Transportation and Material Moving Occupations
The most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021) states the following about transportation and material moving occupations:
Overall employment in transportation and material moving occupations is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 861,800 new jobs over the decade. In addition to new jobs from growth, opportunities arise from the need to replace workers who leave their occupations permanently. More than 1.9 million openings each year, on average, are projected to come from growth and replacement needs.
The median annual wage for this group was $36,860 in May 2021, which was lower than the median annual wage for all occupations of $45,760.
(Source: bls.gov)
Transportation and Material Moving Jobs
Below you will find a list of transportation and material moving positions with a job summary, entry-level education, and median pay level. Each link brings you to a specific job page where you can find more information about the position and commonly asked interview questions and answers for that job.
| Occupation | Job Summary | Entry-Level Education | 2021 Median Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controllers | Air traffic controllers coordinate the movement of aircraft to maintain safe distances between them. | Associate's degree | $129,750 |
| Airline and Commercial Pilots | Airline and commercial pilots fly and navigate airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft. | Bachelor’s degree | $134,630 |
| Delivery Truck Drivers and Driver/Sales Workers | Delivery truck drivers and driver/sales workers pick up, transport, and drop off packages and small shipments within a local region or urban area. | High school diploma or equivalent | $36,660 |
| Flight Attendants | Flight attendants provide routine services and respond to emergencies to ensure the safety and comfort of airline passengers. | High school diploma or equivalent | $61,640 |
| Hand Laborers and Material Movers | Hand laborers and material movers manually move freight, stock, or other materials. | No formal educational credential | $30,320 |
| Heavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers | Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers transport goods from one location to another. | Postsecondary nondegree award | $48,310 |
| Material Moving Machine Operators | Material moving machine operators use machinery to transport various objects. | High school diploma or equivalent | $38,380 |
| Passenger Vehicle Drivers | Passenger vehicle drivers operate buses, taxis, and other modes of transportation to take people from place to place. | High school diploma or equivalent | $37,540 |
| Railroad Workers | Workers in railroad occupations ensure that passenger and freight trains safely run on time. They may drive trains, coordinate the activities of the trains, or operate signals and switches in the rail yard. | High school diploma or equivalent | $64,150 |
| Water Transportation Workers | Water transportation workers operate and maintain vessels that take cargo and people over water. | No formal educational credential / Training programs | $62,760 |
(Source: bls.gov)
Job Interview Topics – Common Job Interview Questions & Answers
Below you can find a list of common job interview topics. Each link will direct you to an article regarding the specific topics that discuss commonly asked interview questions. Furthermore, each article discusses why the interviewer asks these questions and how you answer them!
- Accomplishments
- Adaptability
- Admission
- Behavioral
- Career Change
- Career Goals
- Communication
- Competency
- Conflict Resolution
- Creative Thinking
- Cultural Fit
- Customer Service
- Direct
- Experience
- Government
- Graduate
- Growth Potential
- Honesty & Integrity
- Illegal
- Inappropriate
- Job Satisfaction
- Leadership
- Management
- Entry-Level & No experience
- Performance-Based
- Personal
- Prioritization & Time Management
- Problem-solving
- Salary
- Situational & Scenario-based
- Stress Management
- Teamwork
- Telephone Interview
- Tough
- Uncomfortable
- Work Ethic