CTE Career Clusters
Overview
The Transportation, Distribution and Logistics cluster uses your knowledge of mechanics, mathematics and design to work in careers you plan, manage and move everything from people to company products through a range of transportation services. In this field, you are involved in the logistics of all modes of transportation from road to rail to air to water.
As people continue to rely on automobiles, more automotive service technicians will be needed to perform maintenance on vehicles. Many employers in the automotive field have a difficult time finding qualified technicians, so applicants with training or certifications should have better job prospects. Employment of airline and commercial pilots is expected to grow. Regional airlines and nonscheduled aviation services will provide the most job opportunities. Pilots seeking employment with major airlines will face strong competition and may require additional education and training.
Employment Projections: 2016-2026*
The Transportation, Distribution & Logistics cluster employed approximately 273,400 Virginians in 2016 but is expected to employ about 298,000 in 2026. This increase of about 24,600 workers represents 9 percent growth over the decade, slightly greater than the projected national average growth of 7 percent among all occupations in this cluster, based on Trailblazers analysis of information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
.
*NOTE: The methodology for classifying occupations within the cluster/pathway system has been updated since the previous data cycle (2014-24), so 2016-26 Trailblazers employment projection data may not be comparable to data from previous cycles.
For more information on occupations in the Transportation, Distribution & Logistics Cluster, visit Trailblazers – Career and Technical Education in Virginia (PDF).
| Selected Occupation(s) | Employed in Virginia 2016 |
2017 Median Wage | Predominant Level of Education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and
Material Movers, Hand |
50,034 | $25,880 | High School Diploma & Training/Certification |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | 44,658 | $40,350 | Associate/Some college & Training/Certification |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics |
23,488 | $43,220 | Associate/Some college & Training/Certification |
| Light Truck or Delivery Services Drivers | 23,446 | $29,080 | High School Diploma & Training/Certification |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | 13,166 | $35,930 | High School Diploma & Training/Certification |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | 13,049 | $22,400 | High School Diploma & Training/Certification |
| Billing and Posting Clerks | 11,496 | $37,120 | Associate/Some college & Training/Certification |
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | 10,222 | $20,620 | High School Diploma & Training/Certification |
| Logisticians | 7,267 | $82,830 | Bachelor’s or more |
| Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs | 7,178 | $26,220 | High School Diploma & Training/Certification |
- Wage data: United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Virginia Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, May 2017.
- Employment projections data: Virginia Employment Commission, Virginia Long-Term Occupational Projections, 2016-2026.
- Predominant education level: Trailblazers through the Demographics and Workforce Section of the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia.
Career Cluster Planning
A resource for counselors, administrators, and educators
CTE Administrative Planning Guide (APG) – includes information to help local school divisions plan and schedule instructional programs. The APG is organized by career clusters, with a complete listing of courses, concentration sequences, and credentials available to students as they plan for career entry and continuing education. Users may access course information by cluster or by searching for specific courses or certifications.
A resource for students and counselors
Career Planning Guide – includes an easy way for students and counselors to look for courses to further career goals. One can search for occupations, browse by Career Clusters or favorite academic subjects.
Academic and Career Plans of Study
Development Information
Information and tips for instructional leaders, administrators, counselors and teachers/faculty for creating a career pathway academic and career plan of study.
Sample Academic and Career Plans of Study
School divisions are asked to develop sample plans of study based on the courses offered within their schools, the employment needs of the region, and the post-high school educational opportunities needed for these careers. Once these sample plans are developed, they can be customized to the needs of individual students so that all students have the opportunity to have an individualized academic and career plan of study.
Sample Pathway Plans of Study for Transportation, Distribution & Logistics:
Also see Sample Plans of Study for all clusters and pathways.
Cluster Analysis Document for Virginia
Report: Education, Employment and Earnings: Analyzing Data from Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Resources
Copyright
The Career Clusters logo and its extensions are the property of the National Career Technical Foundation, as managed by NASDCTEc.
Some content on this page is from the publication, R U College & Career Ready? – 2017 Edition; and is used here with permission from the Virginia Business Publications LLC and Trailblazers in the Demographics and Workforce Section of the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia.
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