Distribution manager vs traffic manager

The differences between distribution managers and traffic managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a distribution manager, becoming a traffic manager takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a distribution manager has an average salary of $89,264, which is higher than the $61,734 average annual salary of a traffic manager.

The top three skills for a distribution manager include customer service, logistics and continuous improvement. The most important skills for a traffic manager are project management, traffic management, and account executives.

Distribution manager vs traffic manager overview

	Distribution Manager	Traffic Manager
Yearly salary	$89,264	$61,734
Hourly rate	$42.92	$29.68
Growth rate	6%	-3%
Number of jobs	39,061	14,997
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 66%	Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	6	4

What does a distribution manager do?

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.

What does a traffic manager do?

The main job of a traffic manager is to make sure that account service marketing collateral works and flows efficiently to production and creative departments. Traffic managers take responsibility for keeping everyone in the team on task and the projects on deadline. They manage the logistics tasks and keep the parties up-to-date on the recent progress. It is their job to coordinate work among the account managers, staff members, and advertisers. Also, they develop and maintain procedure transportation and distribution for delivery efficiency maximization.

Distribution manager vs traffic manager salary

Distribution managers and traffic managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Distribution Manager	Traffic Manager
Average salary	$89,264	$61,734
Salary range	Between $62,000 And $128,000	Between $37,000 And $102,000
Highest paying City	Redmond, WA	San Carlos, CA
Highest paying state	Washington	Virginia
Best paying company	Levi Strauss & Co.	AbbVie
Best paying industry	Technology	-

Differences between distribution manager and traffic manager education

There are a few differences between a distribution manager and a traffic manager in terms of educational background:

	Distribution Manager	Traffic Manager
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 66%	Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	Stanford University

Distribution manager vs traffic manager demographics

Here are the differences between distribution managers' and traffic managers' demographics:

	Distribution Manager	Traffic Manager
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 82.6% Female, 17.4%	Male, 47.9% Female, 52.1%
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%

Differences between distribution manager and traffic manager duties and responsibilities

Distribution manager example responsibilities.

Manage all logistics including ocean and air imports, exports and domestic distribution via TL, LTL, and small parcel.
Compose and employ initial ISO procedures to attain certification.
Manage twenty-five team members during process of unloading trailers to include accurately processing and locating merchandise throughout warehouse with RF devices.
Earn FDA and GMP certification at a start-up distribution-base facility in five months.
Develop a training program that effectively trains employees in accordance with FDA guidelines.
Budget and target tracking to sales goals with direct account responsibility for OEM and price sensitive customers.

Traffic manager example responsibilities.

Manage and schedule all FM commercials for national affiliates.
Manage and schedule all FM commercials per customers' contract drive times.
Manage all inbound material which include part shortages, EC changes, QC inspection parts and sequence material.
Train and supervise coordinators and junior AE s. create job number tracking system for print/broadcast events.
Provide oversight to all computer functions relative to the importation of vessels and the release and shipment of vehicles.
Perform continuous analysis of TMS, operation and business process for continuous improvement.

Distribution manager vs traffic manager skills

Common distribution manager skills

Customer Service, 14%
Logistics, 10%
Continuous Improvement, 6%
OSHA, 5%
Operational Procedures, 4%
Distribution Operations, 4%

Common traffic manager skills

Project Management, 10%
Traffic Management, 6%
Account Executives, 5%
FAA, 4%
PowerPoint, 4%
Traffic Logs, 4%

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Distribution Manager
Distribution Manager vs Traffic Manager

Updated January 8, 2025

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