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The differences between shipping coordinators and distribution coordinators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a shipping coordinator, becoming a distribution coordinator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a distribution coordinator has an average salary of $37,166, which is higher than the $35,677 average annual salary of a shipping coordinator.
The top three skills for a shipping coordinator include customer service, inventory control and shipping receiving. The most important skills for a distribution coordinator are customer service, management system, and shipping receiving.
| Shipping Coordinator | Distribution Coordinator | |
| Yearly salary | $35,677 | $37,166 |
| Hourly rate | $17.15 | $17.87 |
| Growth rate | -3% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 136,771 | 31,587 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 37% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 4 |
Also called warehouse managers, shipping coordinators take responsibility for export logistics, compliance to documentation activities, and the performance of shipping services. It is their job to coordinate the functional logistics staff in facilitating freight movements based on land. They oversee various factors of the shipping process. They are also considered as the touchpoint between new recruits and the company. The skills they need include strong communication, attention to detail, leadership, and management.
A distribution coordinator oversees and coordinates the distribution operations of a warehouse, ensuring products get to their destinations in a timely and accurate manner. They typically set guidelines and objectives, perform assessments and inspections, liaise with internal and external parties, and develop strategies to optimize operations. They also monitor and track shipments, resolve scheduling conflicts, and update vendors regularly. Moreover, as a distribution coordinator, it is essential to lead and encourage staff to reach goals, all while implementing the company's standards and regulations.
Shipping coordinators and distribution coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Shipping Coordinator | Distribution Coordinator | |
| Average salary | $35,677 | $37,166 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $47,000 | Between $29,000 And $46,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sunnyvale, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | California |
| Best paying company | Aramco Services Company | Fresenius Kabi |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Energy |
There are a few differences between a shipping coordinator and a distribution coordinator in terms of educational background:
| Shipping Coordinator | Distribution Coordinator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 37% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between shipping coordinators' and distribution coordinators' demographics:
| Shipping Coordinator | Distribution Coordinator | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 60.4% Female, 39.6% | Male, 56.8% Female, 43.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.8% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.2% Asian, 7.6% White, 55.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 21.1% Asian, 6.4% White, 55.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 8% |