Direct or coordinate production, purchasing, warehousing, distribution, or financial forecasting services or activities to limit costs and improve accuracy, customer service, or safety. Examine existing procedures or opportunities for streamlining activities to meet product distribution needs. Direct the movement, storage, or processing of inventory.
Supply Chain Managers
SOC: 11-3071 O*NET: 11-3071.04
Median Salary
$107,230
per year
Job Growth
📈 6.1%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
18.5
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
Direct or coordinate production, purchasing, warehousing, distribution, or financial forecasting services or activities to limit costs and improve accuracy, customer service, or safety. Examine existing procedures or opportunities for streamlining activities to meet product distribution needs. Direct the movement, storage, or processing of inventory.
What does a Supply Chain Managers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$65,120
10th percentile
Early Career
$82,440
25th percentile
Median
$107,230
50th percentile
Experienced
$146,770
75th percentile
Top Earners
$194,900
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$65,120
25th
$82,440
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$107,230
Mean: $121,600
75th
$146,770
90th
$194,900
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $129,780 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $82,440 and $146,770
- •Salary spread is 60.0% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 221,180 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:216,700
Top Industries
Wholesale Trade15.5%
Manufacturing13.6%
Warehousing and Storage9.7%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+6.1%
Annual Openings:18,500
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)216,700
Current
2034 (Projected)229,800
+6.1%
+13,100
Employment Change
+6.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Supply Chain Managers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
30,540 jobs$123,7801.18x
Texas
28,710 jobs$100,7001.43x
Illinois
11,030 jobs$120,2501.27x
Ohio
9,480 jobs$101,5501.20x
New Jersey
9,120 jobs$130,6101.50x
Pennsylvania
8,540 jobs$105,2400.99x
Michigan
8,180 jobs$99,1001.31x
New York
6,740 jobs$127,1800.49x
Georgia
6,700 jobs$123,3300.96x
North Carolina
6,650 jobs$106,1000.95x
Wisconsin
5,410 jobs$95,9001.29x
Tennessee
4,910 jobs$100,7401.05x
Massachusetts
4,310 jobs$123,8300.83x
Indiana
4,190 jobs$108,7200.92x
Minnesota
4,030 jobs$118,1800.96x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Transportation
100%
#2
Reading Comprehension
100%
#3
Written Expression
100%
#4
Active Listening
94%
#5
Administration and Management
94%
#6
Written Comprehension
92%
#7
Coordination
86%
#8
Customer and Personal Service
86%
#9
Oral Comprehension
82%
#10
Monitoring
80%
Skills Overview
Transportation
advanced5.0
100%
Reading Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Written Expression
advanced5.0
100%
Active Listening
advanced4.7
94%
Administration and Management
advanced4.7
94%
Written Comprehension
advanced4.6
92%
Coordination
intermediate4.3
86%
Customer and Personal Service
intermediate4.3
86%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Transportation
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Written Expression
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Active Listening
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Administration and Management
advancedImportance94%
knowledge
4.7/5.0
Written Comprehension
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Coordination
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Customer and Personal Service
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Oral Comprehension
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
English Language
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Instructing
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Airfield Operations Specialists82%
5 shared skills
Sustainability Specialists82%
5 shared skills
Business Teachers, Postsecondary82%
5 shared skills
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists82%
5 shared skills
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary82%
5 shared skills
Education Administrators, Postsecondary82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Coordination
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Transportation
- ✓Administration and Management
Learn on the Job:
- →Writing
- →Personnel and Human Resources
- →Public Safety and Security
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Coordination
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Transportation
- ✓Administration and Management
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Transportation
- ★Customer and Personal Service
- ★English Language
- ★Reading Comprehension
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Supply Chain Managers
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
🔥 Hot TechBentley MicroStation
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SQL Server
🔥 Hot TechStructured query language SQL
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Dynamics
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Visio
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Project
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
Bentley MicroStation
Microsoft Access
Microsoft SQL Server
Structured query language SQL
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Dynamics
SAP software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Visio
Microsoft Project
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Management & Supervision (3)Planning & Development (4)General Responsibilities (7)Communication & Coordination (2)Analysis & Evaluation (2)Operations & Execution (1)Training & Development (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)
1
Supervise the activities of workers engaged in receiving, storing, testing, and shipping products or materials.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision100% perform100%
2
Plan, develop, or implement warehouse safety and security programs and activities.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development97% perform98%
3
Inspect physical conditions of warehouses, vehicle fleets, or equipment and order testing, maintenance, repairs, or replacements.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Plan, organize, or manage the work of subordinate staff to ensure that the work is accomplished in a manner consistent with organizational requirements.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Collaborate with other departments to integrate logistics with business systems or processes, such as customer sales, order management, accounting, or shipping.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Communication & Coordination88% perform92%
6
Analyze all aspects of corporate logistics to determine the most cost-effective or efficient means of transporting products or supplies.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation85% perform90%
7
Resolve problems concerning transportation, logistics systems, imports or exports, or customer issues.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Develop and document standard and emergency operating procedures for receiving, handling, storing, shipping, or salvaging products or materials.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development79% perform86%
9
Monitor operations to ensure that staff members comply with administrative policies and procedures, safety rules, union contracts, environmental policies, or government regulations.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Analyze the financial impact of proposed logistics changes, such as routing, shipping modes, product volumes or mixes, or carriers.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on management & supervision activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Supply Chain Managers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Supply Chain Managers professionals typically have a ECR Holland code and highly value independence
EEnterprising
CConventional
RRealistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Supply Chain Managers
Leadership
CriticalLeadership
Importance Level4.52
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.48
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.48
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.38
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.33
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.30
Complete Work Styles Profile
Leadership
4.5
Integrity
4.5
Attention to Detail
4.5
Cooperation
4.4
Analytical Thinking
4.3
Dependability
4.3
Initiative
4.2
Stress Tolerance
4.2
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.1
Persistence
4.1
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Supply Chain Managers.
Browse Training Programs →The Apprenticeship Route: Earn While You Learn
You don't necessarily need to pay for school to enter this field. There are 26 registered apprenticeship sponsors for this occupation in the U.S. DOL system. Apprentices earn a wage from day one, typically starting at 40–50% of the journeyman rate, and finish with no tuition debt.
Most sponsors: PR (4) , CA (3) , IL (3) , IN (3) , MI (2)
How apprenticeships work →Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov)
Trade Colleges That Train for Supply Chain Managers
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
5.0k program completions/year
Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA
2.8k program completions/year
Eastern Gateway Community College
Steubenville, OH
2.5k program completions/year
Lee College
Baytown, TX
1.6k program completions/year
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC
1.3k program completions/year
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Fayetteville, NC
1.3k program completions/year
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA
1.3k program completions/year
Pasadena City College
Pasadena, CA
1.2k program completions/year
Mt San Antonio College
Walnut, CA
1.2k program completions/year
Irvine Valley College
Irvine, CA
1.0k program completions/year
Connecticut State Community College
New Britain, CT
978 program completions/year
Mesa Community College
Mesa, AZ
897 program completions/year