rails, roads and water. But what do transportation jobs pay, and what skills do job seekers need??

In this article, we’ll review some of the best-paying jobs in transportation that fit a variety of skill sets, working styles and education levels.

Note: All salary figures are based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Services data unless otherwise noted.

1. Airline and Commercial Pilots?

Airline and commercial pilots are responsible for flying various aircraft, including planes and helicopters. They check aircraft before and after flights, verify fuel supply, monitor the weather and create flight plans. They also need excellent concentration and stress tolerance.?

All pilots need a license, but Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements vary. Commercial pilots need 250 hours of flight training at an FAA-approved school, while airline pilots need up to 1,500. The reward for all that training is one of the best-paying jobs in transportation services.

Median annual pay: $134,630

2. Air Traffic Controllers?

Air traffic controllers manage the movement of aircraft, both on the ground and in the air. They control ground traffic and provide pilots with instructions and important information about conditions. Like pilots, air traffic controllers must perform gracefully under stress.?

It is easy to see why this can be a high-stress job. It requires a lot of focus, and many air traffic controllers work nights, weekends and holidays. Salary varies widely by location, but air traffic controllers certainly earn every penny.?

Median annual pay: $129,750

3. Highway Engineers

Highway engineers plan and execute road construction projects. Taking into account traffic patterns, pedestrian activity, drainage, lighting, native wildlife and more, they draw up plans and specifications and oversee the work to ensure accuracy and quality.?

Highway engineers usually have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, and some obtain master’s degrees. Earning certifications in related specialties and joining professional associations can also help make this one of the best-paying jobs in transportation.

Median annual pay: $101,824

4. Marine Engineers?

Marine engineers design and build a ship’s internal systems, which control the steering, propulsion, electricity and refrigeration. They often specialize in one type of ship, such as submarines, sailboats or tankers, and they can also work on offshore oil rigs and wind turbines.

Marine engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in engineering and complete an internship that includes time at sea. Those who study at maritime academies or accredited programs may have an advantage when it comes to this career in transportation.

Median annual pay: $93,370

5. Ship Engineers?

Ship engineers operate and maintain the ship’s internal equipment, such as boilers, engines, generators and pumps. They often work in teams, with a chief engineer supervising and coordinating the crew’s activities.

Ship engineers work in any coastal area, including the Great Lakes and the Gulf. They make the highest salaries in Lafayette, Louisiana, followed by the New York metro area and Seattle. Some work for the government, but many work for private companies.

Median annual pay: $82,410

6. Captains of Water Vessels?

The captain of a water vessel is the highest authority on a ship. They supervise operations and take on all legal and operational responsibilities—which is part of what makes this one of the best-paying jobs in transportation.?

Interestingly, the highest-paid captains work in the gambling industry, and the top-paying states are Louisiana, Mississippi and Illinois. Scenic and sightseeing transportation also has a high concentration of employment in this field.?

Becoming a captain requires licensure from the U.S. Coast Guard. Many captains also first obtain degrees from a maritime academy.

Median annual pay: $81,640

7. Locomotive Engineers?

Locomotive engineers operate trains. They keep pace with changing regulations, monitor controls, operate throttles and air brakes and communicate with locomotive controllers. They must also monitor the track for obstructions, which requires focus.?

For those wondering, “What do transportation jobs pay if you don’t have a degree?” This field has one of the best answers. These workers typically need only a high school diploma and on-the-job training before they can get to work.?

Median annual pay: $79,740

8. Avionics Technicians?

Avionics technicians maintain aircraft equipment, including navigation, radio, radar and missile control. They inspect and test the equipment, diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical problems, install software and keep records of all their work.

Avionics technicians typically have an associate degree that includes instruction in flight instruments or computer repair, and some have bachelor’s degrees. To be competitive in this transportation career, they may also need certifications in their area of specialty.?

Median annual pay: $69,280

9. Railroad Conductors?

Railroad conductors manage the activities of trains. This includes speaking with dispatchers, inspecting train cars, collecting tickets from passengers, reviewing freight orders, managing records and preparing reports. They typically work closely with the locomotive engineer.?

Conductors can work on passenger lines or freight lines. Hours and salaries vary widely, but those who work for state governments have one of the best-paying jobs in transportation.?

Railroad conductors — and others who fall under the broader rail worker umbrella — typically have at least a high school diploma or equivalent and undergo extensive on-the-job training.

Median annual pay: $63,960

10. Flight Attendants?

Flight attendants may have one of the most glamorized careers in transportation, but this job requires skill and stamina. They’re trained to respond to emergencies and deal with difficult situations. They also work variable schedules that include overnights, weekends and holidays.?

Most flight attendants have a high school diploma, complete on-the-job training and earn FAA certification. Flight attendants must also have excellent listening and customer service skills, as well as high-stress tolerance.

Median annual pay: $61,640

How to Find High-Paying Transportation Jobs

Like many other professions, the answer to, “What do transportation jobs pay?” often depends on location and experience level. In this field, stress level also plays a part. Those willing to take on the challenges of an air traffic controller or airline pilot earn some of the highest salaries in return. However, other jobs within this industry pay well.?

Here are some tips if you’re looking for roles in transportation:

• Earn relevant certifications and keep them up to date.
• Join professional associations to keep knowledge fresh and find networking opportunities.
• Consider moving to an area with more transportation jobs or higher salaries — for example, coastal areas for maritime jobs or the Midwest for freight jobs.?
• Pursue higher education when appropriate. Those in engineering fields, in particular, can benefit from earning master’s degrees.

Top Takeaways

10 Best-Paying Jobs in Transportation

• The best-paying jobs in transportation are airline and commercial pilots, air traffic controllers, and highway engineers, all of which can command six-figure salaries.?
• The highest-paying occupations for job seekers without degrees are locomotive engineers, railroad conductors and flight attendants.
• Jobs that require advanced degrees or are high-stress often pay the best.
• To find a good transportation job, earn the appropriate certifications, join professional associations and pursue higher education.?

(Reporting by NPD)