Career Choice: Logistics Analysts

Career Choice: Logistics Analysts
  • Type: Career Type
  • Opening Intro -

    Logistics analysts are also known as supply chain analysts or global logistics analysts.

    These professionals are tasked with analyzing product delivery or supply chain processes in a bid to identify as well as recommend changes.

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The job outlook for logistics analysts.

Such analysts may also get involved in route activity, not limited to invoicing, electronic bills and shipment tracing.

Job Duties

Logistics analysts handle a variety of tasks including maintenance of logistics information databases, report preparation and analysis, data interpretation, inventory control, product flow, database management and forecasting.

These professionals should be skilled at working with a variety of equipment, including scanners, photocopiers, laser printers, computers and related tools. Experience working with spreadsheet software, scientific or analytical software, enterprise resource planning software and similar tools can be beneficial.

Important skills include: reading comprehension, complex problem solving, active listening, critical thinking, systems analysis and evaluation as well as decision making. Students should have strong skills in mathematics, computers, electronics, law and government, and administration.

Education and Training

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) more than three quarters of logistics analysts have at least a bachelor’s degree with some possessing a master’s degree. Most of the rest have at least some college education.

Most employers prefer job candidates who have at least a bachelor’s degree. That degree can be in industrial engineering, process engineering, supply chain management or business administration. Certification through the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (ASTL) or through the International Society of Logistics (SOLE) can be helpful if not already a requirement. To obtain certification, students will have completed their education, built up some experience and passed an exam.

Average Salaries

As of 2013, the medium wage for logistics analysts was $73,400 per year. Those at the bottom of the pay spectrum could expect to earn approximately $46,100 per year, while those towards the top of the pay spectrum could expect to earn $112,800 per year.

Salaries vary across the nation with state data indicating wide differences in payscales. In Texas, for example, the average salary in 2013 was $78,700 per year. On the bottom end of the pay spectrum salaries came in at $50,000 per year; at the top end of the pay spectrum salaries came in at $125,400 per year.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this field is much brighter than many other job categories according to the BLS. Projected growth from 2012 through 2022 is expected to reach 22 percent. That growth compares to 10 to 14 percent for all jobs. As of 2012, 126,000 people were working as logistics analysts. Some 42,200 job openings are projected through 2022.

Besides work as logistics analysts, college students have several other occupational paths to consider that are similar. These include: industrial engineers, management analysts, quality control inspectors, operations research analysts, industrial production managers, industrial engineering technicians and cost estimators.

References

O*Net Online: Summary Report for: 13-1081.02 – Logistics Analysts

US Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook — Logisticians


See AlsoBest Career Paths For College Students

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Categories: Career Planning