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The differences between logistics operations 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 operations manager and a distribution manager. Additionally, a distribution manager has an average salary of $89,264, which is higher than the $73,938 average annual salary of a logistics operations manager.
The top three skills for a logistics operations manager include supply chain, logistics operations and operational procedures. The most important skills for a distribution manager are customer service, logistics, and continuous improvement.
| Logistics Operations Manager | Distribution Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $73,938 | $89,264 |
| Hourly rate | $35.55 | $42.92 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 247,545 | 39,061 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 44 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
A Logistics Operations Manager is responsible for supervising the distribution processes and overseeing the supply chain management to ensure that the deliveries are done timely and accurately. Logistics Operations Managers strategize on cost-reduction techniques by negotiating with trusted suppliers and vendors of high-quality materials. They also manage the adequacy of supply inventories and inspect the quality of merchandise before shipment. A Logistics Operations Manager must have excellent communication skills, especially in handling customers' inquiries and concerns and resolving delays.
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 operations managers and distribution managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Logistics Operations Manager | Distribution Manager | |
| Average salary | $73,938 | $89,264 |
| Salary range | Between $51,000 And $106,000 | Between $62,000 And $128,000 |
| Highest paying City | Denver, CO | Redmond, WA |
| Highest paying state | Colorado | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | Levi Strauss & Co. |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Technology |
There are a few differences between a logistics operations manager and a distribution manager in terms of educational background:
| Logistics Operations Manager | Distribution Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between logistics operations managers' and distribution managers' demographics:
| Logistics Operations Manager | Distribution Manager | |
| Average age | 44 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.9% Female, 17.1% | Male, 82.6% Female, 17.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 6.4% White, 67.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | 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 | 10% | 5% |