Occupation · SOC 13-1081
Logisticians
Analyze and coordinate the ongoing logistical functions of a firm or organization. Responsible for the entire life cycle of a product, including acquisition, distribution, internal allocation, delivery, and final disposal of resources.
Median wage
$80,880
$49,260–$132,110
Projected growth
+16.7%
Faster than average
Annual openings
4,030
per year
Employed (US)
235,640
Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
2,514 mapped
Core skills
Critical ThinkingSpeakingReading ComprehensionMonitoringCoordinationActive ListeningComplex Problem SolvingSocial PerceptivenessJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisActive LearningWritingTime ManagementSystems EvaluationService OrientationPersuasionNegotiationManagement of Personnel ResourcesOperations AnalysisInstructingMathematicsLearning StrategiesManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesQuality Control AnalysisOperations MonitoringProgrammingTechnology DesignScienceOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingInstallationEquipment SelectionEquipment Maintenance
Knowledge areas
TransportationEnglish LanguageAdministration and ManagementCustomer and Personal ServiceMathematicsComputers and ElectronicsPublic Safety and SecurityGeographyEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingProduction and ProcessingPersonnel and Human ResourcesEducation and TrainingLaw and GovernmentAdministrativeCommunications and MediaPsychologyEngineering and TechnologyTelecommunicationsDesignMechanicalForeign LanguageSociology and AnthropologyTherapy and CounselingChemistryPhysicsPhilosophy and TheologyBuilding and ConstructionHistory and ArcheologyFood ProductionBiologyMedicine and DentistryFine Arts
Technology & tools
Autodesk AutoCADCustomer relationship management CRM softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareIBM Cognos ImpromptuIBM Power Systems softwareIntuit QuickBooksMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft DynamicsMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft SQL ServerMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft WordOracle E-Business SuiteOracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOneOracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio ManagementOrder management softwarePurchasing softwareRadio frequency identification RFID softwareRedPrairie E2eSAP softwareSmugMug FlickrStructured query language SQLWarehouse management system WMSWeb browser software
Representative tasks
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsWorking with ComputersGetting InformationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationDeveloping and Building TeamsProcessing InformationAnalyzing Data or InformationDocumenting/Recording InformationScheduling Work and ActivitiesUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersCoaching and Developing OthersTraining and Teaching OthersStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersThinking CreativelyIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsSelling or Influencing OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicAssisting and Caring for OthersOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentPerforming General Physical ActivitiesDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Customer relationship records — maintain accurately using CRM software under supervisor guidance in a logistics support role.Customer needs documentation — gather and organize by reviewing service requests and intake forms within an established logistics operation.Subcontractor proposals — review and summarize key terms and performance specifications under the direction of a senior logistician.Cost estimate documentation — compile supporting data and format draft proposals following standard templates in a logistics department.Logistics performance data — collect and enter KPIs against service agreements into tracking spreadsheets for supervisor review.Materials and supply records — monitor inventory levels and flag allocation discrepancies using ERP software under direct oversight.Goods movement routes — identify inefficiencies in existing transportation plans by analyzing route data with guidance from experienced staff.Written summaries of logistics solutions — draft for internal review using standard office suite and email software in a professional business setting.Transportation and geography knowledge — apply foundational understanding to assist in scheduling freight movements across regional distribution networks.Business intelligence dashboards — navigate and interpret pre-built reports to support data needs of the logistics team under supervision.
developing
Customer key personnel relationships — develop and sustain through regular outreach and follow-up across assigned logistics accounts.Customer operational needs — analyze and translate into actionable logistics plans with moderate oversight in a supply chain environment.Subcontractor performance — monitor against defined specifications and serve as a liaison between subcontractors and internal stakeholders on routine engagements.Proposal documentation — prepare independently, including cost estimates and supporting data, for mid-size logistics projects.Logistics service agreement reviews — conduct on a scheduled basis, comparing performance benchmarks and communicating findings to customers.Material and supply allocation — direct across multiple inventory locations using ERP software to balance availability with operational demand.Goods movement redesign — evaluate and recommend process adjustments to reduce freight costs and improve delivery timelines in familiar operational contexts.Solution presentations — deliver to customers and internal management using prepared written proposals and structured oral briefings.Critical thinking and systems analysis — apply to diagnose recurring logistics bottlenecks and recommend corrective actions within established frameworks.Time management and coordination — exercise to balance multiple concurrent logistics assignments, meeting deadlines with limited supervisor direction.
proficient
Long-term customer relationships — cultivate autonomously with key client personnel by anticipating needs and proactively resolving logistics challenges across complex accounts.Customer needs assessment — conduct independently through active listening and social perceptiveness, designing tailored logistics solutions that exceed service expectations.Subcontractor oversight programs — design and manage end-to-end, reviewing bids, enforcing performance specifications, and resolving disputes across multi-party logistics contracts.Comprehensive logistics proposals — develop and finalize, integrating detailed cost models, risk assessments, and documentation for executive and client audiences.Logistics performance analysis — lead review cycles against targets and service agreements, applying systems evaluation to identify root causes and drive continuous improvement.Materials, supplies, and finished-goods flow — direct strategically across the full supply chain, optimizing allocation to meet shifting demand with minimal disruption.End-to-end goods movement redesign — execute by applying inductive and deductive reasoning to reconfigure distribution networks for maximum value and cost efficiency.Complex problem solving in non-routine logistics scenarios — apply independently, leveraging cross-functional data and judgment to implement durable solutions.Persuasive proposals and presentations — craft and deliver to diverse stakeholders including senior management and clients, driving alignment on logistics strategy.ERP and business intelligence platforms — utilize at an advanced level to model logistics scenarios, evaluate system performance, and inform strategic decisions.
advanced
Enterprise customer relationship strategy — set organizational direction for client engagement, establishing standards for how logistics teams build and sustain key customer partnerships.Customer-centric logistics culture — champion across the organization by embedding service standards and accountability into team practices and performance metrics.Subcontractor governance framework — establish and oversee at scale, defining selection criteria, performance standards, and escalation processes across the enterprise supply chain.Strategic proposal development capability — build within the logistics function by mentoring teams in documentation, cost modeling, and stakeholder communication best practices.Organizational logistics performance program — design and lead, defining benchmarks, service-level frameworks, and executive reporting cadences aligned to business objectives.Supply chain resource allocation policy — set and govern across the organization, directing materials, supplies, and finished goods flow to optimize enterprise-wide value.Network redesign initiatives — lead at the enterprise level, applying systems analysis and economics knowledge to restructure distribution models and achieve significant cost reduction.Executive and board-level communications — develop and present complex logistics strategies, investment proposals, and performance outcomes with clarity and persuasive authority.Logistics talent development — lead personnel resource programs by coaching logisticians across all levels, building organizational depth in critical thinking and systems evaluation.Technology and innovation roadmap — direct adoption of ERP, CRM, CAD, and business intelligence platforms across the logistics function to advance operational capability and competitive positioning.
Also known as
31 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Acquisition AnalystAutomated Logistics SpecialistClient Services AdministratorDelivery CoordinatorDemand PlannerDistribution AssociateDistribution SpecialistInventory AnalystLogisticianLogistics AssociateLogistics ClerkLogistics CoordinatorLogistics PlannerLogistics SpecialistLogistics Team MemberLogistics TechnicianManufacturing PlannerMaterial CoordinatorMaterial PlannerMaterials PlannerPlannerProduction PlannerSchedulerSupply Chain AssociateSupply Chain ConsultantSupply Chain CoordinatorSupply Chain PlannerSupply Chain SpecialistSupply Management SpecialistSupply PlannerTransportation Coordinator