Freight Broker: career path and pay in the US
Where a Freight Broker goes next, what each step typically pays in the United States, and how exposed the path is to AI replacement. 4 steps, from Freight Broker / Logistics Coordinator to Director of Freight Operations / VP of Logistics.
Also for the United Kingdom: Freight Broker in the UK
The path
Step 1 · 0 to 2 years
Freight Broker / Logistics Coordinator
$50K to $80K
Typical US pay for this job title, retrieved September 2026.
What this step adds
Credentials that help: Freight Broker License (required) - US, Transport Manager Certificate (CPC) (optional) - UK/EU, Logistics Certification (optional) - Global.
Step 2 · 2 to 5 years
Senior Freight Broker
$65K to $95K
Typical US pay for this job title, retrieved September 2026.
What this step adds
Credentials that help: Freight Broker License - US, Transport Manager Certificate (CPC) - UK/EU, Logistics Certification - Global.
Step 3 · 5 to 10 years
Freight Broker Manager / Logistics Manager
$65K to $100K
Typical US pay for this job title, retrieved September 2026.
What this step adds
Credentials that help: Freight Broker License - US, Transport Manager Certificate (CPC) - UK/EU, Logistics Certification - Global, Supply Chain Management Certification (optional) - Global.
Step 4 · 10+ years
Director of Freight Operations / VP of Logistics
$75K to $115K
Typical US pay for this job title, retrieved September 2026.
What this step adds
Credentials that help: Freight Broker License - US, Transport Manager Certificate (CPC) - UK/EU, Logistics Certification - Global, Supply Chain Management Certification - Global.
Exposure and pay along the path
Exposure to AI, now to later
52% → 24%
Falls 28 points. Each step is harder to automate than the last. Lower is better.
Typical pay, now to later
$50K to $80K → $75K to $115K
US estimates by job title, Glassdoor, Indeed and PayScale US. No US estimate was found for Director of Freight Operations; this band is placed between the neighbouring steps.
What the work involves
Expedite and route movement of incoming and outgoing cargo and freight shipments in airline, train, and trucking terminals and shipping docks. Take orders from customers and arrange pickup of freight and cargo for delivery to loading platform. Prepare and examine bills of lading to determine shipping charges and tariffs.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Monitoring
Knowledge areas
- Transportation
- Geography
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
Education people bring
- Bachelor's Degree: 31%
- Some College Courses: 19%
- Post-Secondary Certificate: 18%
Job Zone 2, job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed. Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Other paths from here
- Transportation Manager
- Supply Chain Manager
- Operations Manager
- Logistics Consultant
More Transportation/Logistics paths in the US
Related occupations in O*NET: Freight Forwarders, Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks, Customs Brokers, Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors, Postal Service Clerks.
Your own role
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SourcesSalary bands: Glassdoor, Indeed and PayScale US, US national averages by job title, retrieved September 2026Skills, knowledge and education: O*NET 31.0 Database
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. CC BY 4.0
Salary estimates by job title from Glassdoor, Indeed and PayScale, retrieved September 2026. Each band runs from 20% below to 20% above the reported average, rounded to $5K. Exposure percentages and the skills listed under each step are this app's own editorial ratings, not published data.