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The differences between distribution center supervisors and distribution managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a distribution center supervisor, becoming a distribution manager takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a distribution manager has an average salary of $89,264, which is higher than the $44,535 average annual salary of a distribution center supervisor.
The top three skills for a distribution center supervisor include logistics, customer service and shipping receiving. The most important skills for a distribution manager are customer service, logistics, and continuous improvement.
| Distribution Center Supervisor | Distribution Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $44,535 | $89,264 |
| Hourly rate | $21.41 | $42.92 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 60,371 | 39,061 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 44 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
Distribution center supervisors are professionals who are responsible for leading and supervising warehouse staff to operate and facilitate the daily activities of a distribution center. These supervisors are required to receive, store, and handle the products effectively in the center while managing an inventory control system based on the policies of the company. They must ensure that the shipment of products to customers is accurate to avoid delays in distributions. Distribution center supervisors must also maintain updated with the latest techniques used in the distribution process.
A distribution manager is responsible for managing the distribution of goods and services, ensuring the adequacy of merchandise in the storage, and monitoring the products' timely delivery to appropriate locations. Distribution managers process shipments and utilize software systems to track stock levels and order status, negotiate contracts with suppliers and third-party vendors, identify business opportunities to boost maximum productivity and performance, and develop supply strategies to minimize costs without compromising quality. A distribution manager must have excellent communication and critical-thinking skills to manage business performance by coordinating with different teams on achieving business goals and objectives.
Distribution center supervisors and distribution managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Distribution Center Supervisor | Distribution Manager | |
| Average salary | $44,535 | $89,264 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $59,000 | Between $62,000 And $128,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Redmond, WA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Washington |
| Best paying company | Schneider Electric Industrial Services | Levi Strauss & Co. |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Technology |
There are a few differences between a distribution center supervisor and a distribution manager in terms of educational background:
| Distribution Center Supervisor | Distribution Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between distribution center supervisors' and distribution managers' demographics:
| Distribution Center Supervisor | Distribution Manager | |
| Average age | 44 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% | Male, 82.6% Female, 17.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 6.4% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | Black or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |