Jobs also abound for entry-level and workers with no degree
By Rob Morris,
Few industries stood up to the recession the way transportation
did. According to new data analysis by CareerBuilder and Economic
Modeling Specialists Intl., transportation job growth outpaced the
national average in the years following the economic downturn. From 2010
to 2013, employment in transportation, including workers who consider
themselves self-employed, grew 6.1 percent -- two percentage points above nationwide job growth over this timeframe (4.1 percent).
This industry continues to grow as the economy strengthens and other
industries regain confidence. Due to its integral role in supply chains
of many industrial and consumer sectors, the transportation industry
reaps the benefits of outside industry growth.
For example, consider two other growing industries that will impact the
demand for transportation workers. In a separate CareerBuilder survey,
the number of manufacturing employers that plan to add full-time,
permanent headcount increased three percentage points over Q2 2013.
Information technology is also projected to lead in job creation. As
these industries grow and produce more products, transportation workers
will be needed to bring goods to consumers.
Narrowing the focus, truck drivers, by far the largest occupation in the
U.S. transportation industry, grew 6.6 percent from 2010 to 2013 and is
expected to add more than 15,000 new jobs in 2014. There are currently
more than 1.8 million heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers in the
U.S, including more than 987,000 employed in the truck transportation
industry.
This all points to a field with impressive job security, plentiful
career opportunities and a range of salary options. And as more good
news for job seekers, the transportation industry is extremely
accessible to newcomers. Most roles
require a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as special
licensing or certifications for some occupations. Hands-on training and
apprenticeships are also offered.
Top transportation jobs in 2014 by percentage growth
The following table features the projected 10 fastest growing transportation jobs within the industry in 2014. Logisticians -- a high-skill, high-pay role responsible for coordinating steps from the acquisition of a product to its delivery -- leads the list.
| Occupation | Jobs (2013) | Jobs (2014) | % Change | Med. Hourly Earnings |
| Logisticians | 5,139 | 5,273 | 3% | $34.99 |
| Bus Drivers, School or Special Client | 181,884 | 186,623 | 3% | $13.53 |
| Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other* | 7,685 | 7,869 | 2% | $13.19 |
| Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels | 26,093 | 26,699 | 2% | $31.80 |
| Sailors and Marine Oilers | 24,778 | 25,315 | 2% | $18.36 |
| Transportation Attendants, Except Flight Attendants | 13,844 | 14,144 | 2% | $10.33 |
| Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers | 5,887 | 6,013 | 2% | $11.64 |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | 12,557 | 12,811 | 2% | $16.34 |
| Transportation Inspectors | 10,153 | 10,354 | 2% | $30.62 |
| Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs | 151,563 | 154,498 | 2% | $10.33 |
As seen in the table, a variety of roles and responsibilities can be found in the transportation industry, all of which are necessary to the daily lives of people here in the U.S. and around the world. From logisticians who are responsible for "big picture" organization to installation, maintenance and repair workers who keep equipment in working order, joining the transportation industry is a major contribution to moving the world forward.
> Find a job in transportation