Logisticians: What They Do and How to Become One

Logisticians find work in a variety of industries, from retail to health care, coordinating and analyzing supply chains and managing the transition of goods from supplier to customer. It’s an ever-growing industry following e-commerce trends, with more and more people buying online and items needing shipping services globally. 

Explore in more detail the duties and responsibilities of a logistician, as well as the salary, job outlook, and the steps you can take to begin on this career path. 

What does a logistician do? 

As a logistician, you work in supply chain management, directing the transportation of goods and services from supplier to consumer and managing each process from sourcing to delivery. This involves coordinating every stage, ensuring the process is efficient and cost-effective, and overseeing inventory levels, warehouse storage, and transportation. 

Logistician duties and responsibilities

Logistician duties and responsibilities vary according to the organization you work for, the industry you’re in, and the inventory size. However, as a general rule, your role might include some of the following: 

• Managing the life cycle of products from sourcing to delivery

• Developing a good understanding of customer/client needs

• Building relationships with your suppliers and customer base

• Devising strategies to improve efficiency and reduce costs

• Managing processes and analyzing areas for improvement

• Planning the allocation of resources to deliver supplies effectively 

Logistician work environment 

Logisticians work in a fast-paced environment, managing and improving processes as they coordinate their supply chains. The job may involve some travel, but it really depends on the industry in which you work. Common industries include manufacturing, technical and scientific services, wholesale, and government departments.

Logistician average salary and job outlook

According to Glassdoor, a logistician in the US earns an average annual salary of $87,593 [1]. This varies across industries, with some roles reaching median annual salaries as high as $114,000 [1]. 

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the job outlook for logisticians is excellent. The industry's estimated growth rate is 18 percent by 2032, which is well above average [2]. BLS also estimates that the industry will create approximately 21,800 positions annually [2].

How to become a logistician 

Logistician roles vary and operate on different levels, from entry-level to supply chain manager, and it’s possible to enter the field with minimal education and experience. Additional steps are often necessary for higher-level positions and to advance in your career. Take a look at each step in detail:

1. Educational requirements 

You can start as a logistician in an entry-level role with a high school diploma or an associate degree, but most positions will ask for at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Majors such as business, logistics, supply chain management, or systems engineering are good options. 

According to Zippia, a business major is the most common among logisticians, with 31 percent of logisticians choosing this option; meanwhile, 12 percent major in supply chain management [3]. 

Completing a master's degree is common for logisticians who want to advance to more senior roles and higher salaries. According to Zippia, 8 percent of logisticians go on to earn a master’s degree [3].

2. Experience

Experience is important when starting out as a logistician; in some cases, it can suffice in place of a formal education. You can build experience through internships or entry-level roles, such as a material recording clerk. You may also gain experience while in the military or through on-the-job training.

3. Certification

Certification isn’t usually required, but additional training or qualifications to boost your resume can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate specific relevant skills. Some certifications to consider include:

• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM)

• Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) from the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM)

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

• SCPro Certification from the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)

4. Job applications

When you have all the education and experience you need to apply for logistician positions, consider the industry or specialist area that appeals to you. This might be something in which you have background experience. Two examples of specializations you might consider are international logistics or warehouse management.

Research companies that interest you and review all the job boards that offer the kind of work you’re looking for. With the preparation done, spend some time focusing on tailoring your resume and practicing your interview skills before writing and submitting your applications. Furthermore, since you’ve already done research on specific companies, you can include some of their information in your application materials to convey that you’re willing to go above and beyond.

Read more: How to Make a Resume: Resume Writing Guide

Logistician skills

Working as a logistician requires a certain level of both workplace and technical skills. The following are examples of skills you need in the role of logistician:

Workplace skills

• Adaptability

• Problem-solving

• Remaining calm under pressure

• Communication

• Customer service

• Organization

• Leadership

• Critical thinking 

• Integrity

• Strategic thinking

Technical skills

• Project management

• Product life cycle management

• PowerPoint

• Product support

• Inventory management

• Logistics data

• Radio frequency identification (RFID)

• Logistics software

Logistician career progression

You’ll discover various opportunities in the field of logistics to progress from entry-level positions right through to more senior roles. Just keep in mind that senior positions may require additional qualifications and experience. You have plenty of options as a role with an excellent job outlook and demand in various industries. 

Entry-level positions 

Below, you can find some entry-level positions that provide a great starting point in your career as a logistician, along with their average annual salaries:

• Logistics analyst: $69,382 [4]

• Dispatcher: $49,907 [5]

• Supply technician: $56,773 [6]

Mid-level positions

Mid-level logistics positions following an entry-level role include:

• Logistics manager: $74,925 [7]

• Procurement manager: $107,703 [8]

• Purchasing manager: $81,124 [9]

Senior positions

• Director of procurement: $159,943 [10]

• Senior supply chain manager: $143,517 [11]

• Director of supply chain management: $150,657 [12]

Getting started

The need for logisticians is on the rise. Gaining education, experience, and new skills can help you work your way up through the logistics industry to more senior roles and competitive salaries. 

If you’re taking your first steps toward a career as a logistician, a great place to start is with an online course or Professional Certificate. Check out Supply Chain Excellence from Rutgers or discover the basics of Supply Chain Principles offered by Georgia Institute of Technology, both available on Coursera. Another option found on Coursera to begin your exploration of this field is the Six Sigma Green Belt Specialization provided by the University System of Georgia.