As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Transportation Clerk I in the United States is $44,128 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Transportation Clerk I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Transportation Clerk I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Transportation Clerk I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation Clerk I | 0-1 years | $44,128 |
| Transportation Clerk II | 1-3 years | $49,362 |
| Transportation Clerk III | 3-5 years | $54,962 |
| Transportation Clerk IV | 5-7 years | $64,460 |
| Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | 7+ years | $55,521 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Transportation Clerk Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Transportation Clerk I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $49,357. While startup companies pay approximate $41,741.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $41,741 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $44,148 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $47,663 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $49,357 |
For Transportation Clerk I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 52% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Transportation Clerk positions in MFG Nondurable or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Transportation Clerk I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $57,366 | $28.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $52,954 | $25.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $52,954 | $25.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $48,541 | $23.0 | 10% |
| Telecom | $48,541 | $23.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Transportation Clerk I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Transportation Clerk I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation Clerk II | $49,362 | 12% |
| Dispatcher II | $49,102 | 11% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Transportation Clerk I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Transportation Clerk I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Transportation Clerk I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Transportation Clerk I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Transportation Clerk I is $55,659.
The highest pay for Transportation Clerk I is $54,295.
The lowest pay for Transportation Clerk I is $36,104.
Monitors and supports an organization's transportation operations to reduce costs and optimize operational procedures. Tracks and monitors shipment progress to ensure timely delivery and customer satisfaction. Maintains and updates Transportation Management Systems to track and streamline operations and ensure timely decision-making. Prepares and maintains bills of lading (BOL) and other shipping documentation. Ensures operations comply with safety requirements and federal transportation laws. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Transportation Clerk I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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