A supply chain manager oversees the movement of goods from suppliers to customers. You'll coordinate teams, analyze data, and solve problems across transportation and logistics networks. It requires a bachelor's degree and strong leadership skills.
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Supply chain managers plan and direct the flow of materials and products through an organization. You establish relationships with suppliers and customers, communicate priorities to your team, and make decisions that keep operations running smoothly. Your work involves analyzing data to spot inefficiencies, guiding teams toward goals, and solving problems that arise in production and transportation. You monitor performance, guide staff, and use your knowledge of administration, economics, and customer service to keep everything moving forward.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Supply Chain Managers earn a median of $107,230 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 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than average for all occupations, with about 18,500 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Supply chain management requires a bachelor's degree and considerable preparation. Your coursework will cover transportation, administration, management, economics, and accounting. You'll develop skills in active listening, reading comprehension, speaking, and critical thinking through classes and internships. Many programs include real-world projects in logistics and operations. After graduation, you'll typically start in coordinator or analyst roles before moving into management positions where you lead teams and make strategic decisions.
Most supply chain managers earn a bachelor's degree, though some advance through coordinator and analyst roles first. The path depends on your background and career goals, so if you're exploring options, Pathly can map the supply chain manager path that fits you and turn it into a step-by-step plan with your counselor in the loop.
You do not need a license to work as a supply chain manager, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You're drawn to leadership and business strategy. You enjoy organizing systems, making decisions, and motivating teams to reach goals. You think analytically and communicate clearly with people at all levels.
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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).