Load and unload chemicals and bulk solids, such as coal, sand, and grain, into or from tank cars, trucks, or ships, using material moving equipment. May perform a variety of other tasks relating to shipment of products. May gauge or sample shipping tanks and test them for leaks.
Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders
SOC: 53-7121 O*NET: 53-7121.00
Median Salary
$58,070
per year
Job Growth
📈 4.3%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
1.3
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Load and unload chemicals and bulk solids, such as coal, sand, and grain, into or from tank cars, trucks, or ships, using material moving equipment. May perform a variety of other tasks relating to shipment of products. May gauge or sample shipping tanks and test them for leaks.
What does a Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$38,260
10th percentile
Early Career
$47,260
25th percentile
Median
$58,070
50th percentile
Experienced
$71,230
75th percentile
Top Earners
$88,120
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$38,260
25th
$47,260
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$58,070
Mean: $60,010
75th
$71,230
90th
$88,120
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $49,860 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $47,260 and $71,230
- •Salary spread is 41.3% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 10,920 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:12,000
Top Industries
Support Activities for Transportation33.4%
Support Activities for Water Transportation22.3%
Manufacturing16.8%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+4.3%
Annual Openings:1,300
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)12,000
Current
2034 (Projected)12,500
+4.3%
+500
Employment Change
+4.3%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 35 locations
Texas
2,580 jobs$59,4302.64x
Louisiana
1,070 jobs$62,3007.91x
Florida
820 jobs$67,3401.18x
Ohio
790 jobs$51,5802.01x
Illinois
360 jobs$67,6000.84x
Kentucky
360 jobs$66,6402.56x
Indiana
340 jobs$49,2801.51x
North Dakota
330 jobs$58,45010.95x
Iowa
260 jobs$56,1602.39x
Alabama
220 jobs$85,2601.48x
Massachusetts
180 jobs$74,0600.71x
Oklahoma
180 jobs$37,3601.48x
Missouri
170 jobs$61,5600.80x
California
170 jobs$59,5100.13x
West Virginia
170 jobs$56,6203.49x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operation and Control
100%
#2
Operations Monitoring
94%
#3
Reading Comprehension
86%
#4
Time Management
80%
#5
Speaking
74%
#6
Complex Problem Solving
66%
#7
Active Listening
60%
#8
Monitoring
54%
#9
Critical Thinking
46%
#10
Writing
40%
Skills Overview
Operation and Control
advanced5.0
100%
Operations Monitoring
advanced4.7
94%
Reading Comprehension
basic4.3
86%
Time Management
intermediate4.0
80%
Speaking
intermediate3.7
74%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.3
66%
Active Listening
intermediate3.0
60%
Monitoring
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Operation and Control
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Time Management
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Monitoring
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Writing
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders82%
5 shared skills
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic82%
5 shared skills
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists82%
5 shared skills
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators82%
5 shared skills
Power Distributors and Dispatchers82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Time Management
Learn on the Job:
- →Active Listening
- →Monitoring
- →Complex Problem Solving
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Time Management
- ✓Operation and Control
- ✓Reading Comprehension
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Operation and Control
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Speaking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders
Technology Intensity
Medium
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires intermediate digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Office productivity softwareIndustry-specific applicationsBasic data entry and managementDigital communication tools
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
SAP software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechLinux
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
SAP software
Microsoft Office software
Linux
Microsoft Excel
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
CONSTANT TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy constant team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
19
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Training & Development (1)General Responsibilities (12)Operations & Execution (4)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)Management & Supervision (1)
1
Verify tank car, barge, or truck load numbers to ensure car placement accuracy based on written or verbal instructions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development100% perform100%
2
Observe positions of cars passing loading spouts, and swing spouts into the correct positions at the appropriate times.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Operate ship loading and unloading equipment, conveyors, hoists, and other specialized material handling equipment such as railroad tank car unloading equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution94% perform96%
4
Monitor product movement to and from storage tanks, coordinating activities with other workers to ensure constant product flow.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Record operating data such as products and quantities pumped, gauge readings, and operating times, manually or using computers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping88% perform92%
6
Check conditions and weights of vessels to ensure cleanliness and compliance with loading procedures.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Operate industrial trucks, tractors, loaders, and other equipment to transport materials to and from transportation vehicles and loading docks, and to store and retrieve materials in warehouses.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution82% perform88%
8
Connect ground cables to carry off static electricity when unloading tanker cars.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Seal outlet valves on tank cars, barges, and trucks.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Test samples for specific gravity, using hydrometers, or send samples to laboratories for testing.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on training & development activities
- •37% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.48
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.37
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.14
Integrity
ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level3.95
Adaptability/Flexibility
ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level3.94
Concern for Others
ImportantConcern for Others
Importance Level3.89
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.5
Attention to Detail
4.4
Cooperation
4.1
Integrity
4.0
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.9
Concern for Others
3.9
Self-Control
3.8
Independence
3.8
Stress Tolerance
3.7
Initiative
3.7
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
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