Ground Transportation graduates pursue 2 occupations, with top roles paying $68,080/yr or more. The career cards below break down wages, daily tasks, and 10-year job growth projections for each.
Ground Transportation is a focused area of study within Transportation. The program is available at 308 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 24,115 students complete this program each year. Training is practical and skills-based, with a fast path from classroom to job site.
Colleges Offering
308
Graduates / Year
24,115
Avg Net Price / yr
$12,439
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 24,115 students who complete Ground Transportation programs each year, the majority (91%) earn a doctorate degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
91%
Doctorate91%
Certificate8%
Associate's1%
What Can You Do With a Ground Transportation Degree?
Ground Transportation connects to 2 occupations in the job market. Crane and Tower Operators leads at $68,080/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
High school diploma or equivalent3,800 openings/yr43K employed nationally
Operation and ControlOperations MonitoringCritical ThinkingActive ListeningMonitoring
Day-to-day responsibilities
Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.
Determine load weights and check them against lifting capacities to prevent overload.
Move levers, depress foot pedals, or turn dials to operate cranes, cherry pickers, electromagnets, or other moving equipment for lifting, moving, or placing loads.
Inspect and adjust crane mechanisms or lifting accessories to prevent malfunctions or damage.
Teach vocational courses intended to provide occupational training below the baccalaureate level in subjects such as construction, mechanics/repair, manufacturing, transportation, or cosmetology, primarily to students who have graduated from or left high school. Teaching takes place in public or private schools whose primary business is academic or vocational education.
Observe and evaluate students' work to determine progress, provide feedback, and make suggestions for improvement.
Present lectures and conduct discussions to increase students' knowledge and competence using visual aids, such as graphs, charts, videotapes, and slides.
Supervise and monitor students' use of tools and equipment.
Top Colleges for Ground Transportation
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Ground Transportation students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Ranked by Ground Transportation graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Transportation Programs
Ground Transportation is one of 3 specializations within Transportation. The comparison below shows where this program ranks by 4-year median earnings.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Ground Transportation program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
The data on Ground Transportation shows 1 measurable strengths and 1 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.
PROS
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 12,600 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
Licensure often requiredMany positions in this field require trade licenses, certifications, or apprenticeship completion. These add time and cost beyond the academic credential.
What jobs can you get with a Ground Transportation degree?
Ground Transportation degree holders pursue careers including Crane and Tower Operators, which pays a median of $68,080/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Ground Transportation program take?
Ground Transportation programs most commonly culminate in a doctoral degree, requiring four or more years of graduate study after completing a bachelor's or master's in the field.
How many colleges offer Ground Transportation?
308 colleges and universities in the United States offer Ground Transportation programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
What is the difference between Ground Transportation and Transportation?
Ground Transportation is a focused concentration within the broader Transportation field. The Transportation major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Ground Transportation-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Ground Transportation graduates?
Employers hiring Ground Transportation graduates consistently prioritize technical proficiency, safety compliance, and hands-on problem-solving. Certifications, apprenticeships, and demonstrated practical experience typically carry as much weight as academic credentials in this field.
What is the job outlook for Ground Transportation graduates?
The job outlook for Ground Transportation graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of +1.9% job growth over the next 10 years. Crane and Tower Operators is among the strongest-growth roles at +3.0%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
Related Transportation Programs
Other programs in Transportation. Compare earnings, credentials, and career paths before committing to a specialization.
Free, data-backed guides to help you decide, built on the same federal data as this profile.
H
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Original data analyses built on the same federal data as this profile. Rankings, outliers, and patterns, no opinions.
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