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The differences between supply chain specialists and supply chain consultants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a supply chain specialist and a supply chain consultant. Additionally, a supply chain consultant has an average salary of $88,400, which is higher than the $71,414 average annual salary of a supply chain specialist.
The top three skills for a supply chain specialist include supply chain, logistics and chain management. The most important skills for a supply chain consultant are supply chain, logistics, and supply chain planning.
| Supply Chain Specialist | Supply Chain Consultant | |
| Yearly salary | $71,414 | $88,400 |
| Hourly rate | $34.33 | $42.50 |
| Growth rate | 28% | 28% |
| Number of jobs | 25,129 | 42,265 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
It is the responsibility of the supply chain specialist to procure materials to manufacture and ship products. The supply chain specialist determines and orders the proper quantities and negotiates pricing and their shipment terms. They oversee the delivery of necessary materials for the fulfillment of orders made by customers. The specialists need to develop strong skills in project management, business ethics, problem-solving, understanding of financial statements, communication skills, and cost accounting skills.
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 specialists and supply chain consultants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Supply Chain Specialist | Supply Chain Consultant | |
| Average salary | $71,414 | $88,400 |
| Salary range | Between $49,000 And $102,000 | Between $69,000 And $112,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Bruno, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Cordis |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Technology |
There are a few differences between a supply chain specialist and a supply chain consultant in terms of educational background:
| Supply Chain Specialist | Supply Chain Consultant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between supply chain specialists' and supply chain consultants' demographics:
| Supply Chain Specialist | Supply Chain Consultant | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 58.6% Female, 41.4% | Male, 77.8% Female, 22.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | 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 | 10% | 10% |