Traffic manager vs distribution center manager

The differences between traffic 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 traffic 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 $61,734 average annual salary of a traffic manager.

The top three skills for a traffic manager include project management, traffic management and account executives. The most important skills for a distribution center manager are logistics, customer service, and OSHA.

Traffic manager vs distribution center manager overview

	Traffic Manager	Distribution Center Manager
Yearly salary	$61,734	$99,459
Hourly rate	$29.68	$47.82
Growth rate	-3%	-
Number of jobs	14,997	75,501
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 66%	Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	4	6

What does a traffic manager do?

The main job of a traffic manager is to make sure that account service marketing collateral works and flows efficiently to production and creative departments. Traffic managers take responsibility for keeping everyone in the team on task and the projects on deadline. They manage the logistics tasks and keep the parties up-to-date on the recent progress. It is their job to coordinate work among the account managers, staff members, and advertisers. Also, they develop and maintain procedure transportation and distribution for delivery efficiency maximization.

What does a distribution center manager do?

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.

Traffic manager vs distribution center manager salary

Traffic managers and distribution center managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Traffic Manager	Distribution Center Manager
Average salary	$61,734	$99,459
Salary range	Between $37,000 And $102,000	Between $70,000 And $141,000
Highest paying City	San Carlos, CA	Woodland, CA
Highest paying state	Virginia	California
Best paying company	AbbVie	Bed Bath & Beyond
Best paying industry	-	Automotive

Differences between traffic manager and distribution center manager education

There are a few differences between a traffic manager and a distribution center manager in terms of educational background:

	Traffic Manager	Distribution Center Manager
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 66%	Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	Stanford University

Traffic manager vs distribution center manager demographics

Here are the differences between traffic managers' and distribution center managers' demographics:

	Traffic Manager	Distribution Center Manager
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 47.9% Female, 52.1%	Male, 88.4% Female, 11.6%
Race ratio	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%	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%

Differences between traffic manager and distribution center manager duties and responsibilities

Traffic manager example responsibilities.

Manage and schedule all FM commercials for national affiliates.
Manage and schedule all FM commercials per customers' contract drive times.
Manage all inbound material which include part shortages, EC changes, QC inspection parts and sequence material.
Train and supervise coordinators and junior AE s. create job number tracking system for print/broadcast events.
Provide oversight to all computer functions relative to the importation of vessels and the release and shipment of vehicles.
Perform continuous analysis of TMS, operation and business process for continuous improvement.

Distribution center manager example responsibilities.

Assist in implementing MRP program, BOM and manage inventory reorder points and forecasting.
Manage all DC relate building projects and small systems support department for 6 DCs.
Manage distribution center operations for industry leading LTL transportation provider.
Manage financial performance including operational expense control, damage reduction, capital expenditures and payroll.
Manage successful integration of new WMS system including voice pick technology and engineer labor standards.
Manage logistics operations issues that include branch logistics plan implementation, warehouse and delivery personnel management, inventory management and security/safety/housekeeping.

Traffic manager vs distribution center manager skills

Common traffic manager skills

Project Management, 10%
Traffic Management, 6%
Account Executives, 5%
FAA, 4%
PowerPoint, 4%
Traffic Logs, 4%

Common distribution center manager skills

Logistics, 13%
Customer Service, 11%
OSHA, 5%
Continuous Improvement, 5%
Inventory Control, 4%
Process Improvement, 4%

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Traffic Manager
Traffic Manager vs Distribution Center Manager

Updated January 8, 2025

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