How to Become a Logistics Analyst

Logistics Analysts are responsible for analyzing and studying a company’s sales information in order to optimize the storage and distribution of goods.

They study the sales within a company to measure the quantity of goods needed delivered to either the company’s warehouse for storage or directly to its stores for immediate sales.

Logistic Analysts are vital in a company that sells goods and works in collaboration with management in order to make sure that their clients aren’t subjected to an out of stock favorite item and an empty store.

Logistics Analysts perform computer work in order to look at sales numbers to determine the quantity of products needed in stores and in their warehouse.

They determine sales trends and recommend product quantities based on the analytical work they complete.

They make sure a store is efficient and always has products on hand for sale.

Education Requirements to Become a Logistics Analyst

Candidates who want to become a Logistics Analyst need to accomplish a variety of educational requirements in order to find a job in this field.

In addition, some companies look for process management certification.

A four year Bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement in order to become a Logistics Analyst.

Typical majors a candidate can pursue include Operations Management, Business Administration or a background in Logistics and System Management.

In order to become a Logistics Analyst , a candidate needs a strong background in Mathematics and have strong analytical skills.

A Logistics Analyst must also have strong computer skills and have experience using a variety of software programs such as Excel, PowerPoint and Access database.

Candidates must also have communication skills as they are required to interact with individuals from different levels of an organization.

Logistics Analyst must also have a strong understanding of business concepts including:

• Business Logistics
• Transportation
• Global Logistics
• Supply Management

For Logistics Analysts working in the global market, some helpful concepts to be familiar with include:

• International Trade
• Contracts
• Import Tax
• Export Tax

In order to become an even more competitive candidate, seeking certification will help you stand out among other job seekers.

More companies are looking for this type of certification on resumes because it strengthens their staff and provides training.

A commonly sought after certification is called Six Sigma which is a training program that focuses on teaching students how to identify and fix any supply chain problems.

Visit: ASQ Six Sigma for more information on how to get certified.

A candidate who has both the educational background and Six Sigma certification is more likely to stand out to employers looking for a Logistics Analyst.

Logistics Analyst Job Description

A Logistics Analyst is responsible for all the logistics and operations of sales information.

They will typically work for large corporations as these types of companies have a lot more products that are in high demand.

Logistics Analysts use their analytical skills in order to perform the following functions:

• Will seek ways to improve cost saving measures
• Will identify ways to enhance processes to improve speed and efficiency
• Implement new strategies to track, measure and analyze movement of products
• Coordinate scheduling for inbound and outbound shipments; managing travel decisions for shipments, decide whether air, sea or domestic delivery is necessary
• Supervise any receiving shipments from manufacturers
• Use statistical information in order to implement and participate in contract negotiations
• Manage cost analysis reports and budgeting information
• Creating reports on inventory, distribution and shipments to management

Logistics Analysts handle a large amount of information regarding a company’s sales track and product movement.

They have to be several steps ahead in order to deliver products to a merchant in time for a consumer to purchase.

Logistics Analyst Salary and Career Path

There are several factors that affect the salary a Logistics Analyst earns.

Location is one big factor in salary difference; the average salary throughout the United States however is approximately $48,000.

Starting salary begins at about $35,000 and goes up to $60,000 for Logistics Analyst I.

Similar job titles such as Logistics Analyst II and Logistics Analyst III have more earning potential and is based on experience.

Job growth is also expected to grow throughout the next decade creating more openings in the field.

However, candidates should expect stiff competition because of a large amount of job seekers looking for similar job openings.

The below information is based on the 2024 BLS national averages.

• Annually
• Monthly
• Hourly

* Salary information based on the May 2024 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Logisticians, OCC Code 13-1081, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a logistics analyst do?

Logistics analysts can also be referred to as ‘logisticians’.

Their main responsibility is to make sure that the various delivery and supply chain processes for the product are operating smoothly.

A logistics analyst has to ensure that the products move from the supplier to the user in a cost-efficient and timely manner.

Typically logistics analysts analyze the availability of the product; find out how it is sourced and distributed and how the supply chain is managed; estimate the costs that are involved in moving the product to the final destination, and so on.

After gathering the data, a logistics analyst makes suggestions on how to improve the delivery times, eliminate any problems, and ensure that the customer is satisfied.

How much do logistics analysts make?

On average, logistics analysts earn a little less than $57.000 per year in the United States.

In case you decide to follow this career path, you can expect to earn anywhere between $42.000 and $82.000 annually.

The salary would certainly depend on your experience, the employer, and the overall success of the job done.

Logistics analysts can end up making around $3.000 annually on profit sharing and bonuses.

An entry-level logistics analyst can make around $49.000 per year (including tips, bonuses, and so on); a specialist with 5-9 years of experience in the industry can earn nearly $60.000 annually.

How much does it cost to become a logistics analyst?

You would typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in order to become a logistics analyst.

Go for a degree in business, industrial engineering, supply chain management or any other related field.

Bear in mind that there are companies that can hire an aspiring logistics analyst with only an associate’s degree.

You can expect to pay anywhere from $6.000 to $26.000 in total for an associate’s degree, while a bachelor’s degree can cost you over $8.000 per year.

Later in your career, you can get certified by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics; it will cost you around $5.000 (all course handouts and one-year membership fees included).

What is the demand for logistics analysts?

Between 2018 and 2028, the logistics analyst job market is expected to grow by 5% in the United States, which is just as fast as the national average.

There will be a certain need for logisticians in the transportation of goods in the global economy; so, the growth will be driven mainly but that fact.

This kind of job certainly does depend on the overall economic situation in the countries.

Those who possess a bachelor’s degree will have higher chances of getting employed.

How long does it take to become a logistics analyst?

In case you decide to go for an associate’s degree, you would need 2 years to obtain one.

A bachelor’s degree would require four years of your time.

In order to get certified by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics, you would need to have a 4-year degree and/or 3 years of full-time experience in the industry.