Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
Less than 5 years
None
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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First-line supervisors of transportation and material moving workers (except aircraft cargo handling supervisors) oversee teams that keep goods and people moving. Nationally, about 610,000 people work in these roles, with projected employment growth of 3.7%. This combination of a large employment base and measurable growth suggests a stable presence in the labor market. The national median annual salary is $61,890, with higher median pay reported in several states and metro areas. The role draws on leadership, problem solving and decision making, and project management, supported by skills in customer service, speaking and listening, and being detail oriented. Mechanical, mathematics, science, and creativity and innovation skills also contribute to success in this field. Annual openings are estimated at 61,000, creating ongoing opportunities for new entrants and experienced workers. For those interested in frontline leadership in transportation and material moving environments, this occupation offers a blend of supervisory responsibility, team coordination, and career paths that can connect to other supervisory and management roles.
The national median annual salary for first-line supervisors of transportation and material moving workers is $61,890, but pay can vary by location. Among the top states by opportunity score, median salaries range from $65,380 in Colorado to $74,250 in Washington, all above the national median. New York reports a median salary of $67,300, while California and Massachusetts are similar at $65,550 and $65,570. At the metro level, several areas stand out with higher median pay. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA reports $74,240, and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA reports $73,950. The New York-Newark-Jersey City metro shows a median of $71,510. These figures indicate that major metro areas in California and the New York region, as well as the state of Washington, offer particularly strong earning potential compared with the national median, which may appeal to supervisors considering relocation or long-term salary growth.
First-line supervisors of transportation and material moving workers have a national employment level of about 610,000, indicating a substantial footprint in the workforce. Projected employment growth of 3.7% points to continued demand over time rather than a declining field. The estimated 61,000 annual openings highlight ongoing replacement and growth needs, offering frequent entry points for new supervisors and advancement opportunities for experienced workers. Growth of 3.7% is also reflected consistently across the top states and metro areas listed, suggesting similar projected trends in those regions. For career planning, the combination of a large existing workforce, measurable projected growth, and tens of thousands of annual openings supports the idea that this occupation should remain accessible to job seekers. Individuals already working in transportation or material moving roles may see supervisory positions like this as a realistic next step, especially when combined with strong leadership, problem solving, and project management skills.
Geography can make a meaningful difference in both opportunity and pay for first-line supervisors of transportation and material moving workers. Among states, California, Massachusetts, and New York all have opportunity scores above 65, with median salaries around the mid-$60,000s to upper-$60,000s. Washington shows the highest state median salary at $74,250 and an opportunity score of 56.29, while Colorado offers $65,380 with a 56.97 score. Employment levels also differ: California has 67,920 employed, compared with 29,280 in New York and smaller but notable figures in Colorado, Washington, and Massachusetts. At the metro level, the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and New York-Newark-Jersey City areas have the highest opportunity scores, both above 77, with median salaries above $71,000. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont also combines a high median salary with a strong opportunity score. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria and Boston-Cambridge-Newton offer solid salaries and opportunity scores in the mid-60s. Job seekers can use these differences to balance pay, job density, and opportunity scores when comparing locations.
Typical entry into this occupation requires a high school diploma or equivalent, making it accessible to individuals without a college degree. However, advancing and performing well as a first-line supervisor of transportation and material moving workers relies on a broad skill set. Leadership is central, as supervisors coordinate teams and guide day-to-day operations. Project management, problem solving and decision making, and being detail oriented support effective planning and handling of routine and non-routine issues. Customer service, speaking, and listening skills are important for interacting with workers and other stakeholders. Mechanical, mathematics, and science skills contribute to understanding the work environment and processes. Creativity and innovation can help improve workflows and address challenges. For students and career changers, focusing on building these skills—through work experience, employer training, or other learning pathways—aligns well with the demands and expectations of this supervisory path, even without higher formal education requirements.
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