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The differences between distribution center supervisors and route supervisors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a distribution center supervisor and a route supervisor. Additionally, a route supervisor has an average salary of $46,770, 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 route supervisor are DOT, CDL, and OSHA.
| Distribution Center Supervisor | Route Supervisor | |
| Yearly salary | $44,535 | $46,770 |
| Hourly rate | $21.41 | $22.49 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 11% |
| Number of jobs | 60,371 | 13,438 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 37% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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 route supervisor works with the delivery and logistics department of the company. The route supervisor oversees the dispatching of vehicles and drivers to take specified routes determined by the company. A company needs to ensure on-time and consistent deliveries. The route supervisor also checks each predetermined route if it is free from heavy traffic and congestion. Alternate routes must be immediately provided for deliveries to take during emergencies and delays. Customer satisfaction is of utmost concern, and it is achieved only by safe and speedy deliveries.
Distribution center supervisors and route supervisors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Distribution Center Supervisor | Route Supervisor | |
| Average salary | $44,535 | $46,770 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $59,000 | Between $35,000 And $60,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Richmond, CA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Schneider Electric Industrial Services | US Foods |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Utilities |
There are a few differences between a distribution center supervisor and a route supervisor in terms of educational background:
| Distribution Center Supervisor | Route Supervisor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 37% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between distribution center supervisors' and route supervisors' demographics:
| Distribution Center Supervisor | Route Supervisor | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% | Male, 88.2% Female, 11.8% |
| 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, 12.1% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 6.8% White, 57.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |