According to Digital Commerce 360, Americans spent more than $861 billion with online retailers in 2020, the highest annual e-commerce growth in the United States in at least 20 years. With the explosion of e-commerce, the need for logistics and supply chain professionals has expanded as well.
In fact, the LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise report listed several occupations on the frontlines of e-commerce among the 15 fastest-growing jobs. Furthermore, preliminary figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that those employed in the warehouse and storage sector in December 2020 reached nearly 1.3 million, up from 1.2 million workers the year before.
The industries in this sector include logistics services, warehouse operations and transportation. The following are just some of the highest paid jobs in the sector today.
1. Logistician
Average Annual Salary: $74,750
What They Do: The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that logisticians manage company supply chains and oversee a host of activities, from inventory and warehousing to purchasing. They also manage the transportation of materials, goods, supplies and personnel.
Education Requirements: According to CareerExplorer.com, logisticians can qualify with an associate’s degree in business or engineering and with some logistics courses, but a growing number of employers are also requiring a bachelor’s degree.
2. Purchasing Manager
Average Annual Salary: $121,110
What They Do: Purchasing managers are responsible for buying the materials, products and services that a company needs to manufacture products or resell goods to its customers, says the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook. Purchasing managers negotiate supplier contracts, haggle over prices and examine supplies and materials carefully to make sure they meet company standards. Additionally, they are responsible for setting a company’s purchasing policies. They usually supervise a team of buyers or purchasing agents.
Education Requirements: A bachelor’s degree; Indeed.com reports that degrees in business administration, finance or supply chain management are helpful.
3. Logistics Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $71,000
What They Do: Logistics engineers are responsible for watching over how products or objects are moved from place to place. This can include moving materials needed for construction projects or for the manufacturing of goods.
They oversee and plan logistical operations and production processes, while working to control costs and meet deadlines. CareerMatch.com writes that a logistics engineer might evaluate which shipping methods are the most cost-effective or obtain needed services such as refrigeration.
Education Requirements: Logistics engineers need at least a bachelor’s degree in logistics, supply chain management, transportation, or engineering, according to Zip Recruiter.
4. Fleet Manager
Average Annual Salary: $60,849
What They Do: Fleet managers in the logistics and supply chain sector are in charge of the purchasing and maintenance of company vehicles used for the delivery of goods or products. They collaborate across an organization to ensure that deliveries are made in a timely fashion. In addition, they take care to select the best vehicles needed for the job, assign drivers to vehicles and oversee maintenance schedules. They also establish policies for the fleet, maintain records and track the location of each vehicle. Moreover, they take steps to ensure the company follows all applicable federal regulations.
Education Requirements: Candidates should have at least an associate’s degree in a relevant field and work experience in the transportation or logistics industry. A four-year degree in a related field is also helpful.
5. Demand Planning Analyst
Average Annual Salary: $92,013
What They Do: Predicting what a company’s customers will buy in the future and making sure the company has optimal inventory levels is the job of a demand planner. Demand planners develop, evaluate and revise or update forecast models using information from various sources such as sales and marketing reports and replenishment data from retailers.
Education Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in supply chain management or a related field; an MBA may be preferred.
6. Distribution Center Manager
Average Salary: $98,867
What They Do: Distribution center managers are in charge of the day-to-day operations at facilities like e-commerce warehouses and fulfillment centers. They check inventory reports to make sure all shipments in and out of the facility are on time and in good condition. They also direct the processes needed to maintain inventories and prevent losses. Moreover, distribution center managers also charged with seeing to it that safety protocols are followed to prevent workplace injuries.
Education Requirements: According to Zip Recruiter, large companies often require distribution center managers to have a bachelor’s degree, especially if there is a high degree of logistical complexity or particular technical requirements that require advanced training. The degrees can include operations management business or degrees in related fields.
