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The differences between terminal managers and distribution center managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a terminal manager, becoming a distribution center manager takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a distribution center manager has an average salary of $99,459, which is higher than the $74,237 average annual salary of a terminal manager.
The top three skills for a terminal manager include customer service, DOT and OSHA. The most important skills for a distribution center manager are logistics, customer service, and OSHA.
| Terminal Manager | Distribution Center Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $74,237 | $99,459 |
| Hourly rate | $35.69 | $47.82 |
| Growth rate | 6% | - |
| Number of jobs | 16,792 | 75,501 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 58% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
Terminal managers are professionals who are responsible for managing workers and direct dispatching activities of logistics vehicles. These managers are required to develop relationships with corporate and operational departments so that they can ensure the company logistics standards are met. They must resolve customer service complaints by implementing satisfactory solutions to retain customers. Terminal drivers must train new drivers so that they can be licensed, tested, and certified according to federal and state laws. They are also required to maintain a clean and safe working condition of their facility and equipment.
A distribution center manager is an individual who is responsible for managing all the daily activities of a centralized distribution center, warehouse, or another shipping facility. Distribution center managers are required to supervise the loading and unloading of all packages as well as ensure that all goods and products have the proper storage conditions. They must evaluate freight services and manage relationships with the chose vendors. Distribution center managers are also required to monitor the safety of the facility and make sure that workers properly store everything to prevent injuries.
Terminal managers and distribution center managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Terminal Manager | Distribution Center Manager | |
| Average salary | $74,237 | $99,459 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $99,000 | Between $70,000 And $141,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Leandro, CA | Woodland, CA |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | California |
| Best paying company | Hub Group | Bed Bath & Beyond |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a terminal manager and a distribution center manager in terms of educational background:
| Terminal Manager | Distribution Center Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 58% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between terminal managers' and distribution center managers' demographics:
| Terminal Manager | Distribution Center Manager | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.4% Female, 12.6% | Male, 88.4% Female, 11.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.3% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |