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The differences between distribution center managers and logistics directors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a distribution center manager and a logistics director. Additionally, a logistics director has an average salary of $108,828, which is higher than the $99,459 average annual salary of a distribution center manager.
The top three skills for a distribution center manager include logistics, customer service and OSHA. The most important skills for a logistics director are supply chain, continuous improvement, and logistics operations.
| Distribution Center Manager | Logistics Director | |
| Yearly salary | $99,459 | $108,828 |
| Hourly rate | $47.82 | $52.32 |
| Growth rate | - | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 75,501 | 33,997 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
A distribution center manager is an individual who is responsible for managing all the daily activities of a centralized distribution center, warehouse, or another shipping facility. Distribution center managers are required to supervise the loading and unloading of all packages as well as ensure that all goods and products have the proper storage conditions. They must evaluate freight services and manage relationships with the chose vendors. Distribution center managers are also required to monitor the safety of the facility and make sure that workers properly store everything to prevent injuries.
A logistics director spearheads and oversees a company's logistics operations. They are primarily responsible for setting goals and guidelines, managing the budgets and timelines, researching new opportunities, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of operations, and implementing solutions against problem areas. They must also maintain positive relationships with key clients and external parties, such as distributors and suppliers. Furthermore, as a director, it is essential to lead employees while implementing the company's policies and regulations, recommending new ones as needed.
Distribution center managers and logistics directors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Distribution Center Manager | Logistics Director | |
| Average salary | $99,459 | $108,828 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $141,000 | Between $70,000 And $167,000 |
| Highest paying City | Woodland, CA | San Leandro, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Bed Bath & Beyond | Barnes & Noble |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | - |
There are a few differences between a distribution center manager and a logistics director in terms of educational background:
| Distribution Center Manager | Logistics Director | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between distribution center managers' and logistics directors' demographics:
| Distribution Center Manager | Logistics Director | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.4% Female, 11.6% | Male, 83.5% Female, 16.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |