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The differences between inventory leads and inventory supervisors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an inventory lead, becoming an inventory supervisor takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an inventory supervisor has an average salary of $48,890, which is higher than the $42,812 average annual salary of an inventory lead.
The top three skills for an inventory lead include PET, direct reports and customer service. The most important skills for an inventory supervisor are customer service, business relationships, and work ethic.
| Inventory Lead | Inventory Supervisor | |
| Yearly salary | $42,812 | $48,890 |
| Hourly rate | $20.58 | $23.50 |
| Growth rate | -3% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 19,766 | 37,501 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 39% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Average age | 45 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
The inventory lead acts as an inventory manager who oversees the inventory level of a business and leads inventory or warehouse employees in record-tracking of new stocks delivered and shipped out. The inventory manager is responsible for recording daily deliveries, assessing new shipments, and analyzing various suppliers. To optimize operations, he/she manages employee's schedules, shipments, and deliveries and develops interpersonal ability and leadership skills while working with marketing, sales, and purchasing managers.
An inventory supervisor is responsible for monitoring the productivity of staff and managing the adequacy of inventories in a warehouse or distribution center settings. Inventory supervisors inspect the stability and efficiency of the equipment and machinery for the manufacturing processes to ensure its working condition that would prevent operational delays and avoid potential hazards. They also strategize in the supply chain management, oversee shipment details, and negotiate with material suppliers and third-party vendors for cost-reduction opportunities.
Inventory leads and inventory supervisors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Inventory Lead | Inventory Supervisor | |
| Average salary | $42,812 | $48,890 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $60,000 | Between $34,000 And $69,000 |
| Highest paying City | East Windsor, NJ | Sacramento, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | New York |
| Best paying company | Accenture | Schneider Electric Industrial Services |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Retail |
There are a few differences between an inventory lead and an inventory supervisor in terms of educational background:
| Inventory Lead | Inventory Supervisor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 39% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Western Carolina University | California State University - Bakersfield |
Here are the differences between inventory leads' and inventory supervisors' demographics:
| Inventory Lead | Inventory Supervisor | |
| Average age | 45 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 66.3% Female, 33.7% | Male, 70.2% Female, 29.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.6% Asian, 7.0% White, 60.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 10.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 18.9% Asian, 5.3% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |