Logisticians analyze and coordinate an organization’s supply chain—the system that moves a product from supplier to consumer. They manage the entire life cycle of a product, which includes how a product is acquired, allocated, and delivered.
Logisticians typically do the following:
Logisticians oversee activities that include purchasing, transportation, inventory, and warehousing. They may direct the movement of a range of goods, people, or supplies, from common consumer goods to military supplies and personnel.
Logisticians use software systems to plan and track the movement of products. They operate software programs designed specifically to manage logistical functions, such as procurement, inventory management, and other supply chain planning and management systems.
Logisticians held about 195,000 jobs in 2021. The largest employers of logisticians were as follows:
| Manufacturing | 23% |
| Federal government | 18 |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 16 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 10 |
| Wholesale trade | 9 |
Logisticians work in almost every industry. Some logisticians work in the logistical department of a company, and others work for firms that specialize in logistical work, such as freight-shipping companies.
The job can be stressful because logistical work is fast-paced. Logisticians must ensure that operations stay on schedule, and they must work quickly to solve any problems that arise. Some logisticians travel to manufacturing plants or distribution centers.
The majority of logisticians work full time and they sometimes work overtime to ensure that operations stay on schedule.
A bachelor’s degree is typically required for most positions, although an associate’s degree may be sufficient for some logistician jobs. In some cases, related work experience may substitute for education. Industry certification is helpful for jobseekers.
Logisticians may qualify for some positions with an associate’s degree. However, due to complex logistics and supply chains, companies prefer to hire workers who have at least a bachelor’s degree. Logisticians typically have a bachelor's degree in logistics and supply chain management, business, or a related field.
Bachelor’s degree programs often include coursework in operations and database management, and system dynamics. In addition, most programs offer courses that train students on software and technologies commonly used by logisticians, such as radio-frequency identification (RFID).
Although not required, certification can demonstrate professional competence and a broad knowledge of logistics. Logisticians can obtain certification through the Association for Supply Chain Management or the International Society of Logistics (SOLE). To become certified, a logistician typically needs to meet education and work experience requirements and pass an exam.
There are several certifications available from the Defense Acquisition University (DAU). These certifications are required for Department of Defense acquisitions.
Some employers allow applicants to substitute work experience in place of a specific degree. Previous work experience in a field related to logistics, supply chains, or business can be beneficial. Some gain work experience while working in a logistical support role, such as dispatchers and clerks or while serving in the military. Experience allows a worker to learn about production and supply chain processes.
Communication skills. Logisticians need strong communication skills to collaborate with colleagues and do business with suppliers and customers.
Critical-thinking skills. Logisticians must develop, adjust, and carry out logistical plans. They often must find ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Customer service skills. Logisticians must know the needs of their customers in order to coordinate the movement of materials between suppliers and customers. They gain this knowledge through listening to the customer and applying their knowledge of the products and systems to provide what is required.
Organizational skills. Logisticians must be able to keep detailed records and simultaneously manage several projects in a fast-paced environment.
Problem-solving skills. Logisticians must handle unforeseen issues, such as delivery problems, and adjust plans as needed to resolve the issues.
Median annual wages, May 2021
The median annual wage for logisticians was $77,030 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $45,160, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $122,390.
In May 2021, the median annual wages for logisticians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Federal government | $88,710 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 78,660 |
| Manufacturing | 77,740 |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 76,840 |
| Wholesale trade | 63,930 |
The majority of logisticians work full time and they sometimes work overtime to ensure that operations stay on schedule.
Percent change in employment, projected 2021-31
Employment of logisticians is projected to grow 28 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 24,800 openings for logisticians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
As the growth of e-commerce makes logistics more dynamic and complex, logisticians will be in demand to move products more efficiently, solve problems, and identify areas for improvement. The increased volume of inventory and need to manage multiple supply chains have made logisticians' work critical. In addition, as more goods are purchased online, timeliness of delivery remains a priority for companies, further increasing demand for these workers.
| Occupational Title | SOC Code | Employment, 2021 | Projected Employment, 2031 | Change, 2021-31 | Employment by Industry | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | ||||||
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program |
|||||||
Logisticians |
13-1081 | 195,000 | 249,100 | 28 | 54,100 | Get data | |
For more information about logisticians, including certification, visit
Association for Supply Chain Management
Defense Acquisition University
International Society of Logistics