Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Examining information carefully, recognizing patterns, and using evidence to reach sound conclusions.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become a Logistician Logisticians use interpersonal skills when collaborating with colleagues, suppliers, and customers. Logisticians typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Employers often prefer to hire candidates who have experience in a related occupation. In some cases, work experience may substitute for
Education
. Education Logisticians typically need a bachelor’s degree, although less education may be sufficient for some jobs. Bachelor's degree programs may be in fields such as logistics and supply chain management, business, or related disciplines. Coursework includes accounting, economics, procurement, and other business topics.
Licenses, Certifications & Registrations
Although not required, certification demonstrates professional competence and a broad knowledge of logistics. Information on certifications is available from CareerOneStop. Certifications available from the Warfighting Acquisition University (DAU) are required for Department of Defense acquisitions. Work Experience in a Related Occupation Logisticians may benefit from work experience in a field related to logistics, supply chains, or business. Some get experience while working in a logistical support role, such as material recording clerks, or while serving in the military. Others gain experience by participating in internships during college. Some employers allow candidates to substitute work experience for a specific degree. Advancement Experienced logisticians may advance to become supply chain managers or project management specialists. Education, experience, and other requirements may vary by employer and industry.
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Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Employment of logisticians is projected to grow 18 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 26,600 openings for logisticians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment As the growth of e-commerce makes logistics more dynamic and complex, logisticians will be in demand to move products more efficiently, solve problems, and identify areas for improvement. The increased volume of inventory and need to manage multiple supply chains have made logisticians' work critical. In addition, as more goods are purchased online, timeliness of delivery remains a priority for companies, further increasing demand for these workers. Logisticians Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Logisticians 18% Business operations specialists 6% Total, all occupations 3% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Logisticians Do
Logisticians analyze and coordinate an organization’s supply chain, the system that moves a product from supplier to consumer. They manage a product’s entire life cycle, from design to disposal.
Duties
Logisticians typically do the following:
- Oversee product acquisition
- Direct the allocation of materials, supplies, and products
- Forecast and direct the alignment of a product’s demand and supply flows
- Monitor and manage product risk
- Manage business systems, including their selection and implementation
- Review logistical functions and identify areas for improvement
- Serve as a liaison between an organization and its suppliers or customers
- Propose strategies to minimize costs or time required to deliver goods
Logisticians oversee activities related to purchasing, transportation, inventory, and warehousing. They organize and direct the movement of goods, people, and equipment, including manufacturing components, consumer products, and military personnel and supplies.
Logisticians choose, integrate, and implement software for systems that help them to plan and track product movement. They use these systems to manage their organization’s data and administrative functions, such as for procurement.
Some logisticians have other duties, such as training and managing clerical staff. Logisticians may work closely with, or under the supervision of, supply chain managers and project management specialists.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Logisticians held about 255,100 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of logisticians were as follows:
| Manufacturing | 22% |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 15 |
| Federal government | 14 |
| Transportation and warehousing | 11 |
| Wholesale trade | 11 |
Logisticians work in many industries. Some logisticians work in the logistical department of a company, and others work for firms that specialize in logistical work, such as freight-shipping companies.
Logisticians’ work is fast paced and therefore may be stressful. They must ensure that operations stay on schedule, working quickly to solve problems that arise. Some logisticians travel, such as to visit manufacturing plants or distribution centers.
Work Schedules
Most logisticians work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Depending on the position, logisticians may need to work nonstandard hours. For example, manufacturing industries may require logisticians to work flexible hours, evening shifts, or weekends.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Communication skills. Logisticians must be able to convey information to their business associates, including suppliers and customers. Critical-thinking skills. Logisticians must develop, adjust, and carry out plans that maximize efficiency. Customer service skills. Logisticians must understand the needs of their customers when coordinating the movement of goods, supplies, and equipment. Interpersonal skills. Logisticians need to collaborate with colleagues, suppliers, and customers. Organizational skills. Logisticians must be able to keep detailed records and manage many responsibilities in a fast-paced environment. Problem-solving skills. Logisticians must be able to handle unforeseen issues, such as delivery problems, and adjust plans as needed to resolve the issues.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about logisticians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.