Logistics Industry Overview

The US and global logistics industries -– which are deeply interwoven -– enable all other industries to transport, store and distribute the raw materials and finished goods that comprise the world’s tangible economy. This information-intensive industry provides jobs in logistics for people with a command of innumerable details and the big picture of product life cycles and how systems can be designed and tweaked for maximum efficiency.

Internal logistics departments and third-party logistics services firms provide supply-chain management, managing inventories and warehousing, scheduling transportation, and performing quality control and many other functions. Top US-based third-party logistics providers include UPS Supply Chain Solutions, C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Schneider Logistics, Expeditors International and Penske Logistics, according to SupplyChainBrain.

Logistics Job Market

Logisticians held 108,900 jobs in 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Logistics jobs are expected to grow 26 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Over the decade, 27,800 logistics job opportunities are projected to be created. Logistics-related occupations are also a source of logistics work. For example, there were more than 2.8 million material recording clerks in 2010 -- a number that’s projected to increase by more than 48,000 by 2020.

Supply and distribution systems have become more complex to maximize value. Therefore, logistics employment is expected to grow rapidly as companies hire experts to move products efficiently, solve problems and identify areas for improvement, according to the BLS. To meet the needs of the military, logistical and warehousing jobs in government and contracting firms are also expected to grow.

Among the most common job titles in logistics are logistics specialist, logistics coordinator, logistics planner, logistics engineer, logistics analyst, logistics director and warehouse logistics manager.

Logistics Salaries

Median annual wages for logisticians were $71,910 in May 2011, according to the BLS. The middle half of logisticians earned between $56,490 and $90,290, with the top 10 percent earning more than $110,000.