The career outlook for logisticians is bright. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of logisticians will grow 17% from 2024 to 2034, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

“The logistics field offers opportunities in transportation, warehouse operations, supply chain management, and global sourcing, among others,” says Toney Ferguson, DBA, faculty member in the School of Business and Information Technology at Purdue Global. “Logistics is experiencing phenomenal growth, making it a highly rewarding career path for individuals seeking new opportunities.”

This guide explores what a career in logistics looks like and the skills and education needed to get you there.

What Is a Logistician?

A logistician is a person responsible for the movement of goods within an organization. Organizations rely on logisticians to manage supplier relationships and warehouse operations.

“Efficiency drives this role,” Ferguson says. “A logistician’s job is to determine the most efficient way to transport goods between suppliers and customers, while ensuring those goods are delivered on time.”

Logisticians are key players in an organization’s supply chain, and selecting and implementing software for systems that help them monitor product movement is a prominent job function.

“The field is now utilizing advanced technology, such as AI-enabled enterprise resource planning systems on mobile devices, allowing for quick decision-making,” Ferguson says. “Making quick, accurate decisions can be the most challenging part of the job.”

What Do Logisticians Do?

  • Create proposals, estimates, targets, and benchmarks
  • Schedule and track work assignments, provide guidance, and ensure that your team has the resources they need
  • Hire and train employees and oversee facility requirements
  • Stay informed about new logistics technology and how to apply it to their own processes
  • Support the development of training materials and technical manuals
  • Manage the logistical aspects of product life cycles
  • Plan and facilitate maintenance planning, repair analysis, and test equipment recommendations

What Education Do You Need to Become a Logistician?

A logistician’s career path usually starts with a bachelor’s degree, although some employers may substitute work experience for education. Degrees are usually in logistics and supply chain management, business, or a related discipline. Purdue Global offers an online Bachelor of Science in Applied Supply Chain Management that prepares you to work as a logistician.

Do You Need to Be Certified?

Certification isn’t required to be a logistician (with one exception noted below), but it may help you appear more attractive to prospective employers. Top certifications include:

  • Certified Professional Logistician (CPL) from the International Society of Logistics
  • Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD) from the Association for Supply Chain Management
  • Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM®) from the Institute for Supply Management
  • The SCPro™ Certification Program managed by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals

Contract roles with the Department of Defense do require certification. Warfighting Acquisition University, a training program administered by the federal government, provides the required certification programs and testing for DoD logistics roles.

Is There a Licensing Requirement?

Some states require an occupational license to work as a logistician. Use CareerOneStop’s License Finder to find the licensing requirements for logisticians in your state.

Required Skills for Logisticians

The logistics field is a fast-paced environment, and being adaptable to change is one key to success. Additional important skills — both hard and soft — include:

  • Communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Customer service
  • Organizational
  • Problem-solving
  • Attention to detail
  • Project management
  • Inventory management
  • Supply chain management
  • Purchasing
  • Procurement
  • Warehouse management systems
  • Inventory management systems

Artificial intelligence’s rapid rise has influenced the key skills needed to be a successful logistician as well.

“Many supply chain organizations are adopting robotics and AI systems into the workflow, so students must be willing to learn new skills,” Ferguson says. “It’s essential to possess expert knowledge of Excel, including advanced functions such as PivotTables and VLOOKUP. Students should have knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), such as SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite, as this is the primary method of communication within an organization.”

The Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS) is used by many organizations to reduce costs. These systems use AI to make key decisions, including storing and retrieving products in the warehouse.

“Logistics professionals should have a working knowledge of this system,” Ferguson says. “Some companies are using AI for predictive route optimization, enabling it to determine the most efficient mode of transportation for goods shipped from foreign countries.”

Knowledge Areas

CareerOneStop developed a list of knowledge areas that logisticians typically possess. Use it to see how well this career might align with your interests and abilities. Logisticians are typically well-versed in:

  • Transportation — the principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits
  • Administration and management — the principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership techniques, production methods, and coordination of people and resources
  • Customer and personal services — including how to meet quality standards for services and evaluate customer satisfaction
  • Mathematics — including algebra, geometry, calculus, and statistics

Is Logistics a Good Career for Veterans?

“The logistics field is an excellent career path for individuals with a background in the military,” Ferguson says. “The field is driven by standard operating procedures that are a natural fit for veterans. The logistics environment also has a hierarchical structure, from frontline supervision to the VP of Supply Chain Operations.”

Your job in the military may earn you credit toward a degree from Purdue Global. The average Purdue Global military graduate is awarded 62% of the credits needed for an associate’s and 45% of the credits needed for a bachelor’s.

>>Try the Purdue Global Military Credit Estimator

Learn More About the Online BS in Applied Supply Chain Management With Purdue Global

As the world grows increasingly complex, employers need logistics professionals who understand the technical and problem-solving skills required in this industry. Purdue Global offers an online bachelor’s degree in applied supply chain management taught by faculty with experience in the field. You’ll learn by using real-world supply chain management software, and the online flexibility means you can keep working and attending to family obligations.

Ready to learn more? Request more information today.

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About the Author

Purdue Global

Earn a degree you're proud of and employers respect at Purdue Global, Purdue's online university for working adults. Accredited and online, Purdue Global gives you the flexibility and support you need to come back and move your career forward. Choose from 175+ programs, all backed by the power of Purdue.

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