Logistics Manager Salary

Created by Henry Steele

By Henry Steele - January 8, 2018
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The following article discusses the career path of Logistics Manager. Learn about how to become one, education requirements, job duties, traits and qualities, national salary outlook as well as top national employers of Logistics Managers.

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Job Duties

If a company ships products, parts, goods, or other forms of commodities between locations regularly, then they need logistics management, which essentially focuses on every element of the transportation activities. To properly handle this, logistics managers are needed. They are usually middle managers, heading a team of workers specializing in logistics. This means that they also make employment decisions, supervise staff, and manage a budget, creating work within that. They also work together with managers from shipping, loading, and warehouse operations. They report to a more senior manager or even someone at the director level.

One of the key elements of importance in the job of a logistics manager is to make sure that all goods and parts move through the shipping system as efficiently as possible. Typically, they will create reports that showcase exactly how quickly a warehouse fills and how rapidly goods are shipped out. They also create calculations on delivery times based on these reports and on data from past performance.

A large part of the role of the logistics manager is to make sure that any obstacles and bottlenecks are removed. They create a clear path that is completely safe for operatives to use. They enforce regular inspections of freight vehicles, equipment, and warehouses and they keep track of the necessary repairs, making sure they are completed on time.

Like other managers, logistics managers hold responsibility for hiring new staff and conducting their performance reviews. They also schedule work and make sure that best practice procedures are identified and implemented. Usually, they have administrative staff working for them, but they also need to have excellent communication and organization skills themselves so that they can understand the data that is presented to them and ensure they can report on this clearly.

Other job duties of a logistics manager include:

  • Coordinating, planning, and directing the distribution and storage of raw materials and other organizational supplies
  • Making sure that all customer needs have been met
  • Holding responsibility for logistical financial transactions
  • Managing staff in the logistics department

Where We Work

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 208,700 logisticians working the United States in 2022. The largest employment sectors for these professionals were:

  • Manufacturing: 24%
  • Federal government: 17%
  • Professional, scientific, and technical services: 16%
  • Management of companies and enterprises: 10%
  • Wholesale trade: 10%

How to Become

A logistics manager usually needs a specialized undergraduate degree in operations engineering, operations analysis, or a related field. It is common for organizations to look for those who have a graduate degree in business management, analysis, or related field. Furthermore, a logistics manager is usually expected to have at least three years’ work experience at middle management level.

Education Requirements

A logistics manager has to be able to manage the complexities of supply chains and logistics. As a result, a bachelor’s degree is usually the minimum requirement. Supply chain management, systems engineering, and business are common study subjects. During the bachelor’s degree, they will learn about system dynamics, database management, and operations. Furthermore, they have to be exposed to common logistics software, such as RFID (radio-frequency identification).

There is no legal requirement for a logistics manager to become certified. However, certifications do demonstrate commitment to excellence and a broader knowledge. Hence, logistics managers may choose to become certified through the International Society of Logistics (SOLE) or through American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). Work experience and education are required for these certifications. Other options are offered through the DUA (Defense Acquisition University), which are required for those who work as a logistics analyst for the Department of Defense.

Work experience is also vitally important. A logistics manager will need to have gained several years’ experience in supply chains, logistics, and business. Some start in logistical support, such as clerks or dispatchers, and many have a military background. Through work experience, these specialists get to know about supply chain and production processes.

Traits & Qualities

The most effective logistics managers have the following traits to some degree or other:

  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
  • Strong critical thinking skills
  • Great customer service skills
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Strong problem solving skills

Minimum Education

Bachelor’s Degree

National Salary

The national average salary estimate for Logistics Manager is $81,220 according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data published in May 2022.

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  • Most Reported
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$46,260

$124,050

Salary Distribution

Salary by State

The following section lists Logistics Manager salaries in each state as published by the BLS in 2022.

AlaskaHawaiiMinnesotaSouth Carolina
AlabamaIowaMissouriSouth Dakota
ArkansasIllinoisNorth CarolinaTennessee
ArizonaIndianaNew JerseyTexas
CaliforniaKansasNevadaUtah
ColoradoKentuckyNew YorkVirginia
DCLouisianaOhioWashington
DelawareMassachusettsOklahomaWisconsin
FloridaMarylandOregon
GeorgiaMichiganPennsylvania
Alaska – $80,180Rank: 14th
The median salary ranks 14th in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$38,950

$136,750

Salary Distribution
Alabama – $90,480Rank: 5th
The median salary ranks 5th in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$50,030

$127,840

Salary Distribution
Arkansas – $64,590Rank: 44th
The median salary ranks 44th in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$37,090

$103,610

Salary Distribution
Arizona – $67,500Rank: 41st
The median salary ranks 41st in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$45,640

$107,950

Salary Distribution
California – $83,210Rank: 8th
The median salary ranks 8th in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$52,670

$132,800

Salary Distribution
Colorado – $81,330Rank: 10th
The median salary ranks 10th in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$52,510

$132,610

Salary Distribution
DC – $105,250Rank: 1st
The median salary ranks 1st in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$68,140

$164,090

Salary Distribution
Delaware – $94,950Rank: 3rd
The median salary ranks 3rd in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$64,760

$137,200

Salary Distribution
Florida – $62,460Rank: 47th
The median salary ranks 47th in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$40,620

$110,820

Salary Distribution
Georgia – $73,390Rank: 32nd
The median salary ranks 32nd in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$48,850

$105,220

Salary Distribution
Hawaii – $89,170Rank: 6th
The median salary ranks 6th in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$58,590

$127,110

Salary Distribution
Iowa – $80,220Rank: 12th
The median salary ranks 12th in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$45,530

$104,090

Salary Distribution
Illinois – $65,030Rank: 43rd
The median salary ranks 43rd in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$38,810

$106,690

Salary Distribution
Indiana – $72,560Rank: 33rd
The median salary ranks 33rd in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$43,230

$121,100

Salary Distribution
Kansas – $56,530Rank: 50th
The median salary ranks 50th in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$36,670

$97,910

Salary Distribution
Kentucky – $63,000Rank: 46th
The median salary ranks 46th in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$40,650

$104,420

Salary Distribution
Louisiana – $61,560Rank: 49th
The median salary ranks 49th in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$51,440

$103,800

Salary Distribution
Massachusetts – $79,990Rank: 16th
The median salary ranks 16th in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$55,320

$141,020

Salary Distribution
Maryland – $96,710Rank: 2nd
The median salary ranks 2nd in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$60,680

$141,860

Salary Distribution
Michigan – $79,810Rank: 17th
The median salary ranks 17th in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$49,210

$125,220

Salary Distribution
Minnesota – $76,280Rank: 26th
The median salary ranks 26th in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$53,980

$124,330

Salary Distribution
Missouri – $76,560Rank: 25th
The median salary ranks 25th in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$43,380

$119,590

Salary Distribution
North Carolina – $68,410Rank: 38th
The median salary ranks 38th in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$44,670

$110,480

Salary Distribution
New Jersey – $90,530Rank: 4th
The median salary ranks 4th in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$61,610

$130,970

Salary Distribution
Nevada – $67,050Rank: 42nd
The median salary ranks 42nd in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$47,600

$98,530

Salary Distribution
New York – $80,150Rank: 15th
The median salary ranks 15th in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$51,860

$130,030

Salary Distribution
Ohio – $78,220Rank: 22nd
The median salary ranks 22nd in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$47,700

$117,860

Salary Distribution
Oklahoma – $77,460Rank: 24th
The median salary ranks 24th in the country.

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$40,670

$109,910

Salary Distribution
Oregon – $75,950Rank: 27th
The median salary ranks 27th in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$52,070

$105,620

Salary Distribution
Pennsylvania – $78,540Rank: 20th
The median salary ranks 20th in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$47,160

$113,780

Salary Distribution
South Carolina – $72,420Rank: 34th
The median salary ranks 34th in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$42,230

$104,870

Salary Distribution
South Dakota – $62,330Rank: 48th
The median salary ranks 48th in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$50,970

$100,530

Salary Distribution
Tennessee – $63,650Rank: 45th
The median salary ranks 45th in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$43,010

$102,960

Salary Distribution
Texas – $74,280Rank: 30th
The median salary ranks 30th in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$45,930

$113,760

Salary Distribution
Utah – $78,390Rank: 21st
The median salary ranks 21st in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$45,140

$110,090

Salary Distribution
Virginia – $80,180Rank: 13th
The median salary ranks 13th in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$47,910

$132,200

Salary Distribution
Washington – $87,610Rank: 7th
The median salary ranks 7th in the country.

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  • Most Reported
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$62,530

$136,410

Salary Distribution
Wisconsin – $69,790Rank: 37th
The median salary ranks 37th in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Select Technical Staffing.

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$42,670

$103,820

Salary Distribution

Learn More

Related Careers

Career NameMedian Salary
Pricing Analyst$71,210
Insurance Agent$57,860
Tax Analyst$78,000
Sales Manager$130,600
Project Analyst$95,370
Marketing Analyst$68,230
Finance Officer$139,790
Operations Analyst$85,720
Advertising Manager$138,730
Logistics Analyst$77,520

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Logisticians and related occupations reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed Dec 2023.

Henry Steele
Managing Editor
Henry is Managing Editor of BusinessStudent.com. He is a seasoned business professional who regularly consults with local business's throughout Southern California. Henry pursued his undergrad in Business and Economics at the University of San Diego and gained valuable life changing experience through a unique internship upon graduation.

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