Launch your supply chain manager career
Supply chain managers are in high demand. Learn how to launch your career in this high-paying, growing field.
What does a supply chain manager do?
Supply chain managers keep global supply chains running smoothly. From production through delivery, these business professionals ensure that products reach consumers.
Many supply chain managers work in specific areas, such as product acquisition, material allocation planning, or warehouse management. In all of these areas, professionals need strong analytical skills. Supply chain managers evaluate systems to identify ways to improve efficiency and eliminate waste. They also forecast product demand and inventory flows to maintain a stable supply chain.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), supply chain managers earn above-average salaries and can expect strong job growth throughout the decade.
| Job growth (2024-34) | +17% |
|---|---|
| Projected new jobs per year | 26,400 |
Your path to becoming a supply chain manager
For career starters
How can you start a career in this in-demand field? Learning more about core supply chain skills can help you on your journey to become a supply chain manager.
- Take a foundational class, such as MIT's Supply Chain Fundamentals, to learn the basics.
- Learn about supply chain management classes to find courses that match your interests and career goals.
- Sign up for a class in logistics, a closely related field with overlapping skills and career paths.
For career starters
How can you start a career in this in-demand field? Learning more about core supply chain skills can help you on your journey to become a supply chain manager.
- Take a foundational class, such as MIT's Supply Chain Fundamentals, to learn the basics.
- Learn about supply chain management classes to find courses that match your interests and career goals.
- Sign up for a class in logistics, a closely related field with overlapping skills and career paths.
Programs that can prepare you for a supply chain manager role
What do you need to learn to work as a supply chain manager?
Essential skillsets
- Project management
- Inventory management
- Data analysis
- Demand forecasting
- Risk management
Educational requirements
- Bachelor's degree required for most careers
- Employers may prefer a master's degree for management roles
Licenses/Certifications: Do I need one?
- No licensure requirement for supply chain managers
- Optional professional certifications can enhance employment opportunities
"The MicroMasters credential will help me grow my own business and career. The specialization the program provides will help me expand my client base, as my knowledge of supply chain management will be deeper and will span across multiple industries."
— Danaka P., supply chain & machine learning practitioner (MicroMasters, MIT)
Supply chain management industry insights
Key supply chain industry takeaways
- Most supply chain managers (52%) hold a master's degree, so investing in higher education can pay off for professionals interested in this field.
- Within the field, professionals specialize in diverse areas, including industrial production, transportation, and procurement.
- Supply chain management careers report strong demand over the next decade, indicating a strong return on investment.
Supply chain managers benefit from high demand. The BLS projects the field will grow by 17% from 2024 to 2034. That's significantly faster than the 3% job growth projected for all occupations.
Related career paths show similarly strong demand. The BLS projects that management analysts who evaluate data to improve operations will see 9% job growth over the same time period, while operations research analysts will see 21% job growth.
Within the supply chain field, professionals can find opportunities in areas such as:
- Production planning and forecasting
- Sales and operations planning
- Material requirements planning
- Operational performance analysis
- Supply chain risk management
According to the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), 43% of supply chain managers hold a bachelor's degree alone, while 52% hold a master's degree. Professionals most often hold a degree in business administration, supply chain management, or engineering.
Industries you could work in
- Manufacturing
- Government
- Wholesale trade
- Transportation
- Energy
Common job titles
- Logistician
- Supply chain manager
- Procurement manager
- Transportation manager
- Operations manager
Professional associations
- ASCM
- Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals
- Institute for Supply Management
Top 5 paying industries for supply chain managers
| Industry | Annual median wage (May 2024) |
|---|---|
| Agencies, brokerages, and insurance | $128,460 |
| Motor vehicle manufacturing | $108,420 |
| Petroleum and coal products manufacturing | $107,590 |
| Motion picture and video industries | $102,980 |
| Federal government | $101,440 |
Supply chain management career track
What's the career trajectory for supply chain managers? Because supply chain management covers several focus areas, professionals can advance by specializing. For example, these managers can focus on purchasing, warehousing, or inventory. Transportation also represents a common specialty.
Within these specialties, professionals may start their careers as transportation specialists or purchasing analysts. As they gain experience, professionals advance to management roles.
Supply chain managers follow similar career paths in different industries. Those who work in manufacturing or wholesale trade connect global networks of producers and distributors. Other sectors with opportunities for supply chain managers include ecommerce, the public sector, healthcare, and retail.
Career advancement for supply chain managers follows several paths. Professionals can demonstrate their skills through experience or professional certification, which can also increase earning potential. According to ASCM research, certified supply chain professionals earn 27% more than colleagues without certification.
Common certifications in this field include:
- Certified Supply Chain Professional
- Certified in Production and Inventory Management
- Certified Professional in Supply Management
- Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution
Earning an advanced degree can also lead to career advancement and a higher salary. Supply chain managers can consider a master's in supply chain management or an MBA with a focus on operations or logistics. These programs emphasize leadership and analytical skills, which can lead to roles at the management and director levels.
Early career roles
1-4 years
- Supply chain analyst
- Logistics specialist
- Procurement specialist
Mid-career roles
5-10 years
- Transportation manager
- Supply chain manager
- Logistics sustainability manager
Late career roles
11-15 years
- Director of logistics
- Director of transportation
- Operations director
C-suite
(15+ years)
- Chief supply chain officer
- Vice president of operations
- Chief operating officer
Ready to advance your career?