Logistician and Project Management Specialist Salary: $99,830 Median in 2024
The median annual salary for logisticians and project management specialists is $99,830, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to roughly $48 per hour, with the typical range spanning from $59,810 at the 10th percentile to $165,190 at the 90th. This occupation employs over 1.3 million people across the United States, making it a sizable and well-compensated field for those who coordinate supply chains and oversee complex projects.
How much Logisticians and Project Management Specialists earn
The BLS reports that the mean annual wage for this occupation is $106,740. Half of workers earn between $59,810 and $165,190, meaning the bottom 10% make under $60,000 while the top 10% earn above $165,000. Pay varies by experience, industry, and location, but the median of $99,830 places it well above the national average for all occupations.
Entry-level roles often start near $60,000, but with a few years of experience and relevant certifications, six-figure salaries become common. Project management specialists in tech-heavy industries or logistics managers in high-volume distribution centers tend to land at the higher end.
Pay by state
While the BLS does not provide state-by-state breakdowns for this specific occupation, general patterns suggest that states with major logistics hubs—like California, Texas, and Illinois—tend to offer higher wages. Lower-paying states are typically those with less industrial activity, such as Mississippi or West Virginia. For precise state-level data, refer to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) database.
How to become a Logisticians and Project Management Specialist
Most logisticians and project management specialists hold at least a bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, industrial engineering, or a related field. Some employers prefer a master’s degree, especially for senior project management roles. Real-world experience is critical—many professionals start as logistics coordinators or junior project managers before moving up.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in supply chain, business, or engineering.
- Gain 2–5 years of experience in logistics or project coordination.
- Consider certifications: Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or Project Management Professional (PMP) can boost salary and credibility.
- Develop skills in data analysis, ERP software, and communication.
Job outlook
The BLS does not publish a specific growth projection for logisticians and project management specialists combined. However, employment in the broader logistics and project management field is expected to grow about as fast as average through 2034, driven by ongoing supply chain complexity and the need for efficient project delivery in virtually every industry.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a logistician or project management specialist?
Entry-level roles typically pay around $59,810, the 10th percentile according to the BLS. Starting salaries vary by location and industry.
Do logisticians and project management specialists need a certification?
Certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) or CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) are not required but are widely preferred and can increase earnings.
Which industries pay the most for this occupation?
The BLS does not provide industry-specific figures for this combined occupation, but top-paying sectors generally include aerospace, computer systems design, and oil and gas extraction.
Is the demand for logisticians and project management specialists growing?
The BLS does not project growth for this combined category, but logistics and project management roles overall are expected to grow at an average pace through 2034.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Logisticians and Project Management Specialists data.