What Does a Logistics Manager Do?
A Logistics Manager plans and coordinates the movement, storage, and distribution of goods to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery. They manage transportation networks, warehouse operations, and shipping logistics. This role requires strong analytical skills and the ability to manage complex distribution systems.
Other Job Titles for This Work
Workers in this occupation report titles such as Distribution Center Manager, Distribution Manager, Fleet Manager, Global Transportation Manager, Logistics Director, Logistics Operations Manager, Shipping Manager, Supply Chain Logistics Manager.
Logistics Manager Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of a logistics manager include:
- Plan and manage inbound and outbound logistics operations including transportation and warehousing.
- Optimize shipping routes and schedules to reduce costs and improve delivery times.
- Select and manage relationships with freight carriers, third-party logistics providers, and warehouse operators.
- Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with procurement to ensure adequate stock.
- Implement logistics technology solutions to improve tracking and operational visibility.
- Develop and enforce standard operating procedures for receiving, storing, and shipping goods.
- Analyze logistics data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and cost reduction opportunities.
- Ensure compliance with transportation regulations, customs requirements, and safety standards.
- Manage the logistics budget and report on cost performance to senior management.
- Lead and develop the logistics team to meet operational goals and service level agreements.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as a logistics manager, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- Transportation and distribution management
- Warehouse operations and optimization
- Route planning and freight management
- Inventory control and tracking
- Logistics software and TMS platforms
- Regulatory compliance (DOT, customs)
- Cost analysis and budget management
- Problem solving under pressure
Education and Training
Logistics Manager positions typically require a bachelor's degree in logistics, supply chain management, business administration, or a related field. Certifications such as Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution (CLTD) or the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) designation enhance professional credentials. Some professionals enter the field through military logistics experience or by advancing from transportation coordinator roles. Knowledge of international shipping regulations is valuable for companies with global operations.
Salary and Job Outlook
Typical pay: $82,440 - $146,770 per year, with a median of $107,230.
The range covers the middle half of earners nationwide. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers.
BLS projects employment of transportation, storage, and distribution managers to grow about 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, with about 18,300 openings a year. Logistics Managers are essential to the modern economy as e-commerce growth and consumer expectations for fast delivery continue to accelerate. The industry is undergoing rapid transformation through automation, drone delivery, autonomous vehicles, and advanced warehouse robotics. Professionals who can manage both traditional logistics operations and emerging technologies will be most competitive. Job prospects are particularly strong in e-commerce fulfillment, healthcare logistics, and cold chain management.
Outlook source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2025 to 2035, Transportation, storage, and distribution managers.
Logistics Manager Pay Range
| Earners | Annual pay |
|---|---|
| Bottom 10% earn less than | $65,120 |
| Bottom 25% earn less than | $82,440 |
| Median (half earn more, half less) | $107,230 |
| Top 25% earn more than | $146,770 |
| Top 10% earn more than | $194,900 |
Highest-Paying States for Logistics Managers
The states with the highest median pay for this occupation are Delaware ($145,000), Washington ($136,500), Colorado ($132,610), District of Columbia ($132,180), New Jersey ($130,610). Pay is lowest in Louisiana ($93,650), Arkansas ($89,200), Mississippi ($85,770).
Median pay in all 51 states with BLS data
| State | Median annual pay |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $118,320 |
| Alaska | $103,080 |
| Arizona | $98,750 |
| Arkansas | $89,200 |
| California | $123,780 |
| Colorado | $132,610 |
| Connecticut | $114,210 |
| Delaware | $145,000 |
| District of Columbia | $132,180 |
| Florida | $101,570 |
| Georgia | $123,330 |
| Hawaii | $101,480 |
| Idaho | $93,920 |
| Illinois | $120,250 |
| Indiana | $108,720 |
| Iowa | $99,010 |
| Kansas | $106,130 |
| Kentucky | $100,340 |
| Louisiana | $93,650 |
| Maine | $102,110 |
| Maryland | $105,180 |
| Massachusetts | $123,830 |
| Michigan | $99,100 |
| Minnesota | $118,180 |
| Mississippi | $85,770 |
| Missouri | $102,870 |
| Montana | $108,180 |
| Nebraska | $97,380 |
| Nevada | $99,860 |
| New Hampshire | $129,470 |
| New Jersey | $130,610 |
| New Mexico | $101,420 |
| New York | $127,180 |
| North Carolina | $106,100 |
| North Dakota | $100,720 |
| Ohio | $101,550 |
| Oklahoma | $96,830 |
| Oregon | $103,520 |
| Pennsylvania | $105,240 |
| Rhode Island | $117,600 |
| South Carolina | $106,860 |
| South Dakota | $107,410 |
| Tennessee | $100,740 |
| Texas | $100,700 |
| Utah | $102,180 |
| Vermont | $101,850 |
| Virginia | $119,140 |
| Washington | $136,500 |
| West Virginia | $98,230 |
| Wisconsin | $95,900 |
| Wyoming | $112,310 |
Education Workers Say the Job Needs
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | 67% |
| Master's degree | 19% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 10% |
Tools and Software Logistics Managers Use
Tools and equipment
Software
Is This Job a Good Fit for You?
People who do well in this job tend to enjoy leading, persuading and making business decisions as well as organized work with data, records and clear procedures.
Skills O*NET rates most important: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Monitoring, Coordination, Writing, Speaking.
Knowledge areas used most: Transportation, Administration and Management, Customer and Personal Service, English Language, Mathematics.
Preparation: O*NET places this occupation in Job Zone 4 of 5, which means considerable preparation.
Related Careers
These jobs use similar skills, according to O*NET's related-occupation data:
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Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2025 to 2035.
- O*NET 30.1 Database, occupation 11-3071.00 (Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers). View on O*NET OnLine.
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