First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers Salary 2025: $62,890 Median
First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling earn a median salary of $62,890 per year, according to the latest BLS data. The mean wage is $66,860, or roughly $30 an hour. The bottom 10% earn around $43,360, while the top 10% bring in over $96,150. With over 623,000 people in the role, it's a common stepping stone into management in logistics, warehousing, and transportation.
How much First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling earn
The BLS reports a national median salary of $62,890 for these supervisors. That figure lands squarely between the typical entry-level salary and what experienced managers make. The mean hourly wage is about $30. The range is wide: from $43,360 at the 10th percentile to $96,150 at the 90th percentile, reflecting differences in industry, location, and experience.
Industries that pay above average include federal government, scheduled air transportation, and deep-sea freight transportation. Workers in warehousing and storage tend to be closer to the median.
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot. Top-paying states include Washington ($74,250), Maryland ($74,070), Rhode Island ($72,750), Wyoming ($70,590), and Minnesota ($68,430). These states tend to have strong logistics hubs or higher cost of living. At the other end, Idaho ($56,290), New Mexico ($55,790), and West Virginia ($52,420) offer the lowest average wages for this occupation.
How to become First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling
Most supervisors start as material moving workers or in transportation roles. The typical path is on-the-job experience combined with a high school diploma. Some employers prefer or require an associate's or bachelor's degree in logistics, supply chain management, or a related field.
Key steps to get the job: gain experience in the field (often 1-5 years), demonstrate leadership, and consider certifications like the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or hazardous materials endorsements for certain roles. Employers often promote from within, so reliability and a clean safety record are essential.
- High school diploma or equivalent minimum; higher education may help.
- 1-5 years of experience in transportation or material moving.
- Certifications like CSCP or OSHA safety training can boost candidacy.
- Clean driving record and drug tests may be required.
Job outlook
Employment is projected to grow 3.7% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 61,300 job openings each year over the decade, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other roles. Growth is driven by continued demand for logistics and e-commerce fulfillment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary range for First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers?
The typical range is $43,360 (10th percentile) to $96,150 (90th percentile), with a median of $62,890.
What education is needed to become a supervisor in transportation or material moving?
A high school diploma is the minimum, but many employers prefer an associate's or bachelor's degree in logistics or supply chain management. Experience in the field is usually required.
Is the job outlook good for these supervisors?
Growth is 3.7% over ten years, about average. Expect about 61,300 openings per year due to replacement needs and industry expansion.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling data.