Post job

Distribution supervisor vs warehouse supervisor

The differences between distribution supervisors and warehouse supervisors 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 supervisor, becoming a warehouse supervisor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a distribution supervisor has an average salary of $62,458, which is higher than the $49,556 average annual salary of a warehouse supervisor.

The top three skills for a distribution supervisor include customer service, logistics and continuous improvement. The most important skills for a warehouse supervisor are logistics, shipping receiving, and OSHA.

Distribution supervisor vs warehouse supervisor overview

Distribution SupervisorWarehouse Supervisor
Yearly salary$62,458$49,556
Hourly rate$30.03$23.82
Growth rate--
Number of jobs42,619102,848
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 34%
Average age4544
Years of experience64

What does a distribution supervisor do?

A distribution supervisor is in charge of overseeing all distribution processes in a warehouse or similar setting, ensuring accuracy and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities typically revolve around coordinating deliveries and shipment, managing schedules, delegating tasks, assessing the performance of the workforce, and maintaining records of all transactions. Should there be any issues or concerns, it is essential to resolve them promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, as a supervisor, it is vital to lead and encourage the employees to reach goals and deadlines, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

What does a warehouse supervisor do?

A Warehouse Supervisor's responsibility mainly revolves around inventory, logistics, and workforce supervision. One of the main tasks is to oversee and coordinate with every employee or company involved to ensure that all of the stocks have been received, stored, and delivered according to what is needed. Aside from the maintenance of inventory, it is also the task of the Warehouse Supervisor to hire employees that would be a great addition to the team and the company.

Distribution supervisor vs warehouse supervisor salary

Distribution supervisors and warehouse supervisors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Distribution SupervisorWarehouse Supervisor
Average salary$62,458$49,556
Salary rangeBetween $40,000 And $96,000Between $35,000 And $68,000
Highest paying CityReno, NVBaltimore, MD
Highest paying stateNevadaMaryland
Best paying companyAgilent TechnologiesAmphenol
Best paying industryManufacturingManufacturing

Differences between distribution supervisor and warehouse supervisor education

There are a few differences between a distribution supervisor and a warehouse supervisor in terms of educational background:

Distribution SupervisorWarehouse Supervisor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 34%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford University-

Distribution supervisor vs warehouse supervisor demographics

Here are the differences between distribution supervisors' and warehouse supervisors' demographics:

Distribution SupervisorWarehouse Supervisor
Average age4544
Gender ratioMale, 82.7% Female, 17.3%Male, 88.3% Female, 11.7%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 22.4% Asian, 5.9% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage5%8%

Differences between distribution supervisor and warehouse supervisor duties and responsibilities

Distribution supervisor example responsibilities.

  • Begin the implementation of standard work and lead kaizen event to standardize pack stations.
  • Manage warehouse technology including RF, packing systems, shipping systems, and forklift operations.
  • Develop the WMS training program and lead the team in the design of WMS process rules.
  • Have led cost saving initiatives including staffing, a DC expansion, and customization of WMS.
  • Manage all logistics including ocean and air imports, exports and domestic distribution via TL, LTL, and small parcel.
  • Comply with cleanliness standards, government regulations, and safety requirements, including OSHA, FDA, and HACCP.
  • Show more

Warehouse supervisor example responsibilities.

  • Manage a crew of 11 individuals in a HVAC wholesale warehouse.
  • Manage activities of 30 staff; follow all HAZMAT and MSDS regulations.
  • Manage shipping and receiving to ensure efficiency on logistics and provide proactive solutions by anticipating, identifying and resolve customer issues/discrepancies.
  • Experience working with computerize inventory control system utilizing RF scanning.
  • Coordinate with transportation to pick up cargo from CRSP/ADACG to SSA.
  • Turn in high volume of serviceable and unserviceable parts to the SSA.
  • Show more

Distribution supervisor vs warehouse supervisor skills

Common distribution supervisor skills
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Logistics, 10%
  • Continuous Improvement, 6%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Inventory Control, 4%
  • Shipping Receiving, 4%
Common warehouse supervisor skills
  • Logistics, 10%
  • Shipping Receiving, 8%
  • OSHA, 7%
  • Safety Procedures, 5%
  • Excellent Interpersonal, 5%
  • Inventory Control, 5%

Browse executive management jobs