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Shipping technician vs distribution specialist

The differences between shipping technicians and distribution specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a distribution specialist has an average salary of $36,140, which is higher than the $33,407 average annual salary of a shipping technician.

The top three skills for a shipping technician include data entry, computer software and pallets. The most important skills for a distribution specialist are work ethic, windows, and strong customer service.

Shipping technician vs distribution specialist overview

Shipping TechnicianDistribution Specialist
Yearly salary$33,407$36,140
Hourly rate$16.06$17.38
Growth rate-3%1%
Number of jobs34,11145,554
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 35%Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Average age4338
Years of experience12-

Shipping technician vs distribution specialist salary

Shipping technicians and distribution specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Shipping TechnicianDistribution Specialist
Average salary$33,407$36,140
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $39,000Between $24,000 And $52,000
Highest paying CityBenicia, CAJersey City, NJ
Highest paying stateNebraskaNew Jersey
Best paying companyWest FraserGilead Sciences
Best paying industryPharmaceuticalHealth Care

Differences between shipping technician and distribution specialist education

There are a few differences between a shipping technician and a distribution specialist in terms of educational background:

Shipping TechnicianDistribution Specialist
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 35%Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Shipping technician vs distribution specialist demographics

Here are the differences between shipping technicians' and distribution specialists' demographics:

Shipping TechnicianDistribution Specialist
Average age4338
Gender ratioMale, 73.3% Female, 26.7%Male, 65.1% Female, 34.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.3% Asian, 6.9% White, 60.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 6.4% White, 59.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between shipping technician and distribution specialist duties and responsibilities

Shipping technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage an off-site facility by organizing overflow product placement and the logistics of transporting it as needed.
  • Train on an RF gun and electronic pallet jack.
  • Work in finish goods vault picking orders using first in first out (fifo) and sequential order.
  • Perform logistics management operations by inspect incoming property for correct identification, condition and security classifications.
  • Move motorcycles and snowmobiles with forklift.

Distribution specialist example responsibilities.

  • Update sonic, manual files, and relay all pertinent info to leads, supervisors and AOG.
  • Use of double runner and MHE vehicles.
  • Maneuver swivel-hooks, hoists and elevating platforms to move materials.
  • Complete paperwork accurately for returns to comply with company and FDA regulations.
  • Maintain daily paperwork to ensure compliance with food safety and FDA regulations.
  • Process orders utilizing MoTow carts (electrical) equip with Psion-Teklogix RF scanners and monitors.
  • Show more

Shipping technician vs distribution specialist skills

Common shipping technician skills
  • Data Entry, 18%
  • Computer Software, 11%
  • Pallets, 7%
  • Customer Orders, 5%
  • Sops, 5%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
Common distribution specialist skills
  • Work Ethic, 12%
  • Windows, 11%
  • Strong Customer Service, 8%
  • Customer Inquiries, 8%
  • Math, 7%
  • Customer Orders, 5%

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