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The differences between supply chain specialists and supply chain engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a supply chain specialist, becoming a supply chain engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a supply chain engineer has an average salary of $84,229, 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 engineer are supply chain, lean six sigma, and supply chain planning.
| Supply Chain Specialist | Supply Chain Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $71,414 | $84,229 |
| Hourly rate | $34.33 | $40.49 |
| Growth rate | 28% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 25,129 | 53,744 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 47 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
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 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.
Supply chain specialists and supply chain engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Supply Chain Specialist | Supply Chain Engineer | |
| Average salary | $71,414 | $84,229 |
| Salary range | Between $49,000 And $102,000 | Between $62,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Bruno, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Education |
There are a few differences between a supply chain specialist and a supply chain engineer in terms of educational background:
| Supply Chain Specialist | Supply Chain Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Business | Industrial Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between supply chain specialists' and supply chain engineers' demographics:
| Supply Chain Specialist | Supply Chain Engineer | |
| Average age | 47 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 58.6% Female, 41.4% | Male, 75.3% Female, 24.7% |
| 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, 4.3% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 15.3% White, 66.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 4% |