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The differences between supply chain specialists and supply chain leads 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 lead. Additionally, a supply chain lead has an average salary of $101,348, 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 lead are supply chain, project management, and kpis.
| Supply Chain Specialist | Supply Chain Lead | |
| Yearly salary | $71,414 | $101,348 |
| Hourly rate | $34.33 | $48.73 |
| Growth rate | 28% | - |
| Number of jobs | 25,129 | 34,069 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| 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 lead specializes in overseeing the supply chain in a company, ensuring that everything is running smoothly. They are primarily responsible for managing schedules, monitoring supplies and logistics, addressing and resolving issues and concerns, and building positive relationships with vendors and suppliers. Supply chain leaders must also maintain quality control and inventory, coordinate workers, and produce progress reports for supervisors and high-ranking personnel. Furthermore, it is essential to lead and encourage staff, all while implementing the policies and standards of the company.
Supply chain specialists and supply chain leads have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Supply Chain Specialist | Supply Chain Lead | |
| Average salary | $71,414 | $101,348 |
| Salary range | Between $49,000 And $102,000 | Between $75,000 And $136,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Bruno, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Professional |
There are a few differences between a supply chain specialist and a supply chain lead in terms of educational background:
| Supply Chain Specialist | Supply Chain Lead | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between supply chain specialists' and supply chain leads' demographics:
| Supply Chain Specialist | Supply Chain Lead | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 58.6% Female, 41.4% | Male, 71.5% Female, 28.5% |
| 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, 7.4% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 66.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 10% |