Few career fields are more important to our world’s daily functioning than logistics. By definition, logistics refers to the detailed management of complex business operations uses to transport goods to consumers. Without logisticians planning and implementing the distribution of goods, our society would cease to exist as we know it. Chaos would likely ensue. Sometimes referred to as logistics managers, logisticians work for virtually every company. They bring in supplies necessary for business manufacturing as well as distribute products for customers. Logisticians can work on a local, regional, national, or even global scale. They manage the entire life cycle of products we depend on for survival, such as food and clothing. Below we’ve created a full job profile to showcase what business professionals can expect from specializing in the dynamic field of logistics.
Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 125,670 logisticians currently employed across the United States earn an average annual salary of $76,830. This is equal to a mean hourly wage of $36.94. Logisticians who work for the federal government make slightly more at $83,350. Those employed in oil and gas extraction have the highest average salary at $107,430 each year.
Beginning Salary
When just starting out in logistics, individuals can expect to land in the bottom tenth percentile of earnings with a beginning salary around $45,880. However, logisticians who put in their time to gain more experience and rise to more senior-level positions often bring home upwards of $113,940 annually.
Key Responsibilities
Logisticians are given the responsibility of evaluating, coordinating, and supervising their company’s supply chain. They do this to effectively distribute products from warehouses to consumers. On a typical day, logisticians may be involved in:
- allocating manufacturing materials
- forming business relationships with suppliers
- studying consumers’ product needs
- devising strategic tactics for minimizing shipment costs or time
- reviewing logistical plans
- brainstorming ways for improving distribution
- proposing logistical recommendations to executive managers
Most logisticians will use high-tech software systems for tracking the movement of goods to ensure purchasing, distribution, and warehousing all go off without a hitch.
Necessary Skills
In order to be successful, logisticians must be very detail-oriented. They need good organizational skills to multi-task on managing several projects at once in a fast-paced environment. Logisticians often must make adjustments to their logistical plans to cut costs and streamline distribution processes. So critical thinking skills and creativity are important. Having solid written and oral communication skills are a must for logisticians to effectively collaborate with:
- suppliers
- managers
- staff
- customers
Whenever unforeseen delivery issues arise, problem solving and decision-making skills are essential for quick resolutions. Logisticians should also have a certain level of technical ability for working with common tools like:
- radio-frequency identification (RFID)
- machine to machine (M2M) technology
Degree and Education Requirements
Some entry-level logistics jobs will be available with a two-year associate’s degree. But the majority of logisticians are required to have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year higher learning institution. Logistics is becoming increasingly complex, so it’s best for logisticians to receive a bachelor’s degree with a relevant major in:
- business
- engineering
- supply chain management
- finance
- economics
- or industrial management
Regardless of your major, make certain you take courses related to:
- logistics
- database administration
- system dynamics
- supply chain management
- operations management
- inventory control
- eCommerce
- warehouse management
Earning an MBA, Master of Finance, or Master of Supply Chain Management can also be helpful for senior positions.
Pros and Cons of the Position
Logisticians have an above-average salary potential and high job growth. It’s a wise choice for any business professionals looking for fast-paced work where boredom never sets in. Advancement opportunities with promotions are plentiful in logistics due to the many facets involved in the field. There likely won’t be a need for relocation because logisticians can find employment virtually anywhere. Hotspots tend to be in Los Angeles and Chicago. Also, logisticians can use their work experience as a stepping stone for developing a career in international business.
On the flip side, logisticians can have a stressful job with tight deadlines and multiple projects occurring simultaneously. Many logisticians are required to work overtime hours whenever logistical issues occur to keep operations on schedule. Extensive travel may also be necessary for completing various aspects of a logistician’s work.
Getting Started
While earning an appropriate education, it’s important that you start building your resume with relevant business experience to position yourself on a competitive edge. Many undergraduate programs offer internship opportunities to work at least part-time in a real-world business environment. Head to your university’s career services center to see which companies in your area are looking for students in logistics-related internships. Since military operations require a great deal of logistics, many aspiring logisticians decide to gain work experience while serving in the Armed Forces. After you have at least three years of professional experience, you should also consider pursuing certification through the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). Depending on your career level, you can choose to become a:
- Global Logistics Associate (GLA)
- Professional in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (PLS)
- or Certified in Transportation and Logistics (CTL).
Future Outlook
As our economy continues to globalize, logistics is playing an increasingly prominent role in managing the transportation of goods across country borders. Companies are relying upon logisticians to effectively coordinate the movement of their products. They need to minimize cost and maximize efficiency for staying ahead in a highly competitive market. For that reason, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted that the employment of logisticians will skyrocket much faster than average by 22 percent, thus creating around thousands of new jobs in the coming years. Job prospects will be best for experienced logisticians with a bachelor’s degree who wish to work in these industries:
- manufacturing
- transportation
- aerospace
- computer systems
- gas distribution
Overall, logisticians work with companies of all sizes. They work from startups to Fortune 1000 giants to organize the movement of supplies necessary for daily operations. Logisticians have a challenging job in making certain businesses can fulfill the demand for products or services to remain profitable. If you choose to become a logistician, you’ll have the rewarding opportunity to use your business acumen towards developing logistical solutions that get products quickly from point A to point B.
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