How Much Does a Transportation Operator make?

Transportation Operator made a median salary around $49,079 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $55,335 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $42,587. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out Transportation Operator jobs in Utah

CDL-A Owner Operator

Ozark Motor Lines - OWENSBORO, KY

CDL-A Owner Operator

Ozark Motor Lines - BOWLING GREEN, KY

Class A OTR Owner Operator

US Expediting & Logistics LLC - VANDALIA, OH

CDL-A Owner Operator Truck Driver

TransAm Trucking - LOUISVILLE, KY

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Best-Paying Cities for Transportation Operator

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Transportation Operator profession are Blanding , Cisco , La Sal , Monticello , Beryl .
Blanding, UT $52,950
Cisco, UT $52,950
La Sal, UT $52,950
Monticello, UT $52,950
Beryl, UT $51,298

Best-Paying States for Transportation Operator

The states and districts that pay Transportation Operator the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $57,440) , California (around $56,924) , New Jersey (around $56,562) , Alaska (around $56,201) , and Massachusetts (around $56,150) .
District of Columbia $57,440
California $56,924
New Jersey $56,562
Alaska $56,201
Massachusetts $56,150

What is the Career Path of Transportation Operator?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Transportation Operator, the first career path typically starts with a Diesel Mechanic II position , and then progresses to Diesel Mechanic III.

Additionally, the second career path typically starts with an Automotive Mechanic II position , and then progresses to Automotive Mechanic III.

Besides, Transportation Operator can also turn to other related jobs, including Transportation Equipment Operator A , Transportation Manager , Transportation Senior Manager and Public Transportation Inspector .

Frequently Asked Questions for Transportation Operator

Q: What is the salary range of Transportation Operator in Utah?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Transportation Operator in Utah earned an average annual salary of $42,587 , while the highest-paid made $55,335.
Q: What is the salary for a Transportation Operator in California?
A: Transportation Operator employed in California earned an average salary of $56,924 in 2025.

Average Transportation Operator Pay vs. Other Jobs

Transportation Operator earned an average salary of $49,079 in 2025. Other jobs related to Transportation Operator earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Transportation Equipment Operator A made $51,833 , Transportation Manager made $105,147 , Transportation Senior Manager and Public Transportation Inspector made $146,302 and $54,584 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Transportation Operator

Transportation Equipment Operator A - Average Salary $51,833
There is currently no job description for Transportation Equipment Operator A, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Transportation Equipment Operator A.
Transportation Manager - Average Salary $105,147
Transportation Manager manages an organization's transportation operations to ensure efficiency, cost control, and compliance while coordinating teams and resources. Implements processes and policies to ensure transportation operations meet business objectives and comply with industry standards and local, state, and federal regulations. Being a Transportation Manager monitors transportation metrics, expenses, and rates to determine efficient resource utilization and navigate demand changes. Oversees and evaluates third-party logistics providers to ensure contracted services meet expectations. Additionally, Transportation Manager utilizes Transportation Management Systems to monitor shipping status, make timely decisions, and stay updated and informed. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. The Transportation Manager manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. To be a Transportation Manager typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
Transportation Senior Manager - Average Salary $146,302
Transportation Senior Manager manages an organization's transportation operations to ensure efficiency, cost control, and compliance while coordinating teams and resources. Implements processes and policies to ensure transportation operations meet business objectives and comply with industry standards and local, state, and federal regulations. Being a Transportation Senior Manager monitors transportation metrics, expenses, and rates to determine efficient resource utilization and navigate demand changes. Oversees and evaluates third-party logistics providers to ensure contracted services meet expectations. Additionally, Transportation Senior Manager utilizes Transportation Management Systems to monitor shipping status, make timely decisions, and stay updated and informed. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. The Transportation Senior Manager typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. To be a Transportation Senior Manager typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments.
Public Transportation Inspector - Average Salary $54,584
Public Transportation Inspector inspects and compiles information concerning activities and conduct of employees on public railroads, streetcars, and buses and submits written reports of findings. May require an associate's degree with at least 4 years of experience in the field. Being a Public Transportation Inspector is familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Additionally, Public Transportation Inspector performs a variety of complicated tasks. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department.
SVP of Transportation - Average Salary $269,377
SVP of Transportation plans and oversees an organization's transportation operations to ensure efficiency, cost control, and compliance with regulatory laws and standards. Develops transportation strategies and collaborates with senior leadership to integrate plans across the organization. Being an SVP of Transportation continuously monitors and improves processes and policies to ensure transportation operations meet business objectives and maintain service standards. Manages transportation budgets, monitoring profit and losses, ensuring optimal resource allocation, and identifying cost trends. Additionally, SVP of Transportation requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to senior management. The SVP of Transportation manages a business unit, division, or corporate function with major organizational impact. Establishes/implements overall direction and strategic initiatives for the given major function or line of business. To be an SVP of Transportation typically requires 10+ years of progressive leadership experience. Has extensive knowledge of the overall departmental function.