Post job

Logistics specialist vs logistics associate

The differences between logistics specialists and logistics associates 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 specialist and a logistics associate. Additionally, a logistics specialist has an average salary of $41,537, which is higher than the $36,379 average annual salary of a logistics associate.

The top three skills for a logistics specialist include customer service, shipping receiving and inventory control. The most important skills for a logistics associate are standard operating procedure, cycle counts, and physical inventory.

Logistics specialist vs logistics associate overview

Logistics SpecialistLogistics Associate
Yearly salary$41,537$36,379
Hourly rate$19.97$17.49
Growth rate28%28%
Number of jobs35,75316,539
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 43%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age4141
Years of experience66

What does a logistics specialist do?

A logistics specialist is a member of the workforce that handles the logistics procedures in a warehouse or similar establishment. A logistics specialist primarily functions in processing orders, preparing goods, receiving shipments, and even shipping deliveries, ensuring that all transactions are within the allotted schedule. Furthermore, they are in charge of overseeing that all shipments are aligned with the expected quality and quantity, maintaining an accurate record of inventory, producing reports, and coordinating with other members of the team. All while adhering to the policies and standards of the company.

What does a logistics associate do?

As a logistics associate, they assist with the timely distribution, storage, delivery, and inspection of products, both for incoming and outgoing. Logistics associates are needed to manage and maintain the inventory of products and materials. They process incoming and outgoing shipments, inspecting incoming shipments, entering and updating to the digital database for easier tracking. The job of logistics associates can vary based on the types of materials they handle and the environment where they work. They work independently and primarily report to a warehouse or retail manager.

Logistics specialist vs logistics associate salary

Logistics specialists and logistics associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

Logistics SpecialistLogistics Associate
Average salary$41,537$36,379
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $57,000Between $28,000 And $46,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WABaltimore, MD
Highest paying stateMarylandMaryland
Best paying companyGCP Applied TechnologiesDCP Midstream
Best paying industryGovernmentProfessional

Differences between logistics specialist and logistics associate education

There are a few differences between a logistics specialist and a logistics associate in terms of educational background:

Logistics SpecialistLogistics Associate
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 43%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Logistics specialist vs logistics associate demographics

Here are the differences between logistics specialists' and logistics associates' demographics:

Logistics SpecialistLogistics Associate
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 66.5% Female, 33.5%Male, 66.5% Female, 33.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.7% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 21.8% Asian, 10.3% White, 49.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 12.6% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 21.1% Asian, 10.1% White, 50.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between logistics specialist and logistics associate duties and responsibilities

Logistics specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage and execute the GSA fleet maintenance program.
  • Manage Phase-In/Phase-Out (NPI) to minimize obsolete material.
  • Manage the DIFM program to ensure assets are return and process in accordance with directives.
  • Experience decision-maker in high-pressure environments; efficiently manage vital decision points autonomously to ensure mission accomplishment in multiple combat deployments.
  • Produce technical procedures, guidelines, and supply support information to be include in ILS documentation.
  • Enter all necessary transactions in MRP system, perform cycle counts, and resolve inventory discrepancies.
  • Show more

Logistics associate example responsibilities.

  • Manage supply reorders, printing labels, domestic shipping, service and software support with FedEx.
  • Supply documentation to freight forwarders and carriers as necessary.
  • Work with freight forwarders to resolve issues and solve problems regarding transportation internationally and domestically.
  • Clean, sterilize, and fully stock ambulances prior to shift.
  • Put together freight for outgoing shipments, both LTL and small package.
  • Complete daily parcel and LTL orders, maintain inventory levels, and collaborate with multiple departments on large projects.
  • Show more

Logistics specialist vs logistics associate skills

Common logistics specialist skills
  • Customer Service, 23%
  • Shipping Receiving, 7%
  • Inventory Control, 6%
  • Logistics Support, 5%
  • Management System, 4%
  • Cycle Counts, 4%
Common logistics associate skills
  • Standard Operating Procedure, 27%
  • Cycle Counts, 25%
  • Physical Inventory, 19%
  • Shipping Receiving, 5%
  • Pallet Jack, 3%
  • Pallets, 2%

Browse business and financial jobs