How To Become A Distribution Specialist: What It Is and Career Path

What is a distribution specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

A distribution specialist usually works in factories and warehouses and assumes responsibility for the receipt, verification, storage, and inventory distribution. They handle the completion of orders and shipping logistics of the goods.

Since some of their priorities are product quality and adherence to safety guidelines, they deal with the loss or damage of merchandise. They keep track of the supply levels, maintain accurate records of inventory activities, and even assess the condition of warehouse machinery. They also negotiate and coordinate with internal and external parties, such as vendors, regarding inventory issues.

To pursue a career as a distribution specialist, the minimum educational requirement is a high school diploma. Some employers may prefer applicants with a bachelor's degree in business or general studies. The duties that come with this position demand physical stamina. People who take this job spend long hours at work and sometimes need to lift various items. The median salary of a distribution specialist is $15.32 an hour or $31,861 a year.

ScoreDistribution SpecialistUS Average

Salary

2.8

Avg. Salary $36,140

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.6

Growth rate 1%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.2

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.99%

Asian 6.44%

Black or African American 10.02%

Hispanic or Latino 17.99%

Unknown 5.57%

White 59.00%

Gender

female 34.92%

male 65.08%

Age - 35

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 35

Stress level

4.6

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

5.6

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.1

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a distribution specialist

Explore distribution specialist education requirements

Most common distribution specialist degrees

Bachelor's

40.4 %

High School Diploma

26.1 %

Associate

20.8 %

Start to develop specific distribution specialist skills

Skills	Percentages
Work Ethic	11.92%
Windows	10.57%
Strong Customer Service	8.19%
Customer Inquiries	7.71%
Math	6.83%

Research distribution specialist duties and responsibilities

Update sonic, manual files, and relay all pertinent info to leads, supervisors and AOG.
Use of double runner and MHE vehicles.
Maneuver swivel-hooks, hoists and elevating platforms to move materials.
Complete paperwork accurately for returns to comply with company and FDA regulations.

Prepare your distribution specialist resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your distribution specialist resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a distribution specialist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable distribution specialist resume templates

Build a professional distribution specialist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your distribution specialist resume.