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The differences between distribution warehouse managers and warehouse leads 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 warehouse manager, becoming a warehouse lead takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a warehouse lead has an average salary of $41,281, which is higher than the $28,318 average annual salary of a distribution warehouse manager.
The top three skills for a distribution warehouse manager include safety procedures, logistics and operational procedures. The most important skills for a warehouse lead are customer service, ladders, and pallets.
| Distribution Warehouse Manager | Warehouse Lead | |
| Yearly salary | $28,318 | $41,281 |
| Hourly rate | $13.61 | $19.85 |
| Growth rate | - | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 65,273 | 123,344 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 47% | High School Diploma, 39% |
| Average age | 45 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
A distribution warehouse manager pursues performance improvement and makes informed decisions to maintain smooth operations. Besides supervising inventory security, distribution warehouse managers also support purchasing managers to attain maximum re-ordering systems. They put into practice a just-in-time type of inventory system by working hand-in-hand with suppliers to coordinate computer systems. Moreover, distribution warehouse managers ensure safe product transport and partner with suppliers to enhance optimal product packing, stocking, and labeling.
Warehouse leads are responsible for supply chain management in distribution centers. Their duties and responsibilities include supervising employees and evaluating their performance, meeting safety regulations, and monitoring deliveries and shipments. They are the ones who interact with customers and clients to resolve any delivery issues that may arise. They also help with some administrative tasks such as order and invoice processing and maintenance. This role applies to those with excellent communication skills, leadership capabilities, and strong attention to detail.
Distribution warehouse managers and warehouse leads have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Distribution Warehouse Manager | Warehouse Lead | |
| Average salary | $28,318 | $41,281 |
| Salary range | Between $7,000 And $101,000 | Between $27,000 And $62,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bethlehem, PA | Allentown, PA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Schneider Electric Industrial Services | Silicon Valley Bank |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a distribution warehouse manager and a warehouse lead in terms of educational background:
| Distribution Warehouse Manager | Warehouse Lead | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 47% | High School Diploma, 39% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | - |
Here are the differences between distribution warehouse managers' and warehouse leads' demographics:
| Distribution Warehouse Manager | Warehouse Lead | |
| Average age | 45 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.0% Female, 13.0% | Male, 79.0% Female, 21.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 22.1% Asian, 6.4% White, 54.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 8% |