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How much does a supply chain technician make? This question is difficult to answer due to the many variables that can affect salary.
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Job Description
Supply chain technicians work in a variety of industries and play an important role in keeping businesses running smoothly. They are responsible for managing the movement of supplies and inventory, from the time an order is placed until it is received by the customer. In this role, supply chain technicians often work with transportation managers, purchasing agents, and warehouse managers.
Duties
A supply chain technician is responsible for the coordination and management of all aspects of the supply chain for a company. This includes procuring materials, coordinating production, and distributing finished products. They work with both suppliers and customers to ensure that products are delivered on time and meet quality standards. In some cases, they may also be responsible for planning and managing inventory levels.
Supply chain technicians must be able to effectively communicate with both suppliers and customers in order to maintain good relationships. They must be able to negotiate favorable terms with suppliers and manage customer expectations. Strong organizational and time management skills are essential in this role, as is the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Skills
You will need to have excellent problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to think on your feet and adapt to changes quickly. You should also be able to work well under pressure, as supply chain technicians often have to meet tight deadlines. You will need to have strong communication and interpersonal skills, as you will be working with a variety of people, including suppliers, manufacturers, and customers. It is also important that you are detail-oriented and organized, as supply chain technicians are responsible for tracking large amounts of data and ensuring that all shipping schedules are followed. Finally, you should be proficient in using computers and various software programs, as you will be using these tools on a daily basis to manage the supply chain.
Education and Training
Supply chain technicians typically need at least a postsecondary certificate, although some jobs may require an associate’s degree. Many community colleges, technical colleges, and universities offer programs in supply chain management or logistics. Some programs require internships or cooperative education experiences.
Associate’s Degree
An Associate’s Degree is the entry level education requirement for many supply chain technician positions. According to PayScale.com, as of July 2019, the median annual salary for entry-level supply chain technicians with an Associate’s Degree was $52,784. technicians with an Associate’s Degree may be promoted to higher-level positions or may specialize in a particular area of supply chain management such as transportation, inventory control, or warehousing. Many employers also offer on-the-job training to their employees.
Bachelor’s Degree
While a few years of experience may be all that’s required for some positions, many employers prefer to see workers who have completed a formal education program in supply chain management, logistics or a related field. These programs are available at colleges and universities across the country and typically take four years to complete. Students in these programs take classes in mathematics, transportation, statistics and other topics related to supply chain management. Some programs also offer internships or cooperative education opportunities that give students practical experience in the field.
Certification
Supply Chain Technician Salary | How Much Does a Supply Chain Technician Make?
The median annual salary for supply chain technicians was $32,610 in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1 The top 10% of earners in this occupation made more than $45,580, while the bottom 10% earned salaries of less than $23,870.1
Most supply chain technicians have at least a high school diploma and related work experience. Some employers may prefer candidates who have completed postsecondary coursework in supply chain management or a related field.2 Certification can demonstrate mastery of the skills needed for this occupation and may help advance your career. The American Purchasing Society (APS) offers the Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) credential, which requires passing an examination, meeting experience requirements and agreeing to abide by a code of ethics.3
Salary and Job Outlook
The median annual wage for supply chain technicians was $62,040 in 2016, and employment in the field is expected to grow 7 percent from 2016 to 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Although a supply chain technician’s median salary is high, most technicians only need a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions. However, some employers may prefer candidates who have completed a supply chain management postsecondary program.
Salary
As of May 2018, the median annual salary for supply chain technicians was $62,760, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries ranged from $33,860 to $103,490 per year. The top 10 percent of earners made more than $85,490.
Job Outlook
The United States Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) projects that demand for supply chain technicians will grow by 3% from 2019 to 2029. This growth is largely due to increased efficiency and productivity needs in the supply chain industry. In addition, the BLS reports that the median salary for a supply chain technician was $62,380 in 2019.
