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The differences between distribution associates and distribution coordinators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a distribution associate, becoming a distribution coordinator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a distribution coordinator has an average salary of $37,166, which is higher than the $33,453 average annual salary of a distribution associate.
The top three skills for a distribution associate include pallets, basic math and customer orders. The most important skills for a distribution coordinator are customer service, management system, and shipping receiving.
| Distribution Associate | Distribution Coordinator | |
| Yearly salary | $33,453 | $37,166 |
| Hourly rate | $16.08 | $17.87 |
| Growth rate | -3% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 175,791 | 31,587 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 33% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 4 |
A distribution associate typically works at warehouses or distribution establishments where they are in charge of processing orders for shipments or deliveries in a timely and efficient manner. Their responsibilities often include monitoring the inventory of goods, identifying and locating items, liaising with clients, receiving orders, lifting heavy packages, and maintaining accurate records of all transactions. Furthermore, as a distribution associate, it is essential to be proactive as warehouse conditions can be unpredictable due to the influx of goods.
A distribution coordinator oversees and coordinates the distribution operations of a warehouse, ensuring products get to their destinations in a timely and accurate manner. They typically set guidelines and objectives, perform assessments and inspections, liaise with internal and external parties, and develop strategies to optimize operations. They also monitor and track shipments, resolve scheduling conflicts, and update vendors regularly. Moreover, as a distribution coordinator, it is essential to lead and encourage staff to reach goals, all while implementing the company's standards and regulations.
Distribution associates and distribution coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Distribution Associate | Distribution Coordinator | |
| Average salary | $33,453 | $37,166 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $40,000 | Between $29,000 And $46,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Los Angeles, CA |
| Highest paying state | New York | California |
| Best paying company | Clearwater Paper | Fresenius Kabi |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Energy |
There are a few differences between a distribution associate and a distribution coordinator in terms of educational background:
| Distribution Associate | Distribution Coordinator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 33% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between distribution associates' and distribution coordinators' demographics:
| Distribution Associate | Distribution Coordinator | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 66.3% Female, 33.7% | Male, 56.8% Female, 43.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.0% Asian, 7.1% White, 55.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 21.1% Asian, 6.4% White, 55.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 8% |