Explore Careers

Transportation Managers

Explore Careers

Transportation Managers

Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Officer Role

Service Branches with this Role

  • Army logo
  • Marines logo
  • Navy logo
  • Air Force logo
  • Coast Guard logo

What do Transportation Managers do in the Military?

Transportation managers oversee all procedures related to the movement of military-related personnel and material.

Where do Transportation Managers work?

Transportation managers work in cargo and passenger terminals and depots.

How much do they make?

Median Military Salary

This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.


Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.

$74,522

Military Salary Range

This is the range based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.


Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.

$23,152 - $356,274

How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary

Base pay is the standard income you'll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.

  • Set based on rank and years of service.
  • Paid every month.

Allowances are additional payments to help cover living expenses like housing and food.

  • Tax-free payments.
  • Varies by location and family status.

Special pay provides extra compensation for unique skills, hazardous duties, or challenging assignments.

  • Based on specialized roles.
  • Varies by position and duty.

What training do Transportation Managers gain in the Military?

Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Training length varies depending on specialty. For example, job training for transportation officers requires completion of the Transportation Basic Officer Leader Course, where they learn leadership skills, tactics, maintenance and operational aspects of weapons and vehicles. Like other officers, all transportation managers also complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Transportation managers in the Military will gain skills through classes and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training topics relate to transportation management, and may include:

  • Ways to work with civilian and other military service carriers
  • Freight classifications
  • Applicable military policies and federal/local laws
  • Handling of special items, such as medicine and explosives

Military Training for Officers

Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree. All officers complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development.

What skills help Transportation Managers succeed?

  • Ability to work under tight schedules
  • Interest in planning and directing the work of others

What are possible career paths after the Military?

  • Transportation Inspectors
  • Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
  • Production, Planning and Expediting Clerks
  • Freight Forwarders
  • Cargo and Freight Agents
  • Logistics Analysts
  • Transportation, Storage and Distribution Managers
  • General and Operations Managers

Interested? Take Your Next Step!