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The differences between distribution managers and logistics 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 logistics supervisor. Additionally, a distribution manager has an average salary of $89,264, which is higher than the $65,301 average annual salary of a logistics supervisor.
The top three skills for a distribution manager include customer service, logistics and continuous improvement. The most important skills for a logistics supervisor are continuous improvement, customer service, and direct reports.
| Distribution Manager | Logistics Supervisor | |
| Yearly salary | $89,264 | $65,301 |
| Hourly rate | $42.92 | $31.39 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 39,061 | 32,548 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| 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 logistics supervisor is an individual tasked to oversee goods shipment and delivery in organizations. Supervisors manage the planning, organization, and implementation of the company's systems. They take responsibility for managing the inventory of warehouse stocks based on the foreseeable requirements. It is part of their job to schedule deliveries and pickups with the internal staff or transportation companies. Their skills should include adaptability, project management proficiency, and communication skills.
Distribution managers and logistics supervisors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Distribution Manager | Logistics Supervisor | |
| Average salary | $89,264 | $65,301 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $128,000 | Between $47,000 And $89,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redmond, WA | Warren, MI |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Michigan |
| Best paying company | Levi Strauss & Co. | Southern California Edison |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a distribution manager and a logistics supervisor in terms of educational background:
| Distribution Manager | Logistics Supervisor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between distribution managers' and logistics supervisors' demographics:
| Distribution Manager | Logistics Supervisor | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.6% Female, 17.4% | Male, 77.4% Female, 22.6% |
| 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, 11.3% 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% |