Operations and supply chain management careers and salary
Leaders in operations and supply chain management help to facilitate the distribution of products to the companies, retail outlets, and individuals who request them. Led by professionals with strength in organization and accountability, the field offers unique opportunities to help keep the global supply chain running on schedule.

4%
growth projected for logistics and supply chain professionals from 2019-2029*

Prospects are best for candidates with experience using logistical software*
*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Supply chain management careers can be a rewarding option for those who excel at planning, analysis, and collaboration.
The number of operations management careers has grown steadily in recent years. Employment in this field is expected to rise 4% from 2019 to 2029, driven by the growing need for operations and supply chain managers to produce and deliver goods in a global economy.
Trends such as automation, machine learning, and data management are transforming the industry, making it ripe for a new generation of professionals looking to tackle modern challenges with the latest tools and information.
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Explore these examples of specific careers and their median salaries from O*NET Online to help you select a path that appeals to you and matches your strengths.
Entry-level operations and supply chain management jobs
Typical requirements: associate or bachelor’s degree
Cost estimator
This position requires collecting and analyzing data to project the time, money, materials, and labor required to make a product or provide a service. Cost estimators work mostly in offices, but some also visit manufacturing sites and assembly lines.
Median salary
$65,250
Fleet operations dispatcher
This career path calls on supply chain professionals to maintain order, checking lists from warehouse managers to direct them to call on drivers to make deliveries. Dispatchers also ensure that each vehicle in the fleet is safe to operate and that drivers have gotten adequate rest between shifts.
Median salary
$40,190
Logistics analyst
Individuals in this profession examine product delivery or supply chain processes to identify and propose changes. They may also manage route activity, including invoicing, electronic billing, and shipment tracing.
Median salary
$74,750
E-commerce specialist
This role primarily entails filling online orders by preparing the appropriate documentation and readying items for direct shipping or transfer to manufacturers or third-party distributors. Online retail specialists may also interact with customers via email, telephone, or to chat to address questions or complaints about products, policies, and shipping methods.
Median salary
$73,570
Advanced operations and supply chain management jobs
Typical requirements: bachelor’s degree or higher
Supply chain manager
Supply chain managers track the movement and status of materials, identify suppliers, and prepare and coordinate key performance indicators (KPIs) for all material requirements. They also direct the movement, storage, and processing of inventory.
Median salary
$94,560
Purchasing manager
These managers coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services. This role may also be referred to as a merchandising manager or a procurement manager.
Median salary
$121,110
Industrial production manager
Production managers oversee the work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products in accordance with cost, quality, and quantity specifications. In addition, they are responsible for reviewing production, quality control, and maintenance reports to isolate problems and recommend solutions.
Median salary
$105,480
Logistics manager
Those in this position are tasked with supervising the work of logistics specialists, planners, and schedulers. They devise policies and procedures for logistics activities and resolve problems concerning transportation, logistics systems, imports and exports, and customer satisfaction.
Median salary
$94,560
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- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- O*NET OnLine
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