Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Work experience in a related occupation is typically less than 5 years.
Job outlook for First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 621,500 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 640,300 in 2035, an increase of 18,800 jobs (+3%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 54,900 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 8.8% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $62,890, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors earn the most
Across the 16 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $59,381 in Texas to $71,315 in Washington, a gap of $11,934 (1.20 times). 12 of those 16 states average above the BLS national median of $62,890 and 4 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 66,390, which is 13.4% of the 495,170 counted across them. Texas follows with 58,740.
Highest-paying states
Washington ($71,315), New York ($69,518) and New Jersey ($69,006) lead the ranking, while Texas ($59,381) and Florida ($61,168) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors: pay against the cost of living
We compare 20 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Jefferson County, WV (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV) at $34,248. The smallest margin is $11,820 in Los Angeles County, CA.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 20 of the 20 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 23.4% and 59.0% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Frequently asked questions about First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
What is the national median wage for First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $62,890. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $59,381 to $71,315.
Which state pays First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors the most?
Washington, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $71,315. New York is next at $69,518.
What is the job outlook for First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors?
BLS projects employment to grow by 3% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 54,900 openings a year.
What education do First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent, with work experience in a related occupation of less than 5 years, according to BLS.
Where can First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Jefferson County, WV leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $34,248 on a median wage of $67,960.