Supply Chain Management Salary

Created by Henry Steele

By Henry Steele - January 8, 2018
Reading Time: 11 minutes
Reading Time: 11 minutes

The following article discusses the career path of Supply Chain Manager. Learn about how to become one, education requirements, job duties, traits and qualities, national salary outlook as well as top national employers of Supply Chain Managers.

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Job Duties

Supply chain managers coordinate and manage key elements of the entire supply chain. They have three key responsibilities:

1. To promote appropriate team work between the customer service and the sales team
2. To develop, implement, and maintain general logistics policies and procedures
3. To maintain the inventory so that it can meet demand

Supply chain managers continuously communicate with external suppliers, ensuring that existing contracts are effective. They are leaders, guiding store managers and others within the supply chain.

Other job duties of a supply chain manager are:

  • To ensure that inventory is at optimal level, maintaining supply chain documentation and activity for top productivity
  • To create new collaborations with external suppliers, fostering those relationships
  • To put in place new production systems from obtaining raw materials down to shipping the final product
  • To ensure that employee schedules are managed properly and that everyone is supported to complete tasks in a productive manner

Where We Work

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 148,700 logisticians in 2016. The largest employers of these professionals were:

  • Manufacturing: 25%
  • Federal government: 20%
  • Professional, scientific, and technical services: 17%
  • Management of companies and enterprises: 10%
  • Wholesale trade: 9%

How to Become

Supply chain managers usually have at least a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, sales, logistics, or business administration. They also usually have many years of experience in customer service and business. Furthermore, they must understand the geographical areas that they deal with. They have to have excellent interpersonal and social skills so that they can develop appropriate relationships with internal and external partners alike.

Education Requirements

A supply chain 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 engineer, and business are common study subjects. During a bachelor’s degree, they will learn about system dynamics, database management, and operations. Furthermore, they can be exposed to common logistics software, such as RFID (radio-frequency identification).

See also 10 Top  Supply Chain Management Degree Programs

There is no legal requirement for a supply chain manager to become certified. However, certifications do demonstrate commitment to excellence and a broader knowledge. Hence, supply chain managers may choose to become certified through SOLE (the International Society of Logistics) or through the 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 is required for those who work as a logistics analyst for the Department of Defense.

Work experience is also vitally important. Supply chain managers will 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 supply chain 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 Supply Chain Manager was $85,591. This number is estimated from over 1,842,824 employees, users past and present job advertisements from Indeed.com. This equates to an hourly salary of $44.58 and monthly of $7,133.

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$19,000

$198,000

Salary Distribution

Salary by State

The following section lists Supply Chain Manager salaries in each state around the country. The figures are based on the total number of job postings through Indeed.com. For example, DC had the largest quoted salary of $110,000 while Mississippi had the smallest quoted salary of $600.

AlabamaKentuckyNevada
ArkansasLouisianaNew York
ArizonaMassachusettsOhio
CaliforniaMarylandOklahoma
ColoradoMaineOregon
ConnecticutMichiganPennsylvania
DCMinnesotaRhode Island
DelawareMissouriSouth Carolina
FloridaMississippiSouth Dakota
GeorgiaNorth CarolinaTennessee
IowaNorth DakotaTexas
IdahoNebraskaUtah
IllinoisNew HampshireVirginia
IndianaNew JerseyWashington
KansasNew MexicoWisconsin
Alabama$74,532Rank: 35th
The average salary ranks 35th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Brookestone Associates, Averitt Express, The Judge Group, and Vaco, LLC.

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$15,000

$178,000

Salary Distribution
Arkansas$75,564Rank: 34th
The average salary ranks 34th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Averitt Express, Walmart, and Cameron Smith & Associates.

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$15,000

$181,000

Salary Distribution
Arizona$81,708Rank: 24th
The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Honeywell, Raytheon, Aerotek, and Southwest Accounting Resources, Inc..

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$18,000

$192,000

Salary Distribution
California$92,072Rank: 8th
The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like At-Tech, Manufacturing, San Diego, CA, Google, and DGSP.

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$22,000

$210,000

Salary Distribution
Colorado$83,649Rank: 20th
The average salary ranks 20th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Volt, The Trucking Recruiter, Nigel Frank International, and HCA Corporate.

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$20,000

$190,000

Salary Distribution
Connecticut$101,048Rank: 4th
The average salary ranks 4th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Robert Half Finance & Accounting, CorTech, LLC, Contract Staffing Recruiters, and The Trucking Recruiter.

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$28,000

$218,000

Salary Distribution
DC$110,000Rank: 1st
The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like COREcruitment and Robert Half Finance & Accounting.

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$38,000

$219,000

Salary Distribution
Delaware$82,072Rank: 22nd
The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like inSync Staffing.

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$24,000

$174,000

Salary Distribution
Florida$65,828Rank: 39th
The average salary ranks 39th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Honeywell, Office Depot OfficeMax, Groupe LEADER, and Ascendo Resources.

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$14,000

$162,000

Salary Distribution
Georgia$89,738Rank: 11th
The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Home Depot, Manhattan Associates, Penske, and Penske Logistics.

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$22,000

$202,000

Salary Distribution
Iowa$51,182Rank: 42nd
The average salary ranks 42nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The University of Iowa, Manpower, The Judge Group, and ICONMA, LLC..

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$14,000

$130,000

Salary Distribution
Idaho$76,214Rank: 31st
The average salary ranks 31st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like CyberCoders.

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$22,000

$162,000

Salary Distribution
Illinois$99,021Rank: 5th
The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Austin Employment Service, Accenture, DGSP, and Kraft Heinz Company.

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$25,000

$222,000

Salary Distribution
Indiana$77,579Rank: 29th
The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like CyberCoders, Cummins, Phillips Staffing Solutions, and PMG Employment Consultants.

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$21,000

$169,000

Salary Distribution
Kansas$77,480Rank: 30th
The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Judge Group, CRTechnical, NPPS, Inc, and The Lewis Group.

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$18,000

$176,000

Salary Distribution
Kentucky$85,276Rank: 18th
The average salary ranks 18th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Simplified Search, Talis Group Inc., Accountemps, and Adecco.

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$23,000

$186,000

Salary Distribution
Louisiana$600Rank: 45th
The average salary ranks 45th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Averitt Express and RONPAK, INC..

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$300

$900

Salary Distribution
Massachusetts$104,896Rank: 3rd
The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Comp Conf, LightWave Partners, Retail, Boston, MA, and Selby Jennings.

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$28,000

$231,000

Salary Distribution
Maryland$88,156Rank: 13th
The average salary ranks 13th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Core Competencies LLC, Alliance Search Solutions, WSSC, and Clinical Management Consultants.

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$25,000

$188,000

Salary Distribution
Maine$24,192Rank: 43rd
The average salary ranks 43rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Manpower and Manpower Maine.

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$7.25

$19.15

Salary Distribution
Michigan$94,768Rank: 6th
The average salary ranks 6th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Trinity System Office, Cube Management, Executive Search Partners, and Phillips Staffing Solutions.

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$23,000

$214,000

Salary Distribution
Minnesota$80,705Rank: 25th
The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Medtronic, Konik PrimeStaff, DISYS, and CertaStaff.

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$19,000

$186,000

Salary Distribution
Missouri$76,073Rank: 32nd
The average salary ranks 32nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Judge Group, Chris Woolsey & Associates, LLC, Monsanto, and GKN Aerospace.

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$18,000

$174,000

Salary Distribution
Mississippi$600Rank: 44th
The average salary ranks 44th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Simplified Search, Protech Systems Group, Inc., and Averitt Express.

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$300

$900

Salary Distribution
North Carolina$91,553Rank: 9th
The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Search Solution Group, Avaya, Groupe LEADER, and Sailotech Pvt Ltd.

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$22,000

$206,000

Salary Distribution
North Dakota$65,134Rank: 40th
The average salary ranks 40th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like MedExpress.

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$14,000

$156,000

Salary Distribution
Nebraska$72,819Rank: 36th
The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Conagra Brands.

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$14,000

$177,000

Salary Distribution
New Hampshire$105,794Rank: 2nd
The average salary ranks 2nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Robert Half Finance & Accounting and Universal Software.

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$26,000

$239,000

Salary Distribution
New Jersey$83,508Rank: 21st
The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Unilever, Open Systems Professional, Jericho Group Consultants, and Robert Half Finance & Accounting.

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$17,000

$199,000

Salary Distribution
New Mexico$91,369Rank: 10th
The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like SCM Talent Group, LLC.

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$20,000

$213,000

Salary Distribution
Nevada$75,822Rank: 33rd
The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Eastridge Workforce Soltuions.

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$18,000

$174,000

Salary Distribution
New York$87,693Rank: 15th
The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Agni International, Absolute Opportunities, PMG Employment Consultants, and DirectHR.

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$17,000

$212,000

Salary Distribution
Ohio$86,835Rank: 16th
The average salary ranks 16th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like MJ Recruiters, LLC, Career Brokers, Inc., SynergyIS, and Executive Recruiting Partners.

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$21,000

$196,000

Salary Distribution
Oklahoma$80,505Rank: 26th
The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like DirectConnect, Diedre Moire, and Source Recruitment Solutions.

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$21,000

$178,000

Salary Distribution
Oregon$78,404Rank: 28th
The average salary ranks 28th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Groupe LEADER, Ajilon, Opti Staffing Group, and Ultimate.

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$21,000

$172,000

Salary Distribution
Pennsylvania$81,848Rank: 23rd
The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like BluChip Solutions, VWR International, Groupe LEADER, and Bluewater Hayes, Inc..

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$21,000

$182,000

Salary Distribution
Rhode Island$55,947Rank: 41st
The average salary ranks 41st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Aerotek.

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$14,000

$139,000

Salary Distribution
South Carolina$88,966Rank: 12th
The average salary ranks 12th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Cummins, Professional Recruiting Partners, LLC, Bertram & Associates, and PMG Employment Consultants.

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$28,000

$183,000

Salary Distribution
South Dakota$71,263Rank: 37th
The average salary ranks 37th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Diedre Moire and Impact Executive Advisors.

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$26,000

$138,000

Salary Distribution
Tennessee$79,660Rank: 27th
The average salary ranks 27th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PointOne Recruiting Solutions, Express Employment Professionals, Terry Young & Associates, and Cummins.

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$22,000

$172,000

Salary Distribution
Texas$85,451Rank: 17th
The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Baker Hughes Incorporated, Dell, Apple, and PepsiCo.

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$19,000

$200,000

Salary Distribution
Utah$94,332Rank: 7th
The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PrincePerelson & Associates, Intermountain Home Care, Intermountain Healthcare, and Vetora LLC (dba EcoSwift).

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$26,000

$205,000

Salary Distribution
Virginia$71,078Rank: 38th
The average salary ranks 38th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Judge Group, Old Dominion University, Cameron Craig Group, and Logexsoft, Inc..

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$15,000

$168,000

Salary Distribution
Washington$87,811Rank: 14th
The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Groupe LEADER, Boeing, Business Talent Solutions, and Providence Health & Services.

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$20,000

$204,000

Salary Distribution
Wisconsin$85,210Rank: 19th
The average salary ranks 19th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Cameron Craig Group, The Judge Group, ERP Careers, Inc., and Downs Associates.

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$25,000

$181,000

Salary Distribution

Top 20 National Employers

According to Indeed.com, the following states had employers looking to hire a Supply Chain Manager. The quoted salary figure represents the average salary from all job postings by this employer.

Employer NameLocationAverage Salary

Learn More

Related Careers

Career NameAverage Salary

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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