A career in supply chain management offers the opportunity to transition from an entry-level position to a leadership role. Supply managers may specialize in one of several areas, such as logistics or purchasing. The starting salary for a supply chain management specialist will vary depending on the industry and type of job for which you apply.
Starting Salary For Supply Chain Management infographic provides average starting salary and pay by years of experience in supply chain management. Find out what the most common supply chain job titles are, what skills are required to succeed, and more.
Starting salaries for Supply Chain Management are high, but you’re unlikely to see them until your late 20s. It takes time to master the skills needed for this job, including supply chain management and business administration.
Starting Salary For Supply Chain Management Overview
A supply chain manager is responsible for managing the flow of goods and services from the point of origin to the end user. Supply chain managers are also responsible for ensuring that the products or services being provided are delivered on time and in an acceptable condition. A supply chain manager may be employed by a manufacturing company, retail store, or other business where materials are being distributed to customers.
The average salary for a supply chain manager in the United States is $112,190 per year. This salary figure can vary depending on where you live and what type of industry you work in. For example, someone who works as a supply chain manager at a manufacturing plant may earn more than someone who works for a retail clothing store or other service-related industry. In addition, some types of businesses pay their employees higher salaries than others do based on their location in the country or other factors such as whether they offer benefits packages like health insurance coverage which would increase the overall cost of hiring someone new into this role.”
Types of Supply Chain Management Degrees
You have several options for obtaining your supply chain management education. First, there’s the supply chain management degree. What is a supply chain management degree? Degrees in supply chain management are full bachelor’s degrees that cover the supply chain management training that you’ll need on the job. Bachelor’s degrees usually include several core classes on the basics, and then they move on to more specialized knowledge and hands-on training. Supply chain management degrees teach what a supply chain is, how supply chains are run, and how managers make positive changes for those chains.
Degrees in supply chain management come in several varieties, and as long as you choose an accredited program, you can choose whichever option works best for you. First, there are traditional supply chain management degrees. Those who choose this type of supply chain management degree get the traditional college experience. They attend classes on campus, usually during the daytime. Many of these students live in dorms on campus or in nearby apartments. They experience the campus itself and the city in which the campus exists. Usually, these degrees take four years to earn. Is the traditional supply chain management degree right for you? It may be your best choice if:
- you want the “traditional” college experience with classrooms, events, and sports.
- you learn best in person and/or need some accountability to do your school tasks.
- you prefer learning with a group of people.
Next, there are supply chain management degrees online. A supply chain management online degree will give you the same level of education that an on-campus degree would provide. There’s no difference in subject material or educational quality. The only difference is that you learn from your own computer, sometimes at your own pace. Online supply chain management degrees are generally geared toward working adults. The online format provides flexibility that on-campus degrees can’t provide.
Online degrees in supply chain management do require a certain level of self-discipline. Successful online students need to keep themselves motivated enough to log into their classrooms and get their work done, especially when their courses have no set login times. If you wouldn’t describe yourself as as “self-starter,” then you might consider choosing a different option or soliciting accountability help from a partner or friend.
If you pursue a supply chain management online degree, you might also find accelerated options. Accelerated online supply chain management degrees are challenging because they require the same amount of work, but students must complete that work in a shorter timeframe. However, they do make a good choice for those who want to kickstart their careers quickly and save some money on tuition. Should you look for supply chain management degrees online? They may be the best choice for you if:
- you’re an adult or otherwise not a traditional college student.
- you have a job, children, or other responsibilities that keep you from a regular class schedule.
- you want an accelerated degree.
- you’re self-motivated and can start your work on your own.
A lot of people ask “What can I do with a supply chain management degree?” Whether you learn online or in person, you can take one of several career paths, including but not limited to:
- supply chain manager
- purchasing manager
- logistics manager
- production manager
- storage and distribution manager
These fields are in high demand, so job prospects look good for supply chain managers. With so many potential pathways, it turns out that “What is a degree in supply chain management?” has more answers than most people realize.
Later, you may consider an MBA in supply chain management, or another type of master’s in management.
What Is The Starting Salary For Supply Chain Management?
| State | Annual Salary | Weekly Pay |
| New Hampshire | $33,159 | $638 |
| Missouri | $32,958 | $634 |
| Delaware | $32,935 | $633 |
| California | $32,086 | $617 |
What Is The Highest Paying Job In Supply Chain Management?
$155,118. Vice President, Supply Chain Management. A total of $114,275 was spent on Global Supply Chain Management. The Logistics Manager earned $104,827 in 2018.A total of $104,071 was earned by the Supply Chain Manager. Director of Global Commodities, $103,601.The Purchasing Manager’s salary is $103,289.A Strategic Sourcing Manager salary of $100,015 is available
Professional Organizations in Supply Chain Management
There are several supply chain management professional organizations in America. These organizations include
- The Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM)
- The American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS, which has merged with ASCM)
- The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)
Other organizations exist for more specific supply chain job descriptions, but the three listed above are some of the more recognizable organizations in the supply chain field. Joining a professional organization can help you enhance your career. For one thing, these organizations provide networking opportunities. They provide centralized hubs for supply chain managers to gather and meet one another. Networking is an important part of almost any industry, so any organization that makes networking easier is indispensable. These opportunities are valuable, especially when you’re trying to get a job.
Speaking of getting a job, these professional supply chain organizations also provide a springboard into the job market. They often have job boards that people can use to seek employment. Finally, professional supply chain organizations may help you continue your education. For example, the ASCM has on-demand online courses that professionals can use to hone their skills and stay up to date. According to its website, ASCM often updates these courses to reflect the latest changes in the industry. Some professional organizations may also offer continuing education credits. These credits help professionals with a certificate or associate’s degree to move forward to a bachelor’s degree. Credits are used to reimburse learners for the courses that they take. This way, money doesn’t have to be a barrier to education.
With all of these benefits available, professional organizations can make a huge difference for supply chain management professionals, especially for those who are in the early stages of their careers. Take a look at their websites to see how you can join.
