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The differences between distribution managers and distribution supervisors 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 supervisor. Additionally, a distribution manager has an average salary of $89,264, which is higher than the $62,458 average annual salary of a distribution supervisor.
The top three skills for a distribution manager include customer service, logistics and continuous improvement. The most important skills for a distribution supervisor are customer service, logistics, and continuous improvement.
| Distribution Manager | Distribution Supervisor | |
| Yearly salary | $89,264 | $62,458 |
| Hourly rate | $42.92 | $30.03 |
| Growth rate | 6% | - |
| Number of jobs | 39,061 | 42,619 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 56% |
| 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 supervisor is in charge of overseeing all distribution processes in a warehouse or similar setting, ensuring accuracy and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities typically revolve around coordinating deliveries and shipment, managing schedules, delegating tasks, assessing the performance of the workforce, and maintaining records of all transactions. Should there be any issues or concerns, it is essential to resolve them promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, as a supervisor, it is vital to lead and encourage the employees to reach goals and deadlines, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Distribution managers and distribution supervisors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Distribution Manager | Distribution Supervisor | |
| Average salary | $89,264 | $62,458 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $128,000 | Between $40,000 And $96,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redmond, WA | Reno, NV |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Nevada |
| Best paying company | Levi Strauss & Co. | Agilent Technologies |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a distribution manager and a distribution supervisor in terms of educational background:
| Distribution Manager | Distribution Supervisor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 56% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between distribution managers' and distribution supervisors' demographics:
| Distribution Manager | Distribution Supervisor | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.6% Female, 17.4% | Male, 82.7% Female, 17.3% |
| 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, 11.3% 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% |