How to become transportation, storage, and distribution managerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Management & Consulting Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$107,230

25th–75th pct. $82,440–$146,770

Top pay (est.)

$253,400

Top 10% $194,900

Pay in 5 years

$124,000est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$143,500est.

$123,400–$166,600

Outlook score

66/100

★★★☆☆ Good

AI replacement risk

55%

Moderate

Job growth (10 yr)

+6.1%

18K openings / yr

How to become transportation, storage, and distribution managers

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

Related experience

5 years or more

On-the-job training

None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers

Key skills

Active Listening

3.9

Coordination

3.9

Speaking

3.8

Monitoring

3.8

Reading Comprehension

3.8

Time Management

3.8

Persuasion

3.6

Negotiation

3.6

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service

5.2

Administration and Management

4.9

Transportation

4.7

Personnel and Human Resources

4.5

Mathematics

4.3

Administrative

4.2

Production and Processing

4.2

Education and Training

4.2

What the work involves

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsGetting InformationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsCoordinating the Work and Activities of Others

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionWritten ComprehensionOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionDeductive ReasoningProblem Sensitivity

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★★☆ Demanding (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as transportation, storage, and distribution managers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	General and Operations Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations.	$105,770	62/100	54%
2	Business Operations Specialists, All Other All business operations specialists not listed separately.	$83,050	65/100	30%
3	Project Management Specialists Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis.	$102,320	57/100	70%
4	Human Resources Specialists Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization.	$75,940	59/100	61%
5	Management Analysts Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively.	$101,860	69/100	66%
6	Financial Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.	$166,570	65/100	65%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.