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The differences between distribution managers and inventory control 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 an inventory control manager. Additionally, a distribution manager has an average salary of $89,264, which is higher than the $59,401 average annual salary of an inventory control manager.
The top three skills for a distribution manager include customer service, logistics and continuous improvement. The most important skills for an inventory control manager are inventory control procedures, sales floor, and customer service.
| Distribution Manager | Inventory Control Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $89,264 | $59,401 |
| Hourly rate | $42.92 | $28.56 |
| Growth rate | 6% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 39,061 | 61,002 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Average age | 45 | 47 |
| 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.
An inventory control manager is an individual who is responsible for directing all tasks related to inventory management of a company. They manage the allocation of materials, supplies, and finished goods as well as design strategies to minimize the cost or time to move goods. They are required to lead a team of storage or warehouse personnel to help them with the actual inventory count. Inventory control managers must also develop a business relationship with their suppliers or vendors.
Distribution managers and inventory control managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Distribution Manager | Inventory Control Manager | |
| Average salary | $89,264 | $59,401 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $128,000 | Between $41,000 And $85,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redmond, WA | Richmond, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Levi Strauss & Co. | Penguin Solutions |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Retail |
There are a few differences between a distribution manager and an inventory control manager in terms of educational background:
| Distribution Manager | Inventory Control Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between distribution managers' and inventory control managers' demographics:
| Distribution Manager | Inventory Control Manager | |
| Average age | 45 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.6% Female, 17.4% | Male, 71.0% Female, 29.0% |
| 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, 8.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 13.4% Asian, 7.8% White, 65.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 10% |