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How much does a Transportation Specialist make?

The average salary for a Transportation Specialist is $45,791 per year in the US.

Transportation specialists often enjoy a stable and rewarding career. They work in many industries, including logistics, freight, and public transport. This role is vital for ensuring goods and people move efficiently. The average yearly salary for a transportation specialist is about $45,791. This number can vary based on experience, location, and specific responsibilities.

Many transportation specialists see their salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions start around $28,000. Specialists with more experience, often in management, can earn up to $112,250 per year. This career offers growth opportunities and potential salary increases. It also comes with the satisfaction of playing a key role in keeping supply chains running smoothly.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Transportation Specialist?

Transportation Specialist jobs offer strong earning potential in many cities. Washington, DC, leads the way with the highest average salary at $111,890. Following closely are Salt Lake City, UT, and Albany, NY, offering salaries above $73,000. Job seekers may find excellent opportunities in these top-paying locations. Additionally, cities like Los Angeles, San Jose, and Kansas City offer competitive salaries for Transportation Specialists. These cities provide a mix of public and private sector jobs, enhancing career options. Austin, Sacramento, Phoenix, and Boston also present attractive salaries for those in this field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Transportation Specialist jobs, highlighting Washington, DC with the highest at $111,890 and Boston, MA with the lowest at $61,630.
  1. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $111,890
    In Washington, DC, professionals find exciting opportunities in the transportation sector. The city's busy transportation hub brings together numerous federal agencies, which create jobs in public transit and logistics. Companies like Amtrak and United Airlines offer promising careers.
    Find Transportation Specialist jobs in Washington, DC


  2. Salt Lake City, UT
    Average Salary: $74,474
    Salt Lake City offers a dynamic environment for transportation specialists. This city's growing economy and scenic location attract companies that need efficient transportation solutions. Companies such as ATA Airlines and Zions Bank provide varied job prospects in this field.
    Find Transportation Specialist jobs in Salt Lake City, UT


  3. Albany, NY
    Average Salary: $73,374
    Albany, NY, provides a range of jobs in transportation. The city's central location makes it a key spot for logistics and public transit. Working with companies such as CSX Transportation offers excellent career growth and stability.
    Find Transportation Specialist jobs in Albany, NY


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $72,042
    Los Angeles is a major hub for transportation professionals. The city's diverse industries create a demand for skilled specialists. Companies like United Parcel Service and Amtrak West provide many career opportunities in this bustling city.
    Find Transportation Specialist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  5. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $70,626
    San Jose offers a vibrant setting for those in the transportation field. The tech industry drives a need for efficient logistics and public transit. Working with companies like Google and Cisco Systems can lead to a rewarding career.
    Find Transportation Specialist jobs in San Jose, CA


  6. Kansas City, MO
    Average Salary: $68,816
    Kansas City has a strong transportation sector that offers many job opportunities. The city’s central location makes it a logistics hub. Companies such as FedEx and BNSF Railway provide solid career paths in this field.
    Find Transportation Specialist jobs in Kansas City, MO


  7. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $68,665
    Austin provides a growing market for transportation specialists. The city's tech and energy sectors create demand for skilled professionals. Working with companies like Apple and Southwest Airlines can lead to a fulfilling career.
    Find Transportation Specialist jobs in Austin, TX


  8. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $62,570
    Sacramento offers a mix of public and private sector jobs in transportation. The city's role as the state capital creates opportunities in logistics and public transit. Companies such as Amtrak and UPS offer many career options.
    Find Transportation Specialist jobs in Sacramento, CA


  9. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $61,668
    Phoenix provides a warm climate and a growing economy for transportation specialists. The city’s expanding industries need efficient transportation solutions. Companies like American Airlines and Greyhound Lines offer promising career opportunities.
    Find Transportation Specialist jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  10. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $61,630
    Boston offers a rich history and many opportunities in the transportation sector. The city’s education and healthcare industries create a demand for skilled professionals. Working with companies like MassPort and Logan Express provides diverse career paths.
    Find Transportation Specialist jobs in Boston, MA

What are the best companies a Transportation Specialist can work for?

Job seekers aiming for top pay in the transportation field should consider the TSA, known for high salaries. Other notable employers include the State of Washington and the Texas Department of Transportation. Amazon also offers competitive pay for transportation specialists.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Transportation Specialist jobs, highlighting TSA (Transportation Security Administration) with the highest at $121,198 and reLink Medical, LLC with the lowest at $48,133.
  1. TSA (Transportation Security Administration)
    Average Salary: $121,198
    At TSA, Transportation Specialist jobs focus on ensuring safety and security in transportation hubs across the country. TSA specialists work in airports and other transit centers, collaborating with law enforcement and other agencies to keep the public safe.


  2. State of Washington
    Average Salary: $76,762
    The State of Washington offers competitive salaries for Transportation Specialist jobs, with roles often centered around planning, managing, and improving transportation infrastructure. Positions are available in major cities like Seattle and Spokane, with a focus on public safety and efficiency.


  3. Texas Department of Transportation
    Average Salary: $72,737
    Working for the Texas Department of Transportation, specialists play a key role in maintaining and developing the state's extensive transportation network. This includes highways, bridges, and public transit systems. Key locations include Austin, Houston, and Dallas, where they ensure smooth traffic flow and infrastructure resilience.


  4. State of Georgia
    Average Salary: $62,380
    In the State of Georgia, Transportation Specialist jobs focus on various aspects of transportation planning and improvement. Specialists work to enhance road networks and public transit systems, improving connectivity across cities like Atlanta and Savannah.


  5. KeHE Distributors
    Average Salary: $60,607
    KeHE Distributors offers rewarding roles for Transportation Specialists, focusing on logistics and supply chain management. Specialists ensure that products are delivered efficiently across multiple states, with major hubs in locations like Chicago, Illinois, and Phoenix, Arizona.


  6. Partnership HealthPlan of California
    Average Salary: $58,533
    At Partnership HealthPlan of California, Transportation Specialists are vital in coordinating transportation for healthcare services. Specialists ensure that patients receive timely and safe transportation to medical appointments, enhancing the quality of healthcare delivery.


  7. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $57,645
    Amazon.com employs Transportation Specialists who manage logistics and delivery operations. They work in various locations, ensuring that packages are delivered promptly and efficiently to customers nationwide. Key areas include Seattle, Washington, and Los Angeles, California.


  8. Geopaq Logic
    Average Salary: $50,734
    Geopaq Logic offers Transportation Specialist jobs that focus on logistics and geographic information systems (GIS). Specialists use GIS technology to optimize transportation routes and manage logistics. Locations include Atlanta, Georgia, and Denver, Colorado.


  9. West Virginia Department of Transportation (WV)
    Average Salary: $49,698
    The West Virginia Department of Transportation provides roles for Transportation Specialists who work on maintaining and improving state roadways and infrastructure. Specialists are stationed across key cities, such as Charleston and Huntington, ensuring safe and efficient travel.


  10. reLink Medical, LLC
    Average Salary: $48,133
    reLink Medical, LLC offers roles for Transportation Specialists focused on medical logistics. Specialists ensure that medical supplies and equipment are delivered promptly to healthcare facilities. Key locations include San Francisco, California, and Portland, Oregon.

How to earn more as a Transportation Specialist?

Transportation specialists often find themselves working behind the scenes, ensuring the smooth movement of goods and people. For those in this field, understanding how to maximize earnings can be crucial. Key strategies can help to achieve a higher salary.

Start with gaining experience and certifications. Gaining relevant certifications, such as hazardous materials handling or advanced logistics, can boost earning potential. Experience in different types of transportation, such as air, land, and sea, also adds value. Networking within the industry can open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Staying current with technology and software used in logistics can make a specialist more valuable. Finally, seeking leadership roles or moving into management positions often comes with higher pay.

Consider these factors to enhance earning potential:

  1. Gain relevant certifications and experience.
  2. Network within the industry.
  3. Stay updated with technology and software.
  4. Seek leadership or management roles.
  5. Explore opportunities in various transportation types.

Currently 238 Transportation Specialist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Transportation Specialist in the US?

Learn what a Transportation Specialist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Transportation Specialist today.
Position
Overview
Transportation Specialist
238 Job Openings