How To Become A Logistics Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a logistics operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A logistics operator, also called a logistician, commandeers freight movement by sea, land, and air. Their logistics duties and responsibilities include overseeing the supply chain from point-of-sale to delivering a nicely wrapped package on a customer's doorstep. Virtually all industries rely on logisticians to move everything from natural products like crude oil to manufactured goods.

A logistician serves in the role of logistics coordinator, negotiating and brokering deals between suppliers and customers. They are tasked with finding fast, efficient, and cost-effective solutions to moving cargo. Their days are spent troubleshooting unanticipated problems that can occur in order, inventory control, warehousing, shipping, and delivery.

An associate's degree is sufficient for some logistics coordinator jobs; however, most employers prefer a bachelor's degree. Additionally, The International Society of Logistics, Association for Supply Chain Management, and the Defense Acquisition University award certificates to those who complete courses, meet work experience requirements, and pass a knowledge exam.

ScoreLogistics OperatorUS Average

Salary

2.9

Avg. Salary $37,336

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

8.3

Growth Rate 7%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

8.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.87%

Asian 2.70%

Black or African American 17.99%

Hispanic or Latino 20.26%

Unknown 4.51%

White 53.68%

Gender

female 17.88%

male 82.12%

Age - 44

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44

Stress Level

8.3

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

8.8

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

3.8

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

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Key steps to become a logistics operator

Explore logistics operator education requirements

Most common logistics operator degrees

Bachelor's

44.6 %

High School Diploma

23.9 %

Associate

18.3 %

Start to develop specific logistics operator skills

Skills	Percentages
Pallets	12.79%
Basic Math	10.43%
Pallet Jack	9.59%
Warehouse Operations	7.12%
Dynamic Environment	6.70%

Complete relevant logistics operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New logistics operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a logistics operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real logistics operator resumes.

Research logistics operator duties and responsibilities

Participate in warehouse operations including product selection, labeling, moving and securing pallets, wrapping and staging for proper shipment.
Comply with all safety, HAZMAT regulations and company policies.
Exercise a FIFO base inventory system for project raw materials.
Participate on the ISO 9001 team to prepare for ISO certification.

Prepare your logistics operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your logistics operator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a logistics operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

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