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What is a distribution center supervisor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

Distribution center supervisors work in warehouse environments and make sure products are handled effectively and safely. Their duties include implementing best warehouse practices, monitoring product shipments, managing inventory control systems, overseeing expenses, monitoring team performance, and maintaining a clean and safe working environment.

Distribution center supervisors are often required to be well-versed in leadership, supervisory skills, problem-solving, customer service, teamwork, and working under pressure.

In summary, to become a distribution supervisor, you typically need both warehouse laborer and entry-level warehouse supervisory experience. Additionally, some employers prefer candidates with postsecondary education, such as an associate's or bachelor's degree in business administration, logistics, or supply chain management.

Distribution center supervisors in America make an average salary of $68,646 per year or $33 per hou

ScoreDistribution Center SupervisorUS Average
Salary
3.5

Avg. Salary $44,535

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
10.0

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.87%

Asian 6.42%

Black or African American 11.24%

Hispanic or Latino 20.31%

Unknown 4.54%

White 56.62%

Gender

female 13.71%

male 86.29%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress level
10.0

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
9.9

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
2.7

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Distribution center supervisor career paths

Key steps to become a distribution center supervisor

  1. Explore distribution center supervisor education requirements

    Most common distribution center supervisor degrees

    Bachelor's

    61.1 %

    Associate

    18.9 %

    High School Diploma

    8.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific distribution center supervisor skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Logistics9.21%
    Customer Service8.23%
    Shipping Receiving6.57%
    Safety Procedures5.46%
    Continuous Improvement4.50%
  3. Complete relevant distribution center supervisor training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New distribution center supervisors learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a distribution center supervisor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real distribution center supervisor resumes.
  4. Research distribution center supervisor duties and responsibilities

    • Entrust with managing entire facility and all warehouse, transportation / logistics, and shipping / receiving operations on numerous occasions.
    • Assure compliance standard are meet for all internal and external audits including but not limit to FDA inspections.
    • Strengthen housekeeping standards and make sure that staff comply with the regulatory requirements, such as OSHA forklift certification, PPE
    • Ensure all personnel follow safety guidelines in accordance with OSHA regulations.
  5. Prepare your distribution center supervisor resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your distribution center supervisor resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a distribution center supervisor resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable distribution center supervisor resume templates

    Build a professional distribution center supervisor resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your distribution center supervisor resume.
    Distribution Center Supervisor Resume
    Distribution Center Supervisor Resume
    Distribution Center Supervisor Resume
    Distribution Center Supervisor Resume
    Distribution Center Supervisor Resume
    Distribution Center Supervisor Resume
    Distribution Center Supervisor Resume
    Distribution Center Supervisor Resume
    Distribution Center Supervisor Resume
  6. Apply for distribution center supervisor jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a distribution center supervisor job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first distribution center supervisor job

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Average distribution center supervisor salary

The average distribution center supervisor salary in the United States is $44,535 per year or $21 per hour. Distribution center supervisor salaries range between $33,000 and $59,000 per year.

Average distribution center supervisor salary
$44,535 Yearly
$21.41 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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