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The differences between distribution managers and shipping 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 shipping manager. Additionally, a distribution manager has an average salary of $89,264, which is higher than the $52,003 average annual salary of a shipping manager.
The top three skills for a distribution manager include customer service, logistics and continuous improvement. The most important skills for a shipping manager are customer service, on-time delivery, and logistics.
| Distribution Manager | Shipping Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $89,264 | $52,003 |
| Hourly rate | $42.92 | $25.00 |
| Growth rate | 6% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 39,061 | 19,541 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 42% |
| 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 shipping manager is responsible for monitoring the shipment procedures of a distribution center, ensuring the quality and quantity of the merchandise before release to avoid delays and client conflicts. Shipping managers evaluate staff performance on their productivity in meeting timely deliveries and operational efficiency. They handle and track shipping activities through software tools and implement strategies for better optimization. A shipping manager also responds to clients' inquiries and concerns, resolving complaints immediately by conducting item replacements or payment refunds.
Distribution managers and shipping managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Distribution Manager | Shipping Manager | |
| Average salary | $89,264 | $52,003 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $128,000 | Between $36,000 And $73,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redmond, WA | Auburn, WA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Nevada |
| Best paying company | Levi Strauss & Co. | Harvard University |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Professional |
There are a few differences between a distribution manager and a shipping manager in terms of educational background:
| Distribution Manager | Shipping Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 42% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between distribution managers' and shipping managers' demographics:
| Distribution Manager | Shipping Manager | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.6% Female, 17.4% | Male, 77.6% Female, 22.4% |
| 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, 11.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |