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The differences between logistics planners and materials planners can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a logistics planner, becoming a materials planner takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a logistics planner has an average salary of $63,554, which is higher than the $58,467 average annual salary of a materials planner.
The top three skills for a logistics planner include customer service, supply chain and continuous improvement. The most important skills for a materials planner are supply chain, MRP, and purchase orders.
| Logistics Planner | Materials Planner | |
| Yearly salary | $63,554 | $58,467 |
| Hourly rate | $30.55 | $28.11 |
| Growth rate | 28% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 30,339 | 23,019 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 41 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
A logistics planner is responsible for tracking and monitoring the shipment operations of warehouse and distribution centers. Logistics planners assist with the project management procedures, identifying resources, calculating cost and expenses reports, and the manufacturing timetables. They also coordinate with suppliers and third-party vendors to verify delivery and shipment details and ensure clear and accurate specifics. A logistics planner must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially on data processing procedures and updating product information on the database.
Usually working in a manufacturing setting, a materials planner's role is to manage the supply flow and inventory of materials. Their responsibilities revolve around liaising with vendors and other external agencies, processing purchase orders, monitoring the quality of supplies to ensure it is according to the standards, and coordinating with various teams to learn their needs. Furthermore, as a planner, it is essential to devise strategies to resolve any issues, all while adhering to the company's policies and standards.
Logistics planners and materials planners have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Logistics Planner | Materials Planner | |
| Average salary | $63,554 | $58,467 |
| Salary range | Between $48,000 And $83,000 | Between $45,000 And $74,000 |
| Highest paying City | Baltimore, MD | Oakland, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | California |
| Best paying company | Intuitive Surgical | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a logistics planner and a materials planner in terms of educational background:
| Logistics Planner | Materials Planner | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Western Carolina University |
Here are the differences between logistics planners' and materials planners' demographics:
| Logistics Planner | Materials Planner | |
| Average age | 41 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 65.0% Female, 35.0% | Male, 52.7% Female, 47.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.5% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.5% Asian, 11.4% White, 51.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 7.0% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 11% |