How much does a Transportation Specialist make?
Transportation Specialists play a key role in ensuring goods move efficiently from one place to another. They manage logistics, track shipments, and coordinate transportation services. The average yearly salary for a Transportation Specialist is around $46,077. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the specific industry.
The salary range for Transportation Specialists can be quite broad. At the lower end, some specialists earn around $28,000 per year. As experience and skills grow, salaries can increase significantly. The top earners in this field can make over $110,000 per year. This wide range offers many opportunities for career growth and salary increases. Factors like location and industry can also impact earnings. For example, those in urban areas or high-demand industries may see higher salaries.
What are the highest paying cities for a Transportation Specialist?

-
Washington, DC
Average Salary: $114,255
In Washington, DC, professionals manage logistics for government agencies and large corporations. Companies like FedEx and UPS offer many opportunities. The city's infrastructure makes it a hub for transportation jobs.
Find Transportation Specialist jobs in Washington, DC
-
Albany, NY
Average Salary: $73,500
Albany, NY, provides a mix of urban and rural logistics challenges. Working here means dealing with both city traffic and upstate routes. Companies like CSX and Pan Am Railways are prominent employers.
Find Transportation Specialist jobs in Albany, NY
-
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $71,721
Los Angeles offers a dynamic environment for transportation specialists. The city's vast network and major ports create a demand for skilled professionals. Companies like DHL and Amazon are key players in the industry.
Find Transportation Specialist jobs in Los Angeles, CA
-
Salt Lake City, UT
Average Salary: $70,794
Salt Lake City combines urban and outdoor logistics. Specialists here manage both city transport and mountain routes. Companies like Zions Bank and Wasatch Transportation Group provide diverse opportunities.
Find Transportation Specialist jobs in Salt Lake City, UT
-
Austin, TX
Average Salary: $69,301
Austin's growing tech scene creates a need for efficient transport solutions. Specialists work with companies like Dell and Apple. The city's expanding infrastructure offers many job prospects.
Find Transportation Specialist jobs in Austin, TX
-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $68,899
San Jose is a tech hub with a strong demand for transportation services. Companies like Google and Cisco offer many job opportunities. The city's logistics network is well-developed and complex.
Find Transportation Specialist jobs in San Jose, CA
-
Kansas City, MO
Average Salary: $66,760
Kansas City is a logistics center with many opportunities for specialists. Companies like BNSF Railway and UPS are major employers. The city's central location makes it a key transport hub.
Find Transportation Specialist jobs in Kansas City, MO
-
Lansing, MI
Average Salary: $63,594
Lansing offers a mix of urban and rural logistics. Specialists here manage both city transport and regional routes. Companies like General Motors and DHL provide diverse job opportunities.
Find Transportation Specialist jobs in Lansing, MI
-
Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $61,667
Sacramento's growing population creates a need for efficient transport solutions. Specialists work with companies like Amtrak and UPS. The city's logistics network is expanding rapidly.
Find Transportation Specialist jobs in Sacramento, CA
-
Phoenix, AZ
Average Salary: $61,500
Phoenix offers a warm climate and a growing logistics sector. Specialists work with companies like UPS and Amazon. The city's expanding infrastructure offers many job prospects.
Find Transportation Specialist jobs in Phoenix, AZ
What are the best companies a Transportation Specialist can work for?

-
TSA (Transportation Security Administration)
Average Salary: $117,619
TSA offers exciting opportunities for Transportation Specialists. They work at airports across the country, ensuring safe and efficient travel. Their roles include overseeing security operations and managing logistics.
-
State of Washington
Average Salary: $76,887
The State of Washington provides rewarding positions for Transportation Specialists. They focus on infrastructure and public transit. Specialists work in various locations, including Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma, to improve transportation systems.
-
Texas Department of Transportation
Average Salary: $73,359
The Texas Department of Transportation offers dynamic roles for Transportation Specialists. They manage road projects and public transportation. Specialists work in cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston, ensuring smooth traffic flow and efficient transit.
-
State of Minnesota
Average Salary: $62,930
The State of Minnesota provides opportunities for Transportation Specialists. They focus on road maintenance and public transit. Specialists work in cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul, ensuring safe and reliable transportation for residents.
-
Partnership HealthPlan of California
Average Salary: $61,481
Partnership HealthPlan of California offers roles for Transportation Specialists. They manage logistics for healthcare services. Specialists work in various locations, including Sacramento and Los Angeles, ensuring timely delivery of medical supplies.
-
State of Georgia
Average Salary: $61,388
The State of Georgia provides positions for Transportation Specialists. They focus on road maintenance and public transit. Specialists work in cities like Atlanta and Savannah, ensuring efficient transportation systems.
-
KeHE Distributors
Average Salary: $60,707
KeHE Distributors offers roles for Transportation Specialists. They manage logistics and distribution. Specialists work in various locations, including Chicago and Los Angeles, ensuring timely delivery of products.
-
Amazon.com
Average Salary: $56,300
Amazon.com provides opportunities for Transportation Specialists. They manage logistics and delivery operations. Specialists work in various locations, including Seattle and New York, ensuring fast and efficient delivery services.
-
Geopaq Logic
Average Salary: $50,856
Geopaq Logic offers roles for Transportation Specialists. They focus on logistics and transportation planning. Specialists work in various locations, including San Francisco and Denver, ensuring efficient transportation solutions.
-
West Virginia Department of Transportation (WV)
Average Salary: $49,938
The West Virginia Department of Transportation offers positions for Transportation Specialists. They manage road projects and public transit. Specialists work in cities like Charleston and Huntington, ensuring safe and reliable transportation systems.
How to earn more as a Transportation Specialist?
Transportation Specialists can find several ways to increase their earnings. By focusing on key areas, they can enhance their skills and marketability. This leads to better job opportunities and higher pay.
Here are some factors that can help Transportation Specialists earn more:
- Gain More Certifications: Earning additional certifications can make a specialist more attractive to employers. Certifications in logistics, safety, or specialized software can open up higher-paying positions.
- Expand Experience: Working in different areas of transportation can lead to more job opportunities. Experience in logistics, freight, or passenger transport can make a specialist more versatile and valuable.
- Pursue Advanced Education: Obtaining a degree or advanced certification in transportation management can lead to higher-paying roles. Many employers prefer candidates with formal education in this field.
- Develop Strong Communication Skills: Being able to communicate clearly with clients, team members, and management is crucial. Good communication skills can lead to better job performance and higher pay.
- Stay Updated with Technology: Keeping up with the latest technology in transportation can make a specialist more efficient. Familiarity with new software and tools can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries.



