Transportation & Logistics

Transportation and logistics is the backbone of the American economy. Every product on every shelf got there because someone moved it—and that someone could be you. These careers offer the fastest path from zero to paycheck in this guide.

Most transportation roles require only a high school diploma or equivalent, with specific certifications (like a CDL for truck drivers) obtainable in weeks, not years. The e-commerce boom has created unprecedented demand for delivery drivers, warehouse operators, and logistics coordinators.

Yes, autonomous vehicles are coming—but they're further away than headlines suggest, and the transition will take decades. In the meantime, millions of transportation jobs need filling now. Many offer excellent benefits, especially union positions with major carriers. Some, like air traffic controllers, offer six-figure salaries with high school diplomas.