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Fleet manager: pay, job outlook and how to become one
- $65,120lowest 10% earn less
- $82,44025th percentile
- $107,230median
- $146,77075th percentile
- $194,900top 10% earn more
The median pay for a fleet manager was $107,230 a year[1]. Jobs are projected to grow 6.1% over ten years[2].
- Job growth, 2025–35
- +6.1%[2]
- Openings per year
- 18,300[5]
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent[6]
How much do fleet managers make?
BLS calls this category Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers, and workers report titles such as Fleet Manager[7]. The median wage was $107,230 a year, or $51.55 an hour[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less[1]. The average was $121,600 a year, or $58.46 an hour[8].
For comparison, the median for all occupations in the US was $50,980 a year[4].
The range is wide. A percentile is a boundary, so the lowest-paid 10% earned less than $65,120[3][9]. BLS does not publish a starting salary[9].
| Level | Annual wage | Hourly wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile[3][10] | $65,120 | $31.31 |
| 25th percentile[3][10] | $82,440 | $39.64 |
| Median[1] | $107,230 | $51.55 |
| 75th percentile[3][10] | $146,770 | $70.56 |
| 90th percentile[3][10] | $194,900 | $93.70 |
These figures cover wage and salary workers, full time and part time. They leave out the self-employed, bonuses that are not tied to production, and the cost of benefits[11].
Pay by state and city
Delaware had the highest state median at $145,000, followed by Washington at $136,500 and Colorado at $132,610[12].
California had the most jobs at 30,540 and a median of $123,780[12][13]. Texas was next with 28,710 jobs and a median of $100,700[12][13]. Illinois had 11,030 jobs and a median of $120,250[12][13].
Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara had the highest median at $177,400, then Decatur, IL at $160,460 and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue at $146,080[14]. The Los Angeles area had the most jobs at 12,260, with a median of $127,500[15].
Show median pay in 50 states and DC
| State | Median per year | Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware[12] | $145,000 | 310 |
| Washington | $136,500 | 2,490 |
| Colorado | $132,610 | 2,310 |
| District of Columbia | $132,180 | 610 |
| New Jersey | $130,610 | 9,120 |
| New Hampshire | $129,470 | 530 |
| New York | $127,180 | 6,740 |
| Massachusetts | $123,830 | 4,310 |
| California | $123,780 | 30,540 |
| Georgia | $123,330 | 6,700 |
| Illinois | $120,250 | 11,030 |
| Virginia | $119,140 | 3,380 |
| Alabama | $118,320 | 1,250 |
| Minnesota | $118,180 | 4,030 |
| Rhode Island | $117,600 | 450 |
| Connecticut | $114,210 | 2,410 |
| Wyoming | $112,310 | 130 |
| Indiana | $108,720 | 4,190 |
| Montana | $108,180 | 300 |
| South Dakota | $107,410 | 370 |
| South Carolina | $106,860 | 3,460 |
| Kansas | $106,130 | 1,150 |
| North Carolina | $106,100 | 6,650 |
| Pennsylvania | $105,240 | 8,540 |
| Maryland | $105,180 | 3,550 |
| Oregon | $103,520 | 2,860 |
| Alaska | $103,080 | n/a |
| Missouri | $102,870 | 3,650 |
| Utah | $102,180 | 3,010 |
| Maine | $102,110 | 370 |
| Vermont | $101,850 | 390 |
| Florida | $101,570 | n/a |
| Ohio | $101,550 | 9,480 |
| Hawaii | $101,480 | 830 |
| New Mexico | $101,420 | 660 |
| Tennessee | $100,740 | 4,910 |
| North Dakota | $100,720 | 390 |
| Texas | $100,700 | 28,710 |
| Kentucky | $100,340 | 2,340 |
| Nevada | $99,860 | 2,250 |
| Michigan | $99,100 | 8,180 |
| Iowa | $99,010 | 1,850 |
| Arizona | $98,750 | 3,390 |
| West Virginia | $98,230 | 530 |
| Nebraska | $97,380 | 1,420 |
| Oklahoma | $96,830 | 1,660 |
| Wisconsin | $95,900 | 5,410 |
| Idaho | $93,920 | 1,040 |
| Louisiana | $93,650 | 2,840 |
| Arkansas | $89,200 | 1,440 |
| Mississippi | $85,770 | 2,410 |
How to become a fleet manager
BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent for entry, with 5 years or more of work experience in a related occupation and no on-the-job training[6]. A BLS handbook profile says some employers prefer or require a bachelor's degree[16]. Education requirements vary by position[17].
- First: finish high school or the equivalent[6]. Classes in English, math and economics may help[18].
- Next: build several years of related work experience. The amount and type varies by employer, industry and position[19].
- Then: move up through roles with more responsibility. For example, material movers may become first-line supervisors before qualifying as warehouse managers[20].
- Optional: a bachelor's degree in business, transportation or engineering may be preferred, and some colleges offer supply chain and logistics programs[21].
Some employers require or prefer certain certifications or licenses[22]. Some managers may need a regular or commercial driver's license to visit facilities or help with transport operations, and some states add licensing rules[23]. Requirements differ by employer and by state[22][23].
What fleet managers do
These managers plan, direct and coordinate transportation, storage or distribution work, following company policies and government rules[24]. Logistics managers are included[24]. Typical tasks include:
- Supervising workers who receive, store, test and ship products[25].
- Planning warehouse safety and security programs[25].
- Inspecting warehouses, vehicle fleets and equipment, and ordering maintenance or repairs[25].
- Working with other departments to connect logistics with sales, orders, accounting or shipping[25].
- Looking for the most cost-effective ways to move products[25].
- Solving problems with transport, logistics systems, imports, exports or customers[25].
- Writing standard and emergency procedures for handling goods[25].
- Checking that staff follow safety rules and regulations[25].
Where they work
Managers in this group work in settings such as warehouses and offices, and may travel to visit other parts of the transport network[26]. The largest employer group in 2025 was transportation and warehousing, with 30%[27]. About 3.6% were self-employed[28].
The work can be stressful because activities must happen in sequence, often on tight deadlines[29]. Most have full-time jobs, and some put in more than 40 hours in a week[30]. Hours differ from job to job and can include nights, weekends and holidays, and some managers are on call for emergencies[30]. In some places, such as railyards and warehouses, safety clothing may be needed[31].
Job outlook
BLS projects employment to grow 6.1% from 2025 to 2035, from about 228,100 to 242,100 jobs, a gain of 14,000[2]. For all occupations, projected growth is 3.5%[32]. These counts include self-employed workers[2]. The separate OEWS count for May 2025 was about 221,180 wage and salary jobs[33].
About 18,300 openings a year are projected on average[5]. Openings include jobs created when workers retire or change occupations, not only new jobs[5]. Each year, 2.1% of workers are projected to leave the labor force and 5.1% to move to a different occupation[34].
Is it a good fit?
Pay was about twice the all-occupations median, and projected growth is faster than average[1][4][2][32]. Getting in usually takes several years of related experience, not a long period of formal training[6][19]. The work can involve tight deadlines and irregular hours[29][30]. Pay also depends on where you work, as the state figures show[12].
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a fleet manager make an hour?
- The median was $51.55 an hour and the average was $58.46 an hour in May 2025[1][8]. The 10th percentile was $31.31 and the 90th was $93.70[10].
- What education do you need to be a fleet manager?
- BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent for entry, plus 5 years or more of related experience[6]. Some employers prefer or require a bachelor's degree[16].
- Is fleet management in demand?
- Employment is projected to grow 6.1% from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations[2][32]. About 18,300 openings a year are projected[5].
- What is the highest paying state for fleet managers?
- Delaware had the highest median at $145,000, then Washington at $136,500 and Colorado at $132,610[12].
Facts and sources
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers in the US was $107,230 per year and $51.55 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS Employment Projections: employment of Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers is projected to grow 6.1% from 2025 to 2035, from about 228,100 to 242,100 jobs (a change of +14,000). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers: 10th percentile $65,120, 25th percentile $82,440, 75th percentile $146,770, 90th percentile $194,900. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS Employment Projections: about 18,300 openings for Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers: education needed for entry: High school diploma or equivalent; work experience in a related occupation: 5 years or more; typical on-the-job training: None. BLS Employment Projections
- O*NET 11-3071.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Distribution Center Manager, Distribution Manager, Fleet Manager, Global Transportation Manager, Logistics Director, Logistics Operations Manager, Shipping Manager, Supply Chain Logistics Manager. O*NET OnLine
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers was $121,600 per year and $58.46 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers: 10th percentile $31.31, 25th percentile $39.64, 75th percentile $70.56, 90th percentile $93.70. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage for Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers jobs: California 30,540; Texas 28,710; Illinois 11,030; Ohio 9,480; New Jersey 9,120. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (areas with at least 100 jobs): San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $177,400; Decatur, IL $160,460; Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $146,080; San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $145,170; Fort Collins-Loveland, CO $144,910; Boulder, CO $142,270; Trenton-Princeton, NJ $138,760; Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO $135,220. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers jobs: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 12,260 (median $127,500); New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 10,410 (median $133,640); Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 9,600 (median $104,790); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 8,570 (median $124,120); Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX 7,840 (median $105,420); Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA 4,460 (median $127,520). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Work Experience in a Related Occupation. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Work Experience in a Related Occupation. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- O*NET description of Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers. O*NET OnLine
- O*NET task list for Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers. O*NET OnLine
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of transportation, storage, and distribution managers in 2025: Transportation and warehousing 30%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- BLS Employment Projections: 3.6% of Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 221,180 people were employed as Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers: 2.1% of workers leave the labor force each year and 5.1% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
- Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.