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How to become a logistics manager

This article was updated on November 5, 2026.

Reviewed by Kathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP, Dean, College of Business and IT

Two logistics managers, each holding half of a circle, one red and one blue, and pushing them together.

The U.S. sees a massive amount of shipping activity every day. In any given 24-hour period, logistics managers play an essential role. The U.S. ships, trucks, trains and planes move millions of tons of freight each day worth billions of dollars. Here is a closer look at a logistics management career.

What does a logistics manager do?

Retail, manufacturing, construction and service industries rely on efficient movement of goods for materials to use and products to sell. Without a supply chain, the entire U.S. economy would grind to a halt.

Logistics managers play an integral part in organizing the movement of these goods and materials for their company or organization. However, they serve as much more than just coordinators in moving goods from source to factory to warehouse to consumer. They handle all the details of inventory management necessary to ensure a consistent flow, and they coordinate with purchasing managers to bring on new suppliers when supply chain problems arise.

In addition to the fundamentals of transportation management, storage and distribution, a manager of logistics must take into account the volume of materials or products the company needs. They also have to consider the life cycle of these items, the nuances of transportation networks, the potential bottlenecks in supply chains and the effects of economics, commodity prices and geopolitics.

Companies, organizations and agencies can only perform essential customer service with the right equipment, supplies, materials or products, so logistics managers have an extremely important role. This can be a meaningful career path for professionals with relevant educational qualifications, skills and work experience.

Experts with specialized business degrees in supply chain management or logistics can find positions in a variety of industries. This position requires understanding supply chain principles, trade rules, import and export tariffs, and transportation laws. Logistics managers need math skills to calculate pricing for shipping, and they require excellent communication and management abilities to ensure different parts of the supply chain work together seamlessly.

Logistics manager salary

As of May 2025, logistics managers, classified by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as transportation, storage and distribution managers, earned between $65,120 and $194,900, with a median of $107,230, according to the BLS.

Experience and degree level can affect earning potential, as can location and specialization. Those specializing in air transport, deep sea cargo or coastal logistics, for example, often command a higher salary. Meanwhile, the highest employment rates for professionals in this specialty are in warehouses and distribution centers.

Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.

Steps to become a logistics manager

Here are steps to enter the field of logistics management.

Earn a degree

Though there are different ways to enter the field of logistics, most employers expect candidates to have a college degree. A general program, such as an online operations management degree or a Bachelor of Science in Business (BSB) with a Certificate in Operations Management, can help prepare students for logistics positions. BSB programs often include technical instruction in supply chain management software and other industry tools, such as RFID tags.

More specialized programs, such as a bachelor’s degree in logistics or supply chain management, are also available. Some universities allow students to earn a professional certificate in one of these areas while enrolled in a BSB degree program.

Gain professional experience

Individuals with a bachelor’s degree can often find work as supply chain specialists or logisticians before advancing to management roles. Alternative paths include starting in entry-level logistics positions, such as dispatchers or inventory clerks.

Logistics training is also available through the military or other government agencies. Students may gain experience in entry-level logistics roles while pursuing a degree or completing an internship. Both options provide valuable professional experience that may benefit graduates when applying for logistics jobs.

Earn certifications

Certification is not required for logistics management positions. However, certain professional credentials may improve a candidate’s job prospects.

The International Society of Logistics (SOLE) offers certifications to supply chain professionals. Accreditation involves meeting education and work experience requirements and passing a written exam.
Association of Supply Chain Management (ASCM) certification involves meeting a similar set of requirements. The most popular accreditation is Certified Logistics, Transport and Distribution (CLTD).
American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) offers several certification options through ASCM for logistics professionals. Accreditations include Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) and Supply Chain Operations Reference Professional (SCOR-P).

Those who work for the government, including military branches and the Department of Defense, may consider seeking certification from the Defense Acquisition University. Some private sector employers may recognize these certifications, which could provide an advantage in the job market for individuals transitioning from military to civilian careers.

Job search

Logistics professionals can start on their career path with a variety of entry-level supply chain management jobs. Positions such as inventory or supply chain specialist, logistics analyst or government logistics planner can help individuals develop the skills needed to advance into senior management roles.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), sectors with opportunities for logistics professionals include warehouses, distribution centers, trucking companies, retail and e-commerce businesses, and government agencies.

Internships and previous entry-level work experience can help candidates stand out from recent graduates whose logistics experience is limited to academic settings.

Is becoming a logistics manager right for you?

A career in logistics may appeal to individuals with strong problem-solving skills, an ability to multitask and the confidence to make important decisions quickly.

When evaluating career options, prospective logistics managers should also consider the education required for the role. Those without prior logistics experience from military service or previous employment may benefit from earning a bachelor’s degree.

Learn more about education for logistics managers

University of Phoenix offers several online business programs that prepare students with skills for a variety of career paths, such as logistics manager, including:

Infographic with the headline "Do you have what it takes to be a logistics manager?"

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at University of Phoenix where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology, Kathryn Uhles has served University of Phoenix in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining University of Phoenix, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in Phoenix.