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The differences between supply chain engineers and supply chain consultants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a supply chain engineer, becoming a supply chain consultant takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a supply chain consultant has an average salary of $88,400, which is higher than the $84,229 average annual salary of a supply chain engineer.
The top three skills for a supply chain engineer include supply chain, lean six sigma and supply chain planning. The most important skills for a supply chain consultant are supply chain, logistics, and supply chain planning.
| Supply Chain Engineer | Supply Chain Consultant | |
| Yearly salary | $84,229 | $88,400 |
| Hourly rate | $40.49 | $42.50 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 28% |
| Number of jobs | 53,744 | 42,265 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 42 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A supply chain engineer is an individual who manages the overall supply chain and logistics strategy of a company to maximize the process efficiency and productivity. Supply chain engineers must implement the overall supply chain strategy and suggest solutions for process improvements. They negotiate with suppliers, logistic service providers, and other chain partners about the purchase, packaging, and transporting of raw materials. Supply chain engineers can also work in a variety of industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, and energy.
A supply chain consultant specializes in performing research and analysis to develop strategies for optimal services. Typically working in the manufacturing industry, their responsibilities revolve around monitoring the inventory and supply flow of materials, liaising with vendors and suppliers, coordinating with different departments to gather necessary data, identifying strengths and weaknesses in the operations, and suggesting actions on areas needing improvement. Furthermore, as a supply chain consultant, it is essential to create and recommend business plans, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.
Supply chain engineers and supply chain consultants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Supply Chain Engineer | Supply Chain Consultant | |
| Average salary | $84,229 | $88,400 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $113,000 | Between $69,000 And $112,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Cordis |
| Best paying industry | Education | Technology |
There are a few differences between a supply chain engineer and a supply chain consultant in terms of educational background:
| Supply Chain Engineer | Supply Chain Consultant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Industrial Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between supply chain engineers' and supply chain consultants' demographics:
| Supply Chain Engineer | Supply Chain Consultant | |
| Average age | 42 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.3% Female, 24.7% | Male, 77.8% Female, 22.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 15.3% White, 66.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 7.6% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Asian, 9.0% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 10% |