United States Bureau of Labor Statistics
Overview
There are many challenging educational opportunities within the high-skilled world of Transportation, Distribution and Logistics. Students can begin preparing in high school or middle school. Learners need a solid background in communications, math, science and technology.
Along the way, career guidance professionals assist students in assessing their educational goals, interests, abilities and skills to ensure a fit to the cluster's many pathway options. Students can participate in coordinated workplace learning experiences such as site visits, job shadowing, and internships. If they choose, they may achieve valuable skill certifications while in high school that lead to employment. Colleges and universities offer advanced degrees and industry certifications that prepare students for entry-level, professional and technical careers.
This diverse Career Cluster exposes students to careers and businesses involved in the planning, management, and movement of people, materials, and products by road, air, rail and water. It also includes related professional and technical support services such as infrastructure planning and management, logistic services, and the maintenance of mobile equipment and facilities.
Employment Outlook
Transportation, distribution and logistics is a critical sector of the United States economy. Over 10 million people are employed in transportation or transportation-related occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an increase in employment in this sector through 2024. There will be a growing number of career opportunities in a variety of professional and technical occupations as well as high-paid, entry-level occupations that can provide career advancement opportunities. Median annual wages for these occupations range from $19,500 for parking lot attendants to $121,280 for air traffic controllers.
Algebra 1
Algebra 1 Honors
Geometry Honors
Math 6
Math 6 STEM
Math 7
Math 7 Honors
Math 8
Robotics 8
Technology 6/7
Communication Systems*
Construction Systems*
Residential Structures*
Auto Collision Technician
Auto Skills
Automotive Technology
Aviation Operations
Power Sports & Engine Repair
Senior Internship
This Cluster Contains The Following Pathways:
Career Pathways are a multi-year program of academic and technical study that prepares students for a full range of postsecondary options within each career cluster. Career pathways provide a context for exploring career options at all levels of education. Career pathways link student learning to the knowledge and skills needed for future education and employment.
Pathway 1: Facility and Mobile Equipment Maintenance
Careers in the Facility and Mobile Equipment Maintenance pathway include the maintenance, repair, and servicing of vehicles and transportation facilities, as well as the refueling of mobile equipment. All transportation relies on equipment which must function as designed, whenever needed. The people in this pathway keep the equipment and machinery running while looking for more efficient, safe, and cost-effective ways to do so.
Related Careers
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles
Related Majors
Airframe Mechanics & Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician
Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation
Marine Maintenance/Fitter & Ship Repair Technology/Technician
Vehicle Emissions Inspection & Maintenance Technology/Technician
Pathway 2: Health, Safety and Environmental Management
Careers in the Health, Safety and Environmental Management pathway involve assessing and managing risks associated with safety and environmental issues. The well-being of people and our environment is more important and challenging today than ever before in history. The people employed in this important pathway research, plan and carry out activities to make our environment safer and cleaner.
Related Careers
Air Pollution Control Engineer
Haz Tech
Hazardous Substances Engineer
Hazardous Technician
Related Majors
Pathway 3: Logistics Planning and Management Services
Careers in the Logistics Planning and Management Services pathway involve the planning, management and control of the physical distribution of materials, products, and people. Often, more than one mode of transportation is used as distribution efforts can be complex, even national or global. These people are responsible for the plans which will ensure that cargo arrives at the right location, on time, and in the safest, most economical manner.
Related Careers
Related Majors
Pathway 4: Sales and Service
Careers in the Sales and Service pathway involve the marketing and selling of transportation services to new customers as well as the management of existing customer relationships and customer service. Transportation businesses move passengers and freight to meet customer needs and demands. Successful businesses need skilled employees to provide excellent customer service.
Related Careers
Related Majors
Pathway 5: Transportation Operations
Careers in Transportation Operations involve driving or piloting the vehicles that transport people and freight. Equally important to this pathway are the support people who ensure that any cargo transport is safe, secure, and on time.
Related Careers
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Related Majors
Pathway 6: Transportation Systems, Infrastructure Planning, Management and Regulation
Careers in Transportation Operations involve driving or piloting the vehicles that transport people and freight. Equally important to this pathway are the support people who ensure that any cargo transport is safe, secure, and on time.
Related Careers
Related Majors
Pathway 7: Warehousing and Distribution Center Operations
Careers in Warehousing and Distribution Center Operations focus on the operation of transportation and distribution facilities including ports, terminals, warehouses, and other types of facilities. All cargo needs to be tracked, sorted, labeled, and loaded accurately and safely. Timing is also important, since many loads must adhere to a schedule in order to satisfy the needs of the customer.
Related Careers
Related Majors