Transportation and Logistics Salaries: Moving Goods Pays

The Transportation and Material Moving Occupations group encompasses one of the most economically diverse collections of roles in BLS data — from airline pilots earning in the top 5% nationally to hand freight laborers earning below the workforce median.

Airline Pilots

Airline transport pilots — particularly captains at major airlines — are among the highest-paid occupations in BLS data, frequently at the top-code threshold in major markets. Regional airline first officers are paid significantly less, creating a career earnings ramp that rewards seniority and fleet upgrades.

Truck Drivers

Heavy truck drivers represent the largest employment category in transportation. Wages have risen significantly due to persistent driver shortages. Owner-operators can earn above the employee median; the tradeoff is income variability and capital requirements for the equipment.

Air Traffic Controllers

Federal air traffic controllers earn strong wages under the FAA pay system — particularly at high-complexity facilities like major TRACONs and ARTCCs. The demanding nature of the work and the mandatory age-60 retirement push wages up across the career arc.

Logistics Managers

Supply chain and logistics managers who plan and oversee transportation operations earn management-tier wages. Browse wages for logisticians and supply chain managers in the Business and Financial Operations group.