Logisticians: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
- Education Required
- Logisticians may qualify for some positions with an associates degree. However, due to complex logistics and supply chains, companies prefer to hire workers who have at least a bachelors degree. Many logisticians have a bachelors degree in business, systems engineering, or supply chain management.
- Job Outlook
-
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 7% (As fast as average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Licenses/Certifications
- Although not required, certification can demonstrate professional competence and a broad knowledge of logistics. Logisticians can obtain certification through APICS or the International Society of Logistics (SOLE). To become certified, a logistician typically needs to meet education and work experience requirements and pass an exam.
- Median pay: How much do Logisticians make?
- $74,170 Annual Salary
- $35.66 per hour
Logisticians analyze and coordinate an organizations supply chainthe system that moves a product from supplier to consumer. They manage the entire life cycle of a product, which includes how a product is acquired, allocated, and delivered.
What do Logisticians do?
Logisticians typically do the following:
- Manage a products life cycle from design to disposal
- Direct the allocation of materials, supplies, and products
- Develop business relationships with suppliers and clients
- Understand clients needs and how to meet them
- Review logistical functions and identify areas for improvement
- Propose strategies to minimize the cost or time required to transport goods
Logisticians oversee activities that include purchasing, transportation, inventory, and warehousing. They may direct the movement of a range of goods, people, or supplies, from common consumer goods to military supplies and personnel.
Logisticians use software systems to plan and track the movement of products. They operate software programs designed specifically to manage logistical functions, such as procurement, inventory management, and other supply chain planning and management systems.
Careers for Logisticians
- Logistics analysts
- Logistics coordinators
- Logistics engineers
- Logistics planners
- Logistics specialists