A logistician plans and coordinates the movement of goods, materials, and information across supply chains. It is analytical, strategic, and requires a bachelor's degree. Here is what the work involves, what preparation looks like, and how to get in.
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Logisticians organize and manage the flow of products and materials from suppliers to customers. You communicate with supervisors and team members to align on priorities, make decisions about routing and storage, and solve problems when delays or disruptions occur. You spend time gathering information, working with computer systems to track shipments, and building relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders. Your work touches transportation networks, customer needs, and the administrative details that keep supply chains moving smoothly.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Logisticians earn a median of $82,320 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 17 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average for all occupations, with about 26,400 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most logisticians hold a bachelor's degree, which typically takes four years to complete. Your coursework will cover transportation, administration and management, mathematics, and computer systems. During your studies, you will develop critical thinking and active listening skills through projects and internships. Many programs include real-world logistics scenarios. After graduation, you may start in coordinator or analyst roles and advance as you gain experience and deepen your knowledge of supply chain operations.
The main route to this career is a four-year bachelor's degree. Since timing and program choice matter, Pathly can map the logistician path that fits you with your counselor to map out the right path for your situation and timeline.
You do not need a license to work as a logistician, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You like order, systems, and clear processes. You think logically about problems, communicate well in writing and conversation, and enjoy working within structured environments where precision matters.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).