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The differences between logistics managers and distribution managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a logistics manager and a distribution manager. Additionally, a distribution manager has an average salary of $89,264, which is higher than the $74,702 average annual salary of a logistics manager.
The top three skills for a logistics manager include customer service, supply chain and continuous improvement. The most important skills for a distribution manager are customer service, logistics, and continuous improvement.
| Logistics Manager | Distribution Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $74,702 | $89,264 |
| Hourly rate | $35.91 | $42.92 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 31,437 | 39,061 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
The person in charge of coordinating, purchasing, and distributing products in a supply chain is called logistics manager. Logistic managers are supply specialists that are responsible for the overall supply chain management. They supervise employees to maintain safety in the workplace, resolve customer's issues and complaints, and develop strategies for operations. Also, they are responsible for collaborating and negotiating with manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, and consumers. These highly-detailed professionals maintain precise records of inventory and ensure that supply chain processes are regularly operating.
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.
Logistics managers and distribution managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Logistics Manager | Distribution Manager | |
| Average salary | $74,702 | $89,264 |
| Salary range | Between $52,000 And $106,000 | Between $62,000 And $128,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Redmond, WA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | Levi Strauss & Co. |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a logistics manager and a distribution manager in terms of educational background:
| Logistics Manager | Distribution Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between logistics managers' and distribution managers' demographics:
| Logistics Manager | Distribution Manager | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 77.9% Female, 22.1% | Male, 82.6% Female, 17.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |