Transportation salaries reflect the specialist skills, training, and experience required to deliver and coordinate people and goods across the UK safely. If you are curious about high paying jobs in the UK, are embarking on a new career path, seeking a promotion, or making a move to a new company, being forearmed in salary expectations and trends will put you in good stead.
Here we look at what do transportation jobs pay with the average salaries for transportation industry professionals in the UK. We also highlight the responsibilities and benefits that go along with each job.
Quick Links:
- High Paid Transportation Jobs In The UK
- Top 100 Best Paying Jobs In Transportation
- Average Salary Resources
- Highest Paying Transportation Job FAQs
Highlights And Key Takeaways:
- The best paying jobs in transportation services are Cruise Ship Captain and Flight Engineer.
- The next highest paying transportation jobs include Astronaut and Rail Project Manager.
High Paid Transportation Jobs In The UK
We have collected and analysed the average salary data from 1,000s of transportation companies advertising transportation industry jobs for transport people. So, our average salary data will help inform your next move, find the best-paying jobs, and job satisfaction. Whether you are already a transportation sector worker with a high school diploma moving up the career ladder or a student considering a transportation or logistics degree, our transportation industry salary data is essential reading.
Highest Paying Transportation Jobs By Average Salary:
Here are the best-paying jobs in transportation.
1. CRUISE SHIP CAPTAIN
The average salary of a Cruise Ship Captain is £108,000 per year. Job duties of a Cruise Ship Captain include overseeing personnel, such as Ship Engineers, ensuring emergency equipment is present, ensuring crew provide customer service, transporting passengers over long distances, and implementing safety procedures.
To become a Cruise Ship Captain, you will need a Nautical Science Bachelor’s Degree or College Degree, followed by completing onboard training courses/on-the-job training.
Search Cruise Ship Captain Jobs
2. FLIGHT ENGINEER
The average salary of a Flight Engineer is £63,300 per year. Flight Engineer primary duties include monitoring and operating the complex systems of the aircraft. To become a Flight Engineer, formal education requirements include a general engineering or aeronautical engineering college degree and you could work with commercial pilots or for the military.
3. ASTRONAUT
The average salary of an Astronaut is £60,000 per year. Astronaut is the third-highest paying transportation job, with job duties including piloting spacecraft, conducting experiments, and delivering payloads, such as satellites into space.
To become an Astronaut, you will need a postgraduate degree and at least 1,000 flying hours in aircraft such as a fighter jet.
4. RAIL PROJECT MANAGER
The average salary of a Rail Project Manager is £60,700 per year. A Rail Project Manager oversees railway station and line installations or redevelopments. Your responsibilities include ensuring the project is delivered on time and meets railway safety requirements and regulations. Negotiating contracts with suppliers and contractors, managing costs, and leveraging commercial and engineering experience are essential to succeed in this role.
To earn a high-paying Rail Project Manager job, you will need a degree, Higher National Certificate, or Higher National Diploma in a relevant discipline. Membership with a professional body such as the Association of Project Management will help you further your career.
Search Rail Project Manager Jobs
5. HELICOPTER PILOT
The average salary of a Helicopter Pilot is £50,600 per year. You will be responsible for flying single or multi-engined helicopters for tourism, business, or emergency service purposes. Your duties will include completing pre and post-flight reports, carrying out safety checks, weather checks, following flight plans, and adhering to instructions from traffic control.
To get your first Helicopter Pilot interview, you will need to be at least eighteen and hold a Civil Aviation Authority Commercial Pilot Licence. You will also need to pass a Civil Aviation Authority Medical. To further develop your career and maximise your earning potential, you could join a professional body, such as The Honourable Company of Air Pilots.
6. TRAIN DRIVER
The average salary of a Train Driver is £41,600 per year. If you are a calm and responsible person, able to stay alert, and have good reaction skills, then a Train Driver career might be for you. Your responsibilities will include conducting safety checks, driving safely and smoothly, following signal instructions, emergency procedures, and safety regulations.
Your train driving career can get underway with a train operating company, the London Underground, or Eurostar. You can enrol on an intermediate level apprenticeship, with training on the job. You will need to be eighteen or twenty-one if you want to drive on Network Rail lines.
7. INVENTORY MANAGER
The average salary of an Inventory Manager is £48,300 per year. Inventory Manager job duties include overseeing inventory and inventory personnel, such as a team of Warehouse Workers. To work in these high-paying jobs, you need supervisory or leadership experience and a supply chain or logistics degree or high school diploma.
8. LOGISTICS ENGINEER
The average salary of a Logistics Engineer is £39,600 per year. They are responsible for analysing and designing solutions for transportation projects. In this role, you will work on network modelling, routing, transportation improvements, and methods analysis. You will prepare logistics solutions for your clients, so a highly analytical mind and excellent problem-solving skills are essential.
To get a Logistics Engineer job, you will need a Bachelor's degree in logistics or a related field. To earn more in this career, you can move into a specialist transport industry, such as rail, or choose to work in a consultant capacity.
Search Logistics Engineer Jobs
9. STORAGE ADMINISTRATOR
The average salary of a Storage Administrator is £45,200 per year. The responsibilities of a storage administrator include overseeing the digital platforms and developing strategies to effectively manage storage facilities for logistics sites, trucking companies, or bulk carriers. To become a Storage Administrator you will need specialised training and possibly a college degree or diploma.
Search Storage Administrator Jobs
10. SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGER
The average salary of a Supply Chain Manager is £45,200 per year. In this role, you will organise the movement of goods and materials from manufacturers and suppliers to customers. Duties include working with buyers, negotiating contracts with suppliers, and planning the most effective ways of transporting goods to retailers. Monitoring performance, tracking shipments, and implementing supply chain improvements are part of the role, so excellent organisational and problem-solving skills are essential.
To successfully work as a Supply Chain Manager, you will need a degree in supply chain management or logistics. Alternatively, you can complete an apprenticeship or start in a junior role and do training courses through The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport to advance your career.
Search Supply Chain Manager Jobs
After viewing our list of top average salaries, you might be wondering which healthcare jobs are most popular
Most Popular High Paying Transportation Industry Jobs:
Here are the most popular highest-paying transportation jobs.
1. RAIL PROJECT MANAGER
Rail Project Managers earn an average annual salary of £60,700 per year.
Rail Project Manager Salary | Search Rail Project Manager Jobs
2. TUBE DRIVER
Tube Drivers earn an average annual salary of £44,400 per year. Your duties include driving the train across underground and surface tracks, ensuring passengers safely reach their destination. The work isn’t for everyone, but if you like working alone and potentially only communicating with others over the PA or radio, then the role can be rewarding.
To secure a job as a Tube Driver, you will need to undergo training, which lasts for six to twelve months, covering aspects such as safety, driving theory, and hands-on driving practice. You will also need an NVQ Level 2 in Rail Transport Operations and a Personal Track Safety Certificate.
Tube Driver Salary | Search Tube Driver Jobs
3. FREIGHT TRAIN DRIVER
Freight Train Drivers earn an average annual salary of £44,400 per year. As a Freight Train Driver, you will be responsible for safely and efficiently operating freight trains, conducting preparation duties, and reporting train defects. The job may involve staying away from home and working various shift patterns, including evening and weekend hours.
To get a Freight Train Driver job, you will need your Personal Track Safety Certificate and in-depth knowledge of routes, regulations, and wagons. You can further your career with experience and move into an instructor or operations management role.
Freight Train Driver Salary | Search Freight Train Driver Jobs
4. HELICOPTER PILOT
Helicopter Pilots earn an average annual salary of £50,600 per year.
Helicopter Pilot Salary | Search Helicopter Pilot Jobs
5. TRAIN DRIVER
Train Drivers earn an average annual salary of £41,600 per year.
Train Driver Salary | Search Train Driver Jobs
6. LOGISTICS ENGINEER
Logistics Engineers earn an average annual salary of £39,600 per year.
Logistics Engineer Salary | Search Logistics Engineer Jobs
7. RAILWAY ENGINEER
Railway Engineers earn an average annual salary of £44,100 per year. The primary responsibilities in this role include inspecting infrastructure, recommending and overseeing improvement projects, and estimating costs. You can also build and fit-out new engines and carriages, including installing control panels and communication systems.
To secure a job as a Railway Engineer, you can complete an apprenticeship as a rail engineering technician or do a college course to learn the required skills. You can also work in a junior position and work towards a senior role with further training and experience.
Railway Engineer Salary | Search Railway Engineer Jobs
8. SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGER
Supply Chain Managers earn an average annual salary of £45,200 per year.
Supply Chain Manager Salary | Search Supply Chain Manager Jobs
9. TRANSPORTATION MANAGER
Transportation Managers earn an average annual salary of £34,300 per year. A Transportation Manager works with suppliers and clients to schedule deliveries. Duties include managing a team of drivers, planning routes, and arranging vehicle maintenance. Ensuring all activities comply with safety and company regulations and conducting performance assessments are part of this role.
As a Transport Manager, you will mainly work in an office, and with experience, you can specialise in certain types of transportation to earn more in this career. You can also move into consultancy or transport planning, giving you lots of progression options.
Transportation Manager Salary | Search Transportation Manager Jobs
Top 100 Best Paying Jobs In Transportation
So, what are all the highest paying jobs in transportation and logistics? These are the top 100 best-paying jobs in transportation:
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Cruise Ship Captain Salary | Search Cruise Ship Captain Jobs
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Rail Project Manager Salary | Search Rail Project Manager Jobs
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Storage Administrator Salary | Search Storage Administrator Jobs
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Supply Chain Manager Salary | Search Supply Chain Manager Jobs
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Freight Train Driver Salary | Search Freight Train Driver Jobs
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Supply Chain Engineer Salary | Search Supply Chain Engineer Jobs
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Logistics Administrator Salary | Search Logistics Administrator Jobs
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HGV Service Technician Salary | Search HGV Service Technician Jobs
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Transport Operations Manager Salary | Search Transport Operations Manager Jobs
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Transportation, Storage, And Distribution Manager Salary | Search Transportation, Storage, And Distribution Manager Jobs
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Transportation Equipment Painter Salary | Search Transportation Equipment Painter Jobs
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Transportation Manager Salary | Search Transportation Manager Jobs
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Hazmat Truck Driver Salary | Search Hazmat Truck Driver Jobs
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HGV Master Technician Salary | Search HGV Master Technician Jobs
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Transportation Inspector Salary | Search Transportation Inspector Jobs
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Signal And Track Switch Repairers Salary | Search Signal And Track Switch Repairers Jobs
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Class II Lorry Driver Salary | Search Class II Lorry Driver Jobs
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Storage And Distribution Manager Salary | Search Storage And Distribution Manager Jobs
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Supply Chain Planner Salary | Search Supply Chain Planner Jobs
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Rail-Track Laying Worker Salary | Search Rail-Track Laying Worker Jobs
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Subway And Streetcar Operators Salary | Search Subway And Streetcar Operators Jobs
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Transport Controller Salary | Search Transport Controller Jobs
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Inventory Controller Salary | Search Inventory Controller Jobs
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Private Hire Driver Salary | Search Private Hire Driver Jobs
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Air Traffic Controller Salary | Search Air Traffic Controller Jobs
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Import-Export Agent Salary | Search Import-Export Agent Jobs
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Distribution Supervisor Salary | Search Distribution Supervisor Jobs
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Transportation Vehicle Operator Supervisor Salary | Search Transportation Vehicle Operator Supervisor Jobs
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Logistics Supervisor Salary | Search Logistics Supervisor Jobs
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Airfield Operations Specialist Salary | Search Airfield Operations Specialist Jobs
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Cargo And Freight Agent Salary | Search Cargo And Freight Agent Jobs
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Sailors And Marine Oiler Salary | Search Sailors And Marine Oiler Jobs
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Material Moving Workers Salary | Search Material Moving Workers Jobs
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Bus Drivers, School Or Special Client Salary | Search Bus Drivers, School Or Special Client Jobs
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Bridge And Lock Tender Salary | Search Bridge And Lock Tender Jobs
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Transportation Attendant Salary | Search Transportation Attendant Jobs
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Shipping And Receiving Clerk Salary | Search Shipping And Receiving Clerk Jobs
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Industrial Truck And Tractor Operator Salary | Search Industrial Truck And Tractor Operator Jobs
Other high paying transportation jobs include Marine Engineer, Logistics Manager, Highway Engineer, Aircraft Mechanic, and Transit Operator. Each of these roles plays a vital part in keeping the wheels of industry and commerce turning.
Marine Engineers are the architects of the sea. Expert marine engineers design and oversee the construction and maintenance of ships, ensuring these maritime vessels operate efficiently and safely. A career in marine engineering often requires a combination of technical knowledge and practical experience in maintaining ships. The role is crucial in the transportation sector, especially in a country like the UK, where maritime activities play a significant role in the economy. Check the Marine Engineer salary here.
Logistics Managers are the maestros of organisation and efficiency. They oversee the efficient storage and distribution of goods, ensuring that transportation services meet the demands of businesses and consumers alike. A Logistics Manager might work for a variety of organisations, including a railway company or a shipping firm, and they often hold a commercial driver’s license as part of their qualifications. Their role is pivotal in ensuring that supply chains operate smoothly and efficiently. Check the Logistics Manager salary here.
Highway Engineers are the backbone of road infrastructure. They design, construct, and maintain roads and bridges, ensuring safe and efficient travel for millions of people. Highway engineers play a critical role in planning and implementing transportation projects, working closely with other professionals such as air traffic controllers to ensure seamless intermodal transport. Check the Highway Engineer salary here.
Aircraft Mechanics are the unsung heroes of the aviation industry. Their expertise ensures the safety and reliability of aircraft, from small private planes to large commercial jets. Aircraft mechanics are responsible for the regular maintenance and repair of aircraft, a role that demands precision, skill, and a deep understanding of complex mechanical systems. Check the Aircraft Mechanic salary here.
Transit Operators are the face of public transportation. Transit operators ensure that buses, trains, and trams run on time, providing an essential service to millions of commuters every day. Their role requires not only the ability to operate vehicles safely but also strong customer service skills, as they interact with passengers and ensure a pleasant and safe journey. Check the Transit Operator salary here.
In conclusion, these roles in the transportation sector are not just jobs; they are careers that offer both financial rewards and the satisfaction of playing a crucial part in keeping the country moving. Whether it's designing the next generation of maritime vessels, ensuring the efficient movement of goods, maintaining vital road networks, keeping aircraft in the sky, or operating public transit systems, professionals in these fields are essential to the smooth operation of the UK's transportation infrastructure.
Average Salary Resources
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Highest Paying Transportation Job FAQs
Next we answer your transportation jobs FAQs for careers such as Delivery Truck Drivers, Tractor Trailer Truck Drivers, Bus Drivers, Air Traffic Controllers, Commercial Pilots, Water Transportation Workers, Owner Operator Drivers, Flight Attendants, Light Trucks Drivers, Taxi Drivers, Airline Pilots, and more.
WHAT TOP 3 TRANSPORT JOBS PAY THE MOST?
- Cruise Ship Captain: Stepping into the role of a Cruise Ship Captain is not just a job; it’s assuming the helm of a floating city. This position ranks among the highest-paying jobs in the transportation field. A Cruise Ship Captain is responsible for the safety of the vessel, its crew, and passengers, delivering a vital service while navigating through international waters. Commanding such a complex operation requires not only expertise in navigation and mechanical systems but also excellent communication skills. The job market for Cruise Ship Captains is robust, reflecting the continuing allure of sea travel.
- Flight Engineer: A Flight Engineer’s role is integral to the aviation industry. They are responsible for the management and operation of aircraft systems, a task that demands a deep understanding of both mechanical and computer systems. Flight Engineers work closely with the flight crew in approach control facilities and during flight training exercises. Their expertise ensures that flights operate safely and efficiently, making this an exciting career choice in a sector where precision is paramount. The demand for Flight Engineers in the job market underscores the critical nature of this role.
- Astronaut: Becoming an Astronaut is a career that transcends the ordinary, offering a unique blend of adventure, science, and exploration. This role, which is in high demand, involves extensive training in accredited programs and requires a strong background in fields such as civil engineering or physics. Astronauts may work as independent contractors or be employed by government agencies or private space exploration companies. The job requires not only physical and mental fortitude but also advanced skills in operating complex spacecraft systems.
IS TRANSPORTATION A GOOD CAREER PATH?
Absolutely, the transportation industry offers a plethora of job opportunities for job seekers, each presenting a unique blend of challenges and rewards. The diversity in job postings, ranging from ground transportation to air traffic, ensures that there is a role to suit a wide array of skills and interests.
WHAT IS THE BEST PAYING TRANSPORTATION JOB?
The highest paying transportation sector job goes to Cruise Ship Captain, closely followed by Flight Engineer.
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE SALARY OF HIGH PAYING TRANSPORTATION JOBS?
You can view the average transportation salaries here for job titles such as Truck Driver, Owner Operator Driver, Marine Engineer, Van Driver, Bus Driver, Railroad Engineer, Highway Engineer, and Naval Architects.