Logistician

Logisticians are responsible for a business’s supply chain and product life cycles. They manage purchasing, inventory, transportation and warehousing operations—basically the entire process for a product from business to consumer. Logisticians also develop ways to maximize efficiency and minimize cost throughout the process.

Job Responsibilities

Logisticians oversee a product from its design phase through its disposal and handle the distribution of materials, supplies and products. In addition, they build and maintain relationships with clients and suppliers. They also gain an understanding of clients’ needs and identify ways to meet them. Logisticians also evaluate logistical functions and determine areas for improvement. They must also be able to resolve any problems that arise.

Being a logistician is a fast-paced and sometimes stressful career. Travel to distribution centers and manufacturing plants can be required. Most logisticians work full time, and additional hours may be required to assure everything stays on schedule. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that about a quarter of logisticians worked more than 40 hours a week in 2016.

Logistician Salary

The job market for logisticians has been improving, as they are needed in almost any industry. The BLS projects that employment should grow 7 percent through 2026, or about as fast as the national average for all occupations.

The median annual salary for logisticians was $74,170, as stated by the BLS. Salaries can differ depending on the industry. For instance, logisticians working for the federal government had a median wage of $82,660 per year in 2016, while logisticians in the wholesale trade industry earned a median salary of $65,060.

Education Requirements

The minimum required education for a position as a logistician is an associate degree; however, more jobs become available by earning a bachelor’s degree. Many logisticians have a background in business, supply chain management or systems engineering. Employers usually don’t require additional certifications, but they may prove to be advantageous for those seeking a career as a logistician.

Campbellsville University’s online bachelor’s in business administration is an ideal program for those wishing to become a logistician. We also offer an online accounting MBA for professionals furthering their education and career potential. In these programs, students can learn the necessary communication and problem-solving skills for this challenging career. In addition, students pursuing a fully online business degree can work around their busy schedules.