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The differences between logistics specialists and logistics planners 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 planner. Additionally, a logistics planner has an average salary of $63,554, which is higher than the $41,537 average annual salary of a logistics specialist.
The top three skills for a logistics specialist include customer service, shipping receiving and inventory control. The most important skills for a logistics planner are customer service, supply chain, and continuous improvement.
| Logistics Specialist | Logistics Planner | |
| Yearly salary | $41,537 | $63,554 |
| Hourly rate | $19.97 | $30.55 |
| Growth rate | 28% | 28% |
| Number of jobs | 35,753 | 30,339 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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.
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.
Logistics specialists and logistics planners have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Logistics Specialist | Logistics Planner | |
| Average salary | $41,537 | $63,554 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $57,000 | Between $48,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Baltimore, MD |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Maryland |
| Best paying company | GCP Applied Technologies | Intuitive Surgical |
| Best paying industry | Government | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a logistics specialist and a logistics planner in terms of educational background:
| Logistics Specialist | Logistics Planner | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between logistics specialists' and logistics planners' demographics:
| Logistics Specialist | Logistics Planner | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 66.5% Female, 33.5% | Male, 65.0% Female, 35.0% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 12.5% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.5% Asian, 11.4% White, 51.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |