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Advanced Transportation & Logistics

The Advanced Transportation & Logistics sector is responsible for ensuring that people and things get to the right place, at the right time, for the right price. Using cutting-edge technologies and processes, people in this sector are called on to move people and products from point A to point B by air, land, and sea. It takes people with all different talents, skills, backgrounds, and training to keep things moving. Areas of projected market growth include the use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), developments in rocket technology, drones, hydrogen fuel-cell technology, autonomy, connected vehicles, and electric vehicles (light, medium, and heavy-duty). As vehicle components and repair techniques become increasingly sophisticated, this sector will continuously need transportation professionals. Because of the significant role that transportation plays in our personal and professional lives, there is a wide range of occupations in the sector, from technical to managerial positions.

San Diego County Career Pathways & Salary Info - Hourly Rate (Salary)*

HS Diploma + Postsecondary Training (e.g., Certificate)

  • Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $15 ($31K)
  • Logistics Coordinators (also known as Cargo and Freight Agents) $15 ($31K)
  • Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $20 ($42K)
  • Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers $21 ($44K)
  • Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $29 ($60K)

Associate Degree or Higher

  • Degree or Higher Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians $17 ($35K)
  • Cost Estimators $27 ($56K)
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $28 ($58K)
  • Logisticians $31 ($64K)
  • Aerospace Engineers $43 ($89K)

*Entry-level hourly rates have been rounded up and salaries are provided as examples of what workers would make if they worked full-time (2080 hours a year)

SAMPLE OF LOCAL EMPLOYERS

  • Amazon
  • BEA Systems
  • DJO Global
  • General Dynamics NASSCO
  • Globe Trade Services
  • Grupo Logistics
  • Northrup Grumman
  • Port of San Diego
  • San Diego Metropolitan Transit System
  • Tesla
  • UTC Aerospace Systems
  • WorldTrans

Imperial County Career Pathways & Salary Info - Hourly Rate (Salary)*

HS Diploma + Postsecondary Training (e.g., Certificate)

  • Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $13 ($27K)
  • Logistics Coordinators (also known as Cargo and Freight Agents) $13 ($27K)
  • Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $22 ($46K)
  • Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $25 ($52K)

Associate Degree or Higher

  • Logisticians $17 ($35K)
  • Buyers and Purchasing Agents $21 ($44K)
  • Avionics Technicians $33 ($69K)
  • Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers $57 ($119K)

*Entry-level hourly rates have been rounded up and salaries are provided as examples of what workers would make if they worked full-time (2080 hours a year)

SAMPLE OF LOCAL EMPLOYERS

  • United Parcel Service of America
  • Eagle Pride Transportation
  • YRC Freight
  • Southland Cooling
  • Central Transport
  • Grupo Logistics Warehouse

Fast Facts

  • 59,279 people employed
  • 2% (1,292) 5-year projected job growth
  • 4,555 businesses
  • 6% of the sector's employment in California
  • $65,649 average earnings per job
  • 7% of the sector's businesses in California
Sources: Labor market data derived from EMSI 2021.03; QCEW, Non-QCEW, Self-Employed; 2020-2025 projections.

Cuyamaca College

APPLY
  • Automotive Technology
  • Advanced Engine Performance
  • Auto Tech - ASEP
  • Auto Tech - ASSET
  • Brakes and Front End
  • Engine Perform and Drive Train
MORE INFORMATION

Grossmont College

APPLY
  • Security Management
MORE INFORMATION

Imperial Valley College

APPLY
  • Automotive Technology
  • Automotive Technology: Fundamentals of Auto Service
  • Automotive Technology: Maintenance and Basic Repair
  • Diesel Farm Machinery and Heavy Equipment
MORE INFORMATION

MiraCosta College

APPLY
  • Automotive Alignment, Brakes, and Suspension
  • Automotive Electronics
  • Automotive Electronics, Computers, and Emissions and/or HVAC
  • Automotive Quick Service Assistant
  • Automotive/Motorcycle Maintenance and Light Repair
  • Automotive Repair: Drive-Train Specialist
  • Automotive Technology
  • Basic Auto Tune-Up *
  • Basic Engine Performance
  • Basic Engine Performance, Electric, Hybrid, and Alternative Fuel Vehicles
  • California Smog Check Technician
  • Cybersecurity
  • Master Technician
  • Project Management
  • Systems Administration
  • * Designates noncredit classes
MORE INFORMATION

Palomar College

APPLY
  • Auto Chassis and Drive Lines
  • Auto Collision Repair
  • Diesel Technology
  • Drone Applications and Technologies
  • Drone Operations
  • Drone Operator 1
  • Electronic Tune-Up and Computer Control Systems
  • Mechanics - General
MORE INFORMATION

San Diego Miramar College

APPLY
  • Advanced Emissions Specialist
  • Airframe
  • Airframe & Powerplant
  • Automotive Chassis
  • Automotive Electrical
  • Automotive Engine Performance
  • Automotive Technology
  • Automotive Transmissions
  • Aviation Business Administration
  • Aviation General Studies
  • Aviation Operations Management
  • Commercial Pilot
  • Diesel Fuel Injection Systems
  • Engine Overhaul, Caterpillar
  • Engine Overhaul, Cummins
  • Engine Overhaul, Detroit Diesel
  • Engine Repair, Caterpillar
  • Engine Repair, Cummins
  • Engine Repair, Detroit Diesel
  • Flight Instructor
  • Heavy Duty Diesel and Advanced Transportation Technology (HDDAT) (Evening Program)
  • Heavy Duty Transportation Technology (HDTT) (Day Program)
  • Heavy Equipment Powertrains
  • Heavy Equipment Technology (HET) (Day Program)
  • Heavy Equipment Undercarriage Systems
  • Helicopter Operations
  • Hybrid/Electric Vehicles
  • Instrument Pilot
  • Mobile Hydraulics Technician
  • Pilot Studies
  • Powerplant
  • Private Pilot
  • Professional Aeronautics
  • Professional Piloting
  • Remote Pilot
  • Equipment Mechanic Apprenticeship
  • San Diego Transit General Mechanic Apprenticeship
  • Steering, Suspension, and Drivelines
  • Team Resource Management (Aviation)
  • Transportation Security
  • Truck Air Brake Systems
  • Truck and Equipment Electrical Systems
  • Truck Drive Axles
  • Truck Transmission and Clutches
MORE INFORMATION

Southwestern College

APPLY
  • Advanced Emission Specialist
  • Automotive Performance Systems
  • Auto Brake & Suspension (abs/4-Wheel Align)
  • Automotive Technology
  • International Logistics & Transportation
  • International Logistics & Transportation - Basic
  • International Logistics & Transportation - Intermediate
MORE INFORMATION

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student success story

Student Story: Christopher Zitt

With a father who was an auto mechanic, Chris carried a love of machinery into the Navy, where he became an electrical systems specialist on submarines. After the military, Chris realized he could get trained in auto technology and merge his appreciation for cars with his knowledge in electronics. Before he even graduated, Chris had accepted a job offer from a local auto dealership. Watch now to hear what makes Chris most proud.

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