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The differences between distribution managers and distribution center managers 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 manager and a distribution center manager. Additionally, a distribution center manager has an average salary of $99,459, which is higher than the $89,264 average annual salary of a distribution manager.
The top three skills for a distribution manager include customer service, logistics and continuous improvement. The most important skills for a distribution center manager are logistics, customer service, and OSHA.
| Distribution Manager | Distribution Center Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $89,264 | $99,459 |
| Hourly rate | $42.92 | $47.82 |
| Growth rate | 6% | - |
| Number of jobs | 39,061 | 75,501 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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.
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.
Distribution managers and distribution center managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Distribution Manager | Distribution Center Manager | |
| Average salary | $89,264 | $99,459 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $128,000 | Between $70,000 And $141,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redmond, WA | Woodland, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Levi Strauss & Co. | Bed Bath & Beyond |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a distribution manager and a distribution center manager in terms of educational background:
| Distribution Manager | Distribution Center Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between distribution managers' and distribution center managers' demographics:
| Distribution Manager | Distribution Center Manager | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.6% Female, 17.4% | Male, 88.4% Female, 11.6% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |