Best logistics jobs and how to find them
Choosing a career path can be overwhelming for job seekers of all ages. There are so many choices available, and some pay better than others. And if you’ve ever heard of careers in logistics, you may know this field is currently experiencing explosive growth.
But what does it mean to work in logistics? How can someone get started in this line of work? And what jobs are available for someone interested in logistics? Read on to see the breakdown of everything you need to know about the best logistics jobs.
What is a logistics job?
A logistics job is a role working in supply chains for businesses. The supply chain is all about how businesses effectively receive and distribute goods. This type of work falls under the category of supply chain management.
Someone who works in logistics will usually be reither totally or partly responsible for the transportation, distribution, and warehousing or storage of goods and materials. They may also:
Ensure the company meets production quotas
Improve the supply chain’s efficiency
Keep operations consistent and effective
Plan for strategic distribution of inventory
And so much more
Nearly all industries require logisticians and other logistics workers. Anywhere there’s a supply chain, there’s a logistics team to manage it all.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 191,000 jobs in this field in 2020. Job growth is estimated to be 30% from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than average. So, if you have the skills and the interest to work in this field, you should be able to find work easily.
Logisticians make a median pay of $36.67 per hour. The pay varies based on the specific occupation and industry. For example, the top median annual wage for federal government jobs in logistics is $88,280 per year.
Is logistics a good career choice?
Before you dive into the education you need to work in logistics, it’s important to figure out whether it’s a good career choice for you.
Whether or not you’d thrive in a logistics job depends on the type of person you are. Yes, there’s good pay and a great job outlook predicted over the next ten years. You may even get opportunities to travel around the world in some companies and industries. However, it’s a demanding job.
Logistics jobs are fast-paced and involve lots of responsibilities. There are many moving pieces in the puzzle of logistics. Plus, even when you perform your job well and do everything right, factors outside of your control can cause supply chain disruptions. Such events can be stressful, which is why it’s not for everyone.
Many high-paying logistics jobs also require education. So, it’s not as entry-level as other career options.
On the other hand, a career in logistics can be incredibly rewarding for someone who enjoys this type of work. While you’ll have many responsibilities, you can also be proud of your accomplishments when you succeed in your job.
What education do you need to work a logistics job?
Most logistics jobs require at least some additional education after high school. The level of education you can expect to need depends on what you want to do in the logistics field. Not all logistics jobs require a college degree.
For several careers, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, finance, or logistics. Any of these three majors can work for you.
If you want to work in management, a master’s degree can come in handy, too. But it’s not always required. Many logistics workers gain management experience on the job and move up the ranks over time without a master’s degree.
But what if you can’t — or simply don’t want to — go to university to get a four-year degree?
College isn’t the only place you can get an education in logistics. Many certificate programs are available in this field. You’ll still need to pay for your certification, but the cost and the time investment are nowhere close to what you’d need if you were enrolled in college.
Here are some examples of certifications you can get in logistics:
Certified in Production and Inventory Management: Learn about inventory management, customer relationships, and internal operations.
Supply Chain Operations Reference Professional: Learn how to manage and measure a global supply chain’s performance.
Certified Supply Chain Professional: Learn all about supply chains and how to operate them efficiently.
Supply Chain Procurement Certificate: Learn about procurement and purchasing.
Finally, if you cannot get a certification, some logistics jobs are available for entry-level candidates. Just know that your options will be more limited in this field.
10 high-paying logistics jobs to look for
Do you think a career in logistics is for you? Here are 10 examples of logistics jobs to look into if this career interests you.
1. Logistics coordinator
A logistics coordinator works with customers and carriers to coordinate shipments and deliveries. They’re responsible for tracking shipments and resolving shipment issues when they come up.
As a logistics coordinator, you’ll have an important role to play in customer satisfaction. To troubleshoot issues, you’ll need to communicate with customers as well as shipping carriers.
Due to the nature of this job, some companies offer remote opportunities. The bulk of your work will be to communicate with customers and analyze data, which means you don’t need to be in a warehouse.
Qualifications vary, but you’ll need to be comfortable learning computer software. It helps to have customer service skills and experience with warehouse shipping operations.
Logistics coordinators have a salary range of $47,307 to $61,930 per year. This is equivalent to $22.74 to $29.77 per hour.
2. Procurement and logistics agent
A procurement and logistics agent takes care of researching and purchasing materials for companies. But they also oversee supplier performance and develop business relationships with suppliers.
If suppliers have performance issues, it’s your responsibility to resolve those issues — or identify and qualify new suppliers who can offer better service. You’ll also need to develop new strategies that can improve supply chain performance.
Not all companies require a college degree from their procurement and logistics agent, but they do require knowledge and experience in the field. So, it helps to at least have a certification in procurement. Skills like business ethics and critical thinking help as well.
Salaries for procurement and logistics agents range from $43,126 to $59,889 per year. This is equivalent to $20.73 to $28.79 an hour.
3. Buyer
Buyers purchase equipment and other supplies for the companies they work for. They also monitor delivery schedules and consult with suppliers to establish delivery schedules and other performance factors.
A buyer needs to have good attention to detail and be well-organized. Certifications in procurement can improve your chances of getting this type of job.
Buyers can make between $63,451 and $79,654 per year. This is equivalent to $30.51 to $38.30 per hour.
4. Logistics analyst
A logistics analyst establishes procedures for shipping and receiving goods and materials. They’re in charge of solving problems with shipment and delivery, but they also need to anticipate potential problems to proactively resolve them.
As a logistics analyst, you’ll spend a lot of your time analyzing data to improve logistics processes. You’ll also need to work closely with other members of the supply chain team and suppliers to ensure the fluidity of shipments and deliveries.
To become a logistics analyst, you’ll either need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field — or enough experience in the field to be considered equivalent. While it’s not an entry-level position for those who don’t have a college degree, it’s possible to make your way up to this position by getting experience in other logistics jobs.
You can expect to make between $52,430 and $66,163 per year as a logistics analyst. That’s equivalent to $25.21 to $31.81 per hour.
5. Inventory manager
As the name suggests, an inventory manager is responsible for managing inventory in a business. They also establish best practices for inventory and compile end-of-month data for inventory.
While inventory managers can work in a warehouse setting, they’re also important in the context of retail.
You don’t need a college degree to become an inventory manager, but a certification in inventory management helps. You also need strong organizational skills.
Inventory managers make between $47,843 and $75,852 per year. That’s equivalent to $23 to $36.47 per hour.
6. Warehouse logistics manager
A warehouse logistics manager oversees and manages the day-to-day activities of a fulfillment team in a warehouse. They collaborate with operations, finance, and sales departments to optimize customer service quality and inventory costs.
You’ll need several years of experience in warehouse logistics to become a manager. But your paycheck will reflect that experience — you can expect a salary between $76,617 and $105,740 per year. That’s equivalent to $36.84 to $50.84 per hour.
7. Supply chain manager
Supply chain managers design and implement purchasing processes. They also oversee a logistics team, negotiate with vendors, and collaborate with upper management.
Like warehouse managers, supply chain managers need years of experience to perform their duties. However, you can often skip the years of experience if you have a bachelor’s degree or certification in supply chain management.
Supply chain managers make between $102,856 and $133,409 per year. That’s equivalent to $49.45 to $64.14 per hour.
8. Freight agent
Freight agents route cargo and freight to arrange pickups and deliveries. They also accept orders, calculate shipping costs, and ensure everyone follows safety procedures.
In addition to experience in supply chains, it helps to have experience with customer service and sales. As a freight agent, you can make between $35,938 and $49,073 per year. That’s equivalent to $17.28 to $23.59 per hour.
Additionally, you can work as an independent contractor in this position. You’ll mainly help connect businesses that ship goods with carriers who provide that service.
9. Retail inventory planner
Have tons of experience in retail? If so, working as a retail inventory planner could be for you.
Retail inventory planners manage the strategic planning of inventory. They educate stakeholders about inventory data, and their work influences retail operations performance. They also need to constantly review retail trends to stay aware of the best strategies.
It’s important to know about retail processes and procedures. Plus, it helps to have an education in supply chain management or business.
Retail inventory planners make between $67,430 and $88,360 per year. That’s equivalent to $32.42 to $42.48.
10. Logistics clerk
A logistics clerk is one of the most entry-level positions you can get in the field of logistics. This career doesn’t require a degree, although different job listings will require different levels of experience.
Logistics clerks keep records of incoming and outgoing shipments. They may also need to prepare items for shipment. You’ll usually work in a warehouse, although some positions are closer to office jobs depending on the company.
Logistics clerks make an average hourly wage of $18.37 per hour.
How to find logistics jobs on Jobcase
Are you interested in finding a job in logistics? With Jobcase, finding job opportunities near you is simple.
First, go to jobcase.com and select the “Jobs” tab at the top of the page. Choose your location from the search menu.
Next, choose the keyword you want to search for. You can type “logistics” as a general term, or you can use a more specific keyword like “logistics coordinator,” “warehouse clerk,” or other positions that interest you.
Search for your term and go through listings to see which ones you qualify for. Remember to follow application instructions carefully and to customize your resume for each application.
Have a fruitful career in logistics
Working in logistics requires more skill development and education than some other careers. However, this can lead to a fruitful and fulfilling career for someone deeply interested in this field.
Want to find your next job opportunity in logistics? Make sure to sign up to Jobcase to get notified the next time logistics jobs open up near you.