Logisticians

 1. OVERVIEW

Logisticians analyze and coordinate the movement of goods, ensuring a seamless supply chain from supplier to consumer. They manage the entire life cycle of a product, including procurement, distribution, and risk management.

• 2024 Median Pay: $80,880/year ($38.89/hour)

• Job Growth (2023–2033): 19% (Much faster than average)

• Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree in logistics, supply chain management, business, or related fields

2. ROLE BREAKDOWN BY LEVEL

ENTRY LEVEL

• Job Titles: Logistics Coordinator, Supply Chain Assistant, Logistics Analyst

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field

• Experience: Internships or entry-level positions (0-2 years)

• Certifications (Recommended):

• APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

• ISM Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

• Core Duties:

• Assist with product acquisition and allocation

• Coordinate transportation, inventory, and warehousing logistics

• Monitor supply chain operations and identify areas for improvement

• Manage basic logistics systems and data entry

• Communicate with suppliers, vendors, and customers to ensure timely delivery

• Salary Range: $50,000 - $65,000

• Resources for Learning:

• APICS CPIM Certification

• YouTube: Logistics and Supply Chain Management Basics

• LinkedIn Learning: Supply Chain Fundamentals

MID LEVEL

• Job Titles: Logistics Manager, Supply Chain Analyst, Distribution Manager

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or advanced certifications preferred

• Experience: 3-5 years in logistics or supply chain management

• Certifications (Preferred):

• APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

• Core Duties:

• Oversee the movement and storage of goods in large-scale operations

• Manage inventory control and streamline distribution processes

• Forecast and manage demand and supply, ensuring cost-effective solutions

• Implement software and systems to optimize supply chain processes

• Develop and manage relationships with suppliers and partners

• Salary Range: $65,000 - $95,000

• Resources for Learning:

• Supply Chain Management Certification - Coursera

• edX: Logistics and Supply Chain Management

• LinkedIn Learning: Advanced Supply Chain Management

SENIOR LEVEL

• Job Titles: Senior Logistics Manager, Supply Chain Director, Logistics Operations Lead

• Education: Bachelor’s + Master’s degree or advanced certifications preferred

• Experience: 7+ years in logistics or supply chain management with leadership experience

• Certifications (Preferred):

• APICS Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution (CLTD)

• Six Sigma Certification (Black Belt)

• Project Management Professional (PMP)

• Core Duties:

• Lead strategic planning for logistics and supply chain management

• Supervise teams, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

• Optimize supply chain operations to reduce costs and improve service levels

• Oversee and manage vendor contracts, partnerships, and relationships

• Ensure risk management protocols are in place to handle supply disruptions

• Salary Range: $95,000 - $130,000+

• Resources for Learning:

• APICS CLTD Certification

• Harvard Business Review: Leadership in Supply Chain

• LinkedIn Learning: Leadership in Supply Chain and Logistics

3. HOW TO BECOME ONE

• Education:

• A Bachelor’s degree in logistics, supply chain management, business, or a related field is typically required. Some positions may accept equivalent experience.

• Experience:

• Entry-level roles can be gained through internships, internships in logistics, or positions like logistics assistants. Progression to mid and senior roles requires hands-on experience managing logistics operations and understanding supply chain processes.

• Certifications:

• Entry-Level: APICS CPIM, ISM CPSM

• Mid-Level: APICS CSCP, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

• Senior-Level: APICS CLTD, Six Sigma Black Belt, PMP

• Advancement Path:
  Entry → Logistics Coordinator → Supply Chain Analyst → Logistics Manager → Senior Logistics Manager

4. SKILLS & TOOLS

Core Skills:

• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze data to optimize supply chain performance

• Problem-Solving Skills: Quickly resolve operational disruptions and supply chain issues

• Project Management Skills: Lead cross-functional teams and manage logistics projects

• Interpersonal Skills: Build relationships with vendors, suppliers, and clients

• Organizational Skills: Efficiently handle multiple logistics tasks and meet deadlines

Tools & Systems:

• Supply Chain Management Software: SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft Dynamics

• Inventory Management Tools: TradeGecko, NetSuite

• Transportation Management Systems (TMS): MercuryGate, Transporeon

• Forecasting & Analytics Tools: SAS, Tableau

• ERP Systems: SAP ERP, Oracle ERP

5. WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Industries: Manufacturing, Wholesale Trade, Federal Government, Retail, E-Commerce

• Settings: Primarily office-based, with occasional travel to warehouses or suppliers

• Schedules: Full-time; overtime is often required in fast-paced industries such as manufacturing

• Challenges: Managing supply chain risks, handling inventory management, working with global suppliers

6. JOB OUTLOOK

• Projected Employment Change (2023–2033): 19% (Much faster than average)

• Logisticians will be in demand as e-commerce growth continues, requiring more complex supply chains. The increased need for real-time data and faster product delivery will drive the need for professionals in this field.

• Annual Openings: ~26,100 (mainly due to growth in e-commerce and replacement needs)

7. RELATED OCCUPATIONS

• Cost Estimators: Collect data to assess the cost of materials, labor, and time for products or services.
  Median Pay: $77,070/year
  Education: Bachelor’s degree

• Industrial Engineers: Design systems to improve manufacturing and production processes.
  Median Pay: $101,140/year
  Education: Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering

• Project Management Specialists: Coordinate budgets, schedules, staffing, and other project details.
  Median Pay: $100,750/year
  Education: Bachelor’s degree

8. RESOURCES FOR LEARNING & ADVANCEMENT

Courses & Certifications:

• APICS CPIM Certification

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

• Coursera: Supply Chain Management Specialization

Books:

• “Logistics and Supply Chain Management” by Martin Christopher

• “The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon” by Brad Stone

• “The Supply Chain Revolution” by Suman Sarkar

Videos & Communities:

• YouTube: Supply Chain Management Tutorials

• Podcasts: "The Logistics of Logistics," "Supply Chain Now"

• Communities: r/supplychain on Reddit, APICS LinkedIn Group

9. REGIONAL DATA & EMPLOYMENT TRENDS

• Top-Paying Industries:

• Federal Government: $101,110

• Management of Companies: $84,960

• Manufacturing: $83,720

• Hot Markets:

• California, Texas, New York, Illinois, and Florida

Sources:

• BLS - Logisticians

• APICS Certification