Supply Chain & Transportation
The Supply Chain & Transportation Career Cluster encompasses the transfer, coordination, and management of goods from production to consumption, ensuring efficient movement across various modes of transportation including air, ground, and water, as well as maintenance of the respective transport modes.
What this cluster covers
- Definition
- The Supply Chain & Transportation Career Cluster encompasses the transfer, coordination, and management of goods from production to consumption, ensuring efficient movement across various modes of transportation including air, ground, and water, as well as maintenance of the respective transport modes. This Cluster integrates logistics and distribution networks to facilitate the seamless flow of materials and products, playing a crucial role in global commerce, economic development, and community health.
Advance CTE
Supply Chain & Transportation Career ClusterAdvance CTE- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Careers in this cluster
Entry education, license and BLS pay and outlook for every career page in this cluster. Each career page shows what the job is and links its step-by-step roadmap.
| Career | Typical entry | License | Median pay, May 2025 | Outlook 2025–35 | Career page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive service technician Maintenance & Repair |
Postsecondary nondegree award (certificate) | The EPA requires all technicians who buy or work with refrigerants to be certified; other certifications typically need experience and an exam. | $50,620 | +5% BLSAutomotive Service Technicians and Mechanics — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
|
Open: Automotive service technician |
| Purchasing Manager, Buyer & Purchasing Agent Purchasing & Warehousing |
Bachelor's degree | None | $81,670 Purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents |
+6% BLSPurchasing Managers, Buyers, and Purchasing Agents — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
|
Open: Purchasing Manager, Buyer & Purchasing Agent |
| Logistician Planning & Logistics |
Bachelor's degree | None | $82,320 Logisticians |
+18% BLSLogisticians — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
|
Open: Logistician |
| Transportation & Distribution Manager Planning & Logistics |
High school diploma or equivalent | Driver's license or CDL for some jobs | $107,230 Transportation, storage, and distribution managers |
+6% BLSTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
|
Open: Transportation & Distribution Manager |
| Heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver Ground & Rail Transportation |
Postsecondary nondegree award (truck driving school) | Commercial driver's license (CDL) from the state, after federal entry-level driver training. | $58,640 | +4% BLSHeavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
|
Open: Heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver |
| Aircraft mechanic (A&P) Maintenance & Repair |
Postsecondary nondegree award (FAA-approved school) | FAA mechanic certificate (Airframe and/or Powerplant). | $80,180 with avionics technicians |
+6% BLSAircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
|
Open: Aircraft mechanic (A&P) |
| Diesel service technician Maintenance & Repair |
High school diploma or equivalent | No license named; certification may be required, and some need a CDL. | $61,770 | +4% BLSDiesel Service Technicians and Mechanics — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
|
Open: Diesel service technician |
| Airline & Commercial Pilot Air & Space Transportation |
See How to Become One | FAA certificates (federal) | $210,020 Aircraft pilots and flight engineers |
+7% BLSAirline and Commercial Pilots — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
|
Open: Airline & Commercial Pilot |
Pay is the BLS median for the occupation named under it, for May 2025; half of workers earned more, half less. For comparison, BLS projects all U.S. jobs to grow 3.5% over 2025–35. The career's sub-cluster comes from Advance CTE's SOC crosswalk.
Sub-clusters and example programs
Major groupings of career areas within a given field that have similar skills as defined by industry area. The programs are Advance CTE's examples of school and college programs of study; what is offered varies by state.
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Air & Space Transportation
Careers related to the design, operation, and management of both air and space transportation, including air cargo and passenger services, as well as space exploration and satellite operations.
Example programs Aviation Technology · Avionics · “Your Place in Space” Department of Education Program
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Ground & Rail Transportation
Careers related to the transportation of goods and passengers by road and rail.
Example programs Commercial Driving · Railroad Operations
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Maintenance & Repair
Careers encompassing the repair and maintenance of transportation systems, including ground vehicles, rail vehicles, aircraft, and nautical vessels.
Example programs Auto Body Technology · Automotive Maintenance · Diesel Mechanics · Electric Vehicle Maintenance
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Marine Transportation
Careers in the design, operation, and management of maritime vessels and infrastructure for the transportation of goods and passengers, and watercraft used in sports and leisure activities.
Example programs Marine Transport · Vessel Operations
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Planning & Logistics
Careers focused on managing and optimizing the supply chain’s flow of goods and information.
Example programs Transportation, Distribution, & Logistics Systems
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Purchasing & Warehousing
Careers centered around procurement, warehousing, and facility maintenance.
Example programs Business Administration · Supply Chain Management
Closely connected clusters
Advance CTE, from national labor market data: this cluster is most closely connected to these clusters. Advance CTE
View source
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Agriculture
- Construction
- Energy & Natural Resources
- Hospitality, Events, & Tourism
Every cluster with its sub-clusters, and which hubs are open.