Distribution Manager Salary

Created by Henry Steele

By Henry Steele - January 8, 2018
Reading Time: 8 minutes
Reading Time: 8 minutes
FIND SCHOOLS
1
2
3
4

The following article discusses the career path of Distribution Manager. Learn about how to become one, education requirements, job duties, traits and qualities, national salary outlook as well as top national employers of Distribution Managers.

Featured Programs:
Sponsored School(s)
Southern New Hampshire University Logo
Southern New Hampshire University
Featured Program: Southern New Hampshire University offers a variety of online business degrees that can prepare you to take on a role in business management and help you develop critical leadership skills.
Request Info
Liberty University Logo
Liberty University
Featured Program: Whether you’re a professional looking to advance your career or are trying to enter the business world for the first time, Liberty University’s online business degrees can equip you with the in-demand skills sought out by industries across the country and around the world.
Request Info
Purdue Global Logo
Purdue Global
Featured Program: Purdue University Global’s career-focused curriculum is based on the latest industry advances to keep you competitive now and in the future.
Request Info
Grand Canyon University Logo
Grand Canyon University
Featured Program: Find a degree to further your business and management career aspirations and gain skills needed to succeed in a variety of business settings.
Request Info

Job Duties

Distribution managers focus on the daily tasks that relate to ensuring large quantities of goods are delivered on time. This is a skill needed by a variety of different organizations, from electronics to the food industry. Typically, their work includes maintaining stock levels for large inventories, focusing on both quantity and quality. They manage warehouses and ensure that consumer demands are met. They work hand in hand with supervisors in warehouses to make sure that all operations are safe, timely, meet quality standards, and ensure that all deliveries are on time.

Often, distribution managers have to be physically fit, as they have to walk long distances in the warehouse. That said, they spend most of their time indoors, unless they assist in the actual loading and unloading of vehicles. With transportation needs becoming increasingly 24/7, these managers do often have to work unsociable hours.

Other job duties are:

  • To be responsible for the strategic operations of a warehouse or distribution center
  • To create manifests, invoices, and transportation or delivery reports
  • To hold responsible for incoming and outgoing freight, and to track product inventory and movement
  • To manage employee assignments, schedules, compliance, and evaluations

Where We Work

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 148,700 logisticians in 2016, a profession closely related to that of the distribution manager. The largest employers of these professionals were:

  • Manufacturing: 25%
  • Federal government: 20%
  • Professional, scientific, and technical services: 17%
  • Management of companies and enterprises: 10%
  • Wholesale trade: 9%

How to Become

A distribution manager has to have a high school diploma as a minimum. However, more and more commonly, a business or management bachelor’s degree is also required. Most have significant experience in warehouse management, and have an understanding of current shipping technology. They also receive a lot of on the job training.

Education Requirements

A distribution manager has to be able to manage the complexities of supply chains and logistics. As a result, a bachelor’s degree is usually the minimum requirement. Supply chain management, systems engineer, and business are common study subjects. During a bachelor’s degree, they will learn about system dynamics, database management, and operations. Furthermore, they can be exposed to common logistics software, such as RFID (radio-frequency identification).

There is no legal requirement for a distribution manager to become certified. However, certifications do demonstrate commitment to excellence and a broader knowledge. Hence, logistics analysts may choose to become certified through SOLE (the International Society of Logistics) or through APICS. Work experience and education is required for these certifications. Other options are offered through the DUA (Defense Acquisition University), which is required for those who work as a logistics analyst for the Department of Defense.

Work experience is also vitally important. A distribution manager will have gained several years’ experience in supply chains, logistics, and business. Some start in logistical support, such as clerks or dispatchers, and many have a military background. Through work experience, these specialists get to know about supply chain and production processes.

Traits & Qualities

The most effective distribution managers have the following traits to some degree or other:

  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
  • Strong critical thinking skills
  • Great customer service skills
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Strong problem solving skills

Minimum Education

Bachelor’s Degree

National Salary

The national average salary estimate for Distribution Manager was $70,204. This number is estimated from over 557,724 employees, users past and present job advertisements from Indeed.com. This equates to an hourly salary of $36.56 and monthly of $5,850.

  • .
  • .
  • Most Reported
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

$15,000

$164,000

Salary Distribution

Salary by State

The following section lists Distribution Manager salaries in each state around the country. The figures are based on the total number of job postings through Indeed.com. For example, Wyoming had the largest quoted salary of $144,978 while Utah had the smallest quoted salary of $52,874.

ArizonaIndianaNew HampshireUtah
CaliforniaKentuckyNew JerseyVirginia
ColoradoMassachusettsNew YorkWashington
FloridaMarylandOhioWisconsin
GeorgiaMichiganOregonWyoming
HawaiiMinnesotaPennsylvania
IowaMissouriTennessee
IllinoisNorth CarolinaTexas
Arizona – $71,663Rank: 10th
The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Judge Group, Schoening Technology, and GREEN VALLEY NEWS.

  • .
  • .
  • .
  • Most Reported
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

$23,000

$145,000

Salary Distribution
California – $76,643Rank: 6th
The average salary ranks 6th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like SunOpta, Elwood Staffing, Link Staffing, and Schoening Technology.

  • .
  • .
  • Most Reported
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

$15,000

$187,000

Salary Distribution
Colorado – $61,120Rank: 24th
The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Paragon 28, Inc..

  • .
  • .
  • .
  • Most Reported
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

$18,000

$129,000

Salary Distribution
Florida – $54,973Rank: 28th
The average salary ranks 28th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Adonexis Llc, Express Employment Professionals, Gannett, and USA Today Network.

  • .
  • .
  • Most Reported
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

$14,000

$143,000

Salary Distribution
Georgia – $76,721Rank: 5th
The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Judge Group, CyberCoders, Tech USA, and GSS InfoTech.

  • .
  • .
  • .
  • Most Reported
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

$22,000

$163,000

Salary Distribution
Hawaii – $69,714Rank: 14th
The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Staffingpower and The Patisserie Inc..

  • .
  • .
  • .
  • Most Reported
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

$19,000

$151,000

Salary Distribution
Iowa – $70,568Rank: 12th
The average salary ranks 12th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Worksource, Incorporated.

  • .
  • .
  • .
  • Most Reported
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

$17,000

$159,000

Salary Distribution
Illinois – $81,241Rank: 3rd
The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The laSalle Network, H.B. Fuller, Schoening Technology, and Republic Services.

  • .
  • .
  • Most Reported
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

$18,000

$190,000

Salary Distribution
Indiana – $70,138Rank: 13th
The average salary ranks 13th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like MRINetwork, Gator Cases, The Times, and Quad-City Times.

  • .
  • .
  • Most Reported
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

$15,000

$165,000

Salary Distribution
Kentucky – $61,131Rank: 23rd
The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like McLane Company.

  • .
  • .
  • .
  • Most Reported
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

$28,000

$106,000

Salary Distribution
Massachusetts – $71,132Rank: 11th
The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like CyberCoders, The Judge Group, Finish Line, and MSG Staffing.

  • .
  • .
  • .
  • Most Reported
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

$18,000

$160,000

Salary Distribution
Maryland – $65,375Rank: 19th
The average salary ranks 19th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WSSC.

  • .
  • .
  • Most Reported
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

$15,000

$151,000

Salary Distribution
Michigan – $58,920Rank: 26th
The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Midwest Executive Search, Express Employment Professionals, and Macomb Distribution Company.

  • .
  • .
  • .
  • Most Reported
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

$19,000

$120,000

Salary Distribution
Minnesota – $69,433Rank: 15th
The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Career Brokers, Inc., Integrity Technical Services, Inc., Katapult Network, and Manpower.

  • .
  • .
  • .
  • Most Reported
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

$23,000

$141,000

Salary Distribution
Missouri – $59,067Rank: 25th
The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Distributor Wire and Cable, Albert Uster Imports, and MU Health Care.

  • .
  • .
  • Most Reported
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

$14,000

$140,000

Salary Distribution
North Carolina – $67,962Rank: 18th
The average salary ranks 18th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Orange Water And Sewer Authority, CIG, Schoening Technology, and Advanced Personnel Resources, Inc..

  • .
  • .
  • .
  • Most Reported
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

$18,000

$147,000

Salary Distribution
New Hampshire – $75,581Rank: 7th
The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Leddy Group.

  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • Most Reported
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

$38,000

$124,000

Salary Distribution
New Jersey – $74,120Rank: 8th
The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The ASSURANCE Group, TRACTION TIRE, F-O-R-T-U-N-E Personnel Consultants, Inc., and Career Brokers, Inc..

  • .
  • .
  • Most Reported
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

$14,000

$180,000

Salary Distribution
New York – $62,415Rank: 22nd
The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like CyberCoders, TalentServed, Mercer Distribution & Transport, and YRC Freight.

  • .
  • .
  • Most Reported
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

$14,000

$155,000

Salary Distribution
Ohio – $72,167Rank: 9th
The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Bertram & Associates, Robert Half Finance & Accounting, Company Propane, and Aerotek.

  • .
  • .
  • .
  • Most Reported
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

$20,000

$154,000

Salary Distribution
Oregon – $58,080Rank: 27th
The average salary ranks 27th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Express Employment Professionals, RMLS, Oregon Leaf, and Lewis & Clark.

  • .
  • .
  • .
  • Most Reported
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

$15,000

$129,000

Salary Distribution
Pennsylvania – $77,331Rank: 4th
The average salary ranks 4th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Right Recruiting, Schoening Technology, DISTRIBUTOR, and Amer Technology, Inc.

  • .
  • .
  • Most Reported
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

$16,000

$185,000

Salary Distribution
Tennessee – $63,435Rank: 21st
The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Austin Allen Company, Schoening Technology, NIKE, and NovaCopy.

  • .
  • .
  • .
  • Most Reported
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

$19,000

$134,000

Salary Distribution
Texas – $69,141Rank: 16th
The average salary ranks 16th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like GTR, Babich & Associates, Schoening Technology, and FMC Corporation.

  • .
  • .
  • .
  • Most Reported
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

$18,000

$154,000

Salary Distribution
Utah – $52,874Rank: 29th
The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like YRC Freight.

  • .
  • .
  • .
  • Most Reported
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

$14,000

$116,000

Salary Distribution
Virginia – $63,950Rank: 20th
The average salary ranks 20th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Ashley Furniture HomeStore and HKA Enterprises.

  • .
  • .
  • .
  • Most Reported
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

$16,000

$144,000

Salary Distribution
Washington – $68,862Rank: 17th
The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Schoening Technology and Spokesman Review.

  • .
  • .
  • .
  • Most Reported
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

$17,000

$155,000

Salary Distribution
Wisconsin – $100,826Rank: 2nd
The average salary ranks 2nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Judge Group, Alliance Search Solutions, Cold Front Distribution, and Dunham Express.

  • .
  • .
  • .
  • Most Reported
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

$25,000

$226,000

Salary Distribution
Wyoming – $144,978Rank: 1st
The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Performance Search Group.

  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • Most Reported
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

$72,000

$218,000

Salary Distribution

Top 20 National Employers

According to Indeed.com, the following states had employers looking to hire a Distribution Manager. The quoted salary figure represents the average salary from all job postings by this employer.

Employer NameLocationAverage Salary
Accenture Distribution ManagerIllinois$155,873
Uline Distribution ManagerIllinois$152,829
Career Brokers, Inc. Distribution ManagerPennsylvania$150,650
Select Technical Staffing Distribution ManagerWisconsin$150,000
Monster Worldwide Distribution ManagerWisconsin$150,000
Direct Sales Recruiting, LLC Distribution ManagerTexas$150,000
DSR Distribution ManagerTexas$150,000
Marcum Search LLC Distribution ManagerNew York$150,000
Performance Search Group Distribution ManagerWyoming$144,978
DynCorp International Inc Distribution ManagerTexas$125,000
Request Technology Distribution ManagerGeorgia$124,971
Spencer Ogden Distribution ManagerMinnesota$123,447
MSG Staffing Distribution ManagerMassachusetts$120,000
CyberCoders Distribution ManagerCalifornia$118,607
SITE Staffing, Inc. Distribution ManagerWisconsin$112,993

Learn More

Related Careers

Career NameAverage Salary
Marketing Manager$71,419
Purchasing Manager$70,974
Program Officer$70,926
Sales Manager$70,506
Underwriter$70,387
Marketing Communications Manager$70,119
Sales Executive$69,894
Data Analyst$69,685
Compliance Officer$69,393
Human Resources Manager$69,342

Henry Steele
Managing Editor
Henry is Managing Editor of BusinessStudent.com. He is a seasoned business professional who regularly consults with local business's throughout Southern California. Henry pursued his undergrad in Business and Economics at the University of San Diego and gained valuable life changing experience through a unique internship upon graduation.

"It doesn't matter how many times you have failed, you only have to be right once." - Mark Cuban