Profession · Full profile

Logistician

Analyze and coordinate the movement of goods, materials, and supplies across organizations.

Average salary

$82,320

Salary range

$50,890 – $133,160

Training time

4 years full time

Job market

Much faster than average

9/10

Work-life balance

Good

7/10

Logisticians coordinate the entire life cycle of a product, from acquisition and distribution to final delivery. They analyze shipping costs, track inventory levels, and evaluate delivery times to improve efficiency across supply chains. Working closely with suppliers, freight carriers, and distribution centers, these professionals use logistics software to forecast demand and resolve operational bottlenecks. They primarily work full time in offices or hybrid environments, preparing performance reports for organizational leaders and stepping in when urgent shipping disruptions arise.

A workday

A day in the life

What does a workday really look like?

A regular weekday focused on shipment tracking, inventory reviews, and team coordination.

8:00 AM
Morning review of shipment data
Check logistics software to identify in-transit shipments and identify any overnight freight delays.
9:00 AM
Carrier and supplier communications
Contact freight carriers and warehouse supervisors to confirm scheduled delivery windows.
10:30 AM
Supply chain operations meeting
Meet with internal teams to discuss weekly material demands and distribution targets.
11:30 AM
Inventory and cost analysis
Review current stock levels, transit fees, and shipping costs within spreadsheet models.
1:00 PM
Lunch break
Take midday break away from computer screens.
2:00 PM
Demand forecasting and planning
Use enterprise resource planning software to forecast upcoming material needs.
3:30 PM
Bottleneck troubleshooting
Investigate distribution delays and coordinate alternate transportation routes with carriers.
4:30 PM
Daily reporting and administrative wrap-up
Compile daily delivery metrics and prepare documentation for operations managers.

Task breakdown

A fast-paced day focused on handling supply chain disruptions and preparing leadership reports.

8:00 AM
Emergency disruption assessment
Review urgent notifications regarding delayed freight or damaged shipments.
9:15 AM
Warehouse and plant coordination
Speak with warehouse personnel to adjust inbound dock appointments and staging areas.
11:00 AM
Expedited freight planning
Negotiate with alternative transportation carriers to reroute critical customer orders.
12:30 PM
Lunch break
Midday rest break.
1:30 PM
Performance data evaluation
Analyze carrier transit times, delivery errors, and inventory variances.
3:00 PM
Management review session
Present logistics metrics and root-cause analyses of supply bottlenecks to department heads.
4:30 PM
Documentation and follow-up logging
Complete performance records and file incident reports in the logistics tracking system.

Salary data

What do you really earn?

Salary by experience, sector and region.

Minimum

$50,890

Average

$82,320

Maximum

$133,160

Salary by region

Region	Min	Avg.	Max
National	$50,890	$82,320	$133,160
California	$57,720	$92,890	$153,220
Texas	$45,310	$75,480	$123,790
Florida	$45,370	$76,410	$122,930
Illinois	$48,020	$80,100	$128,070
Georgia	$46,200	$77,570	$115,840

Typical benefits

Health insurance

Medical coverage provided by employers to support employee healthcare needs.

Retirement plan with employer match

Company-sponsored retirement savings program featuring matching employer contributions.

Hybrid work options

Flexibility to split work hours between a home office and company work sites.

Paid certifications

Financial support from employers to obtain voluntary industry credentials.

Pathways

Education pathways

Which paths lead to this profession?

Bachelor's degree

4 years full time

Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, logistics or business

This is the typical entry requirement for logisticians. Programs cover logistics operations, business processes, and supply chain analysis, while degrees in industrial engineering are also common.

Costs: About $11,950 a year in average published tuition and fees at a public four-year college for in-state students, and $45,000 at a private nonprofit four-year college
Entry requirements: High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree

2 years full time

Associate degree in logistics or supply chain

Provides foundational training in supply chain processes. Completing this program can lead directly to logistics coordinator roles, especially when paired with practical work experience.

Costs: About $4,150 a year in average published tuition and fees at a public two-year college (in-district)
Entry requirements: High school diploma or equivalent

Master's degree

1 to 2 years

Master's degree in supply chain management

Offers advanced coursework in supply chain strategy and operations. This path is particularly helpful for professionals pursuing senior logistics management and director positions.

Entry requirements: Bachelor's degree

Profile

Skills & personality

Is this a good fit for you?

Hard skills

Supply chain planningStructuring the end-to-end movement of materials and finished products between suppliers, facilities, and buyers.
ERP and warehouse management systemsUsing specialized software tools to track stock, monitor order fulfillment, and oversee distribution.
Data analysis in spreadsheetsEvaluating shipping expenses, delivery schedules, and inventory levels to identify operational trends.
Inventory managementBalancing warehouse stock counts against production targets and customer delivery expectations.
Transportation and freight planningSelecting optimal shipping routes and carrier methods to keep transportation costs within targets.
Demand forecastingAnalyzing historical data to predict future inventory needs and supply chain capacity.

Soft skills

Problem solvingQuickly uncovering the sources of shipping delays and creating reliable solutions.
OrganizationHandling multiple supplier shipments, tracking spreadsheets, and warehouse schedules at the same time.
NegotiationReaching workable terms with freight carriers and suppliers on shipping rates and delivery schedules.
CommunicationConveying clear logistics updates and operational expectations to carriers, teams, and executives.

Is this a good fit for you?

✓
Analytical thinkerEnjoys breaking down complex logistics data, shipping expenses, and performance metrics to find efficiency improvements.
✓
Calm under pressureMaintains focus and composure when unexpected supply chain bottlenecks or shipping delays occur.
✓
Detail-orientedMonitors specific delivery times, inventory counts, and transport requirements with careful precision.
✓
AdaptableAdjusts plans quickly when carrier schedules, supplier inventory, or weather patterns disrupt normal routes.
✓
CollaborativeCooperates smoothly across departments, connecting warehouse staff, procurement professionals, and external carriers.

Market

Job market & outlook

What does the market look like?

Openings per year

26,600

Trend

Growth

+17.6%

AI impact

5/10

AI and software now automate route planning, forecasting and shipment tracking. Managing supplier relationships and handling disruptions stay human.

Regional demand

Georgia

Elevated logistics demand centered around major freight transportation infrastructure and distribution networks.

8/10

Illinois

Significant job opportunities supported by central rail terminals, distribution hubs, and industrial manufacturing.

7/10

California

Strong demand driven by extensive manufacturing, retail, and major maritime trade corridors.

6/10

Florida

Consistent demand across wholesale distributors, retail fulfillment centers, and freight operations.

5/10

Texas

Steady hiring across expansive freight networks, wholesale distribution hubs, and manufacturing facilities.

5/10

Growth

Career paths

Where can this profession take you?

Vertical growth

Logistics coordinator
0-2 years
Coordinates day-to-day shipments, tracks freight movements, and communicates directly with carriers and warehouses.
Logistician or logistics analyst
2-5 years
Analyzes complete supply chains, identifies operational bottlenecks, models costs, and manages logistics planning.
Logistics manager
5-10 years
Oversees logistics departments, supervises planning teams, directs carrier relationships, and designs distribution strategies.
Director of supply chain
10+ years
Guides company-wide supply chain strategy, manages global logistics budgets, and oversees multi-facility operations.

Horizontal move

Buyer
Transitions horizontally into procurement to select suppliers, negotiate contracts, and purchase goods or raw materials.
View Buyer
Production planner
Applies logistics and scheduling expertise horizontally to coordinate factory manufacturing schedules and production resources.
View Production Planner

Good to know

Practical info

Working hours: Mostly full time, with extra hours when shipments are delayed or deadlines are tight. Work occurs mostly during weekday daytime hours, with occasional evening or weekend calls for urgent issues.
Remote work: Hybrid and remote work are common because much of the work is done in software and by phone, though some roles need time in warehouses or plants.
Physical requirements: Office work at a computer, with occasional visits to warehouses, plants or distribution centers.
Typical employers: Manufacturing companies, federal government and military, logistics and freight companies, wholesale distributors, and retail companies.
Professional associations: Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) and Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP).

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What does a logistician do on a daily basis?

A logistician plans and directs how products and materials move from suppliers to customers. Daily tasks include using logistics software to track shipments, forecasting demand, analyzing freight costs, and checking inventory levels. They communicate regularly with carriers, suppliers, and warehouse staff to ensure deliveries arrive on schedule and troubleshoot any bottlenecks that develop.

What degree do you need to become a logistician?

A bachelor's degree is the typical entry requirement for becoming a logistician. Common majors include supply chain management, logistics, business, and industrial engineering. However, an associate degree in logistics or supply chain can lead to coordinator positions, and a master's degree helps professionals qualify for management and strategic leadership positions.

Can logisticians work remotely or from home?

Yes, hybrid and remote work options are common for logisticians. Because much of the core analysis, route planning, and carrier coordination is handled by phone and through logistics software, logisticians often work away from physical offices. Even so, certain positions still require occasional on-site visits to manufacturing plants, warehouses, or distribution centers.

Are there voluntary certifications available for logisticians?

Yes, logisticians can earn voluntary credentials such as the Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD) and the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP). These certifications demonstrate expertise in freight operations and supply chain management. In addition, professionals seeking certain defense logistics roles may need to obtain an active security clearance.

What industries hire the most logisticians?

Logisticians are primarily hired by manufacturing companies, logistics and freight companies, wholesale distributors, retail firms, and the federal government or military. Any enterprise that relies on moving materials, maintaining inventory, and fulfilling customer orders requires logisticians to oversee distribution networks, manage transport expenses, and resolve supply chain delays.

How will artificial intelligence affect the logistics profession?

Artificial intelligence and specialized software now automate tasks like route planning, demand forecasting, and shipment tracking. However, human logisticians remain essential for managing supplier relationships, resolving operational conflicts, and handling unexpected supply disruptions. Rather than replacing the profession, technology changes routine tracking into strategic problem-solving work.

What are typical working hours for a logistician?

Logisticians mostly work full-time weekday daytime schedules. Work-life balance is generally good, but professionals often put in extra hours when shipments face delays or tight deadlines approach. They may also receive occasional evening or weekend calls to handle urgent supply problems and keep critical products moving.

Explore further

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In depth

All about logistician

The background, context and details.

What a logistician does

Logisticians plan and direct the movement of products and raw materials from suppliers to end customers. They manage supply chain operations by coordinating with freight carriers, suppliers, and warehouse teams. Everyday tasks include analyzing inventory levels, calculating shipping costs, tracking delivery performance, and using dedicated logistics software to forecast future demand. When shipping delays or operational bottlenecks happen, logisticians identify the core issues and develop quick solutions. They also compile detailed logistics performance reports for management teams.

Work environment and schedule

Most logisticians work in office settings using computers and phones, though they occasionally travel to warehouses, plants, and distribution centers. Because much of the daily work relies on supply chain software, remote work and hybrid work options are common across the profession. The typical schedule consists of full time daytime hours on weekdays. However, professionals may need to handle evening or weekend calls when tight deadlines or urgent supply chain issues occur.

Education and credentials

A bachelor's degree in supply chain management, logistics, business, or industrial engineering is the typical entry route into this career. Some professionals begin coordinator roles after finishing an associate degree in logistics or supply chain. Advanced management and strategy positions often benefit from a master's degree in supply chain management. Job seekers can also pursue voluntary professional credentials, such as the Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD) or the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP). Positions in defense logistics may also require a security clearance.

Industry outlook and career paths

Employment for logisticians is expanding as companies focus on supply chain efficiency and disruption management. Typical employers include manufacturing firms, logistics and freight companies, wholesale distributors, retail corporations, and the federal government or military. Career progression often begins with logistics coordinator roles, advancing to logistics analyst or logistician, followed by logistics manager and director of supply chain. Related horizontal pathways include positions like buyer or production planner.