Average Salary in Logistics USA: What to Expect in 2025

Logistics runs behind the scenes—and honestly, it pays better than most people think. Companies in the U.S. know that moving products smoothly from A to B is the backbone of business, so there's solid money in these jobs. As of May 2025, the average salary for logistics workers in the United States sits around $61,000 per year. But that number alone doesn't tell the full story.

Entry-level positions like warehouse clerks usually land between $37,000 and $45,000. If you've got a few years under your belt or skills in planning and coordination, roles like logistics coordinators or analysts often bring in $55,000 to $75,000. The real earning power kicks in with experience—or if you can handle chaos without losing your cool. Managers and supply chain directors in busy markets can see $90,000 or more, sometimes cracking six figures, especially with bonuses or overtime.

Experience and location matter a ton. You’ll notice pay spikes in major shipping hubs, ports, and areas with lots of distribution centers—think Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, or Atlanta. Growing your skills with tech tools or certifications can also bump those numbers up quickly.

• Snapshot: The Average Salary Right Now
• Why Salaries Vary So Much
• What Different Logistics Roles Pay
• Top States and Cities for Logistics Salaries
• How to Boost Your Pay in Logistics

Snapshot: The Average Salary Right Now

If you’re checking out logistics jobs and wondering what the numbers look like in 2025, the average salary in the logistics industry in the USA clocks in at roughly $61,000 a year. This includes everyone from folks in entry-level jobs on the warehouse floor to the pros managing complex supply chains.

For folks just starting out—maybe your first year after switching careers or graduating—expect to make somewhere between $37,000 and $45,000 a year. These are jobs like logistics assistants, warehouse clerks, and junior analysts. It’s a decent starting point, especially since many of these roles offer overtime and shift differentials.

Mid-level jobs, like a logistics coordinator or logistics analyst, often bring home between $55,000 and $75,000. If you’re supervising a team or handling multiple shipments, companies bump up pay because you’re basically the person keeping everything from falling apart.

If you want to see how this looks side-by-side, check out the breakdown below:

The highest-paying jobs, like supply chain managers or senior planners, easily cross $90,000—sometimes way more, depending on your location and the company’s size.

Keep in mind, places like Los Angeles, Dallas, and Chicago usually pay more than smaller towns, just because there’s more business and competition. Plus, many logistics companies offer bonuses if you keep deliveries on time, hit targets, or help save costs. If you’re aiming for more, learning the latest logistics tech or picking up a certification can open the door to higher pay fast.

Why Salaries Vary So Much

Salaries in logistics jobs can be all over the place, and there's no single reason for that. It usually comes down to four big things: where you work, what specific job you do, how much experience you have, and the size of the company.

Location is a huge factor. For example, someone in New Jersey or California—places loaded with shipping ports and warehouses—will get paid more than someone in a smaller town far from a major hub. In fact, salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that workers in metropolitan areas like Los Angeles and Chicago earn about 20% higher than the national average for logistics roles.

What you actually do each day matters, too. Entry-level warehouse jobs just don't pay as much as roles that need more problem-solving, tech skills, or decision making. Take a look at how the pay looks across a few different job titles:

Experience counts for a lot. If you just got your start in logistics jobs, you won't make as much as someone who's been through a few hectic holiday seasons or learned how to handle shipping headaches. Folks with years on the job or extra certifications—like Six Sigma or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)—easily jump a salary bracket.

Bigger companies also pay more, but usually expect you to juggle bigger problems. National or global firms are willing to pay for folks who can handle tracking huge shipments, lead teams, or troubleshoot tech issues quickly.

• Bonus tip: If you speak a second language or know your way around logistics software, you’ll probably land even more cash. The field loves specialized skills right now.

What Different Logistics Roles Pay

There’s no one-size-fits-all paycheck in logistics jobs. Your salary depends a lot on your title, how much responsibility you’ve got, and how comfortable you are juggling moving pieces. Here’s what you can actually expect for common roles in the U.S. in 2025.

• Warehouse Workers: These folks usually earn between $37,000 to $45,000 per year, depending on location and company. Overtime is common, and union shops can nudge this figure up.
• Logistics Coordinators: These pros keep the chaos to a minimum, earning roughly $55,000 to $65,000. If you’ve got good software chops and like dealing with people, this is an entry point to better pay.
• Supply Chain Analysts: Problem-solvers pulling in about $65,000 to $80,000. Experience with data and software like SAP really matters here.
• Transportation Managers: Managing fleets and keeping deliveries on track can net $75,000 to $95,000. The more complex the job, the better the wage.
• Logistics and Supply Chain Directors: These are the top dogs, often clearing $110,000, especially in big metro areas. Bonuses for cutting costs or boosting efficiency are pretty common.

Pay isn’t just about showing up—having experience with logistics software or process automation gives you a leg up. According to a recent survey by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals,

"Technical skills and certifications can lift logistics salaries as much as 15% over the national average—especially for roles dealing with automation and analytics."

If you’re aiming for a higher rung on the logistics salary ladder, focus on learning tools like SAP or Oracle, getting certified, and jumping into roles with more responsibility. The money follows the skills.

Top States and Cities for Logistics Salaries

If you're chasing a high logistics salary, where you live can make a huge difference. Not all places pay the same—and some cities and states crank things up big time because they need top talent to keep goods moving.

California, Texas, and Illinois have the edge for logistics jobs. California stands out—you'll see higher wages in the Los Angeles area, often $70,000 or north for experienced workers, simply because of the ports and endless demand for goods. Texas, especially Dallas and Houston, follows closely, riding the wave of massive warehousing and shipping activity. Illinois, with Chicago as its hub, brings in big paychecks thanks to its railroads, highways, and central spot for shipping across the country.

Here’s a quick look at average logistics salaries in top states and cities as of early 2025:

Don’t sleep on places like Memphis, Tennessee or Louisville, Kentucky, either. Both sit on huge shipping routes—FedEx and UPS use these cities as super-hubs. So even though the overall cost of living might be lower, salaries can stay impressively above the national average. That’s money you actually get to keep.

If you're looking for a mix of good pay and a lower cost of living, northern Kentucky and areas near Columbus, Ohio are worth a look. The trick is to aim for places with high shipping volume and lots of distribution centers. Companies in those spots need skilled workers and pay better to snag them.

Bottom line: If you're willing to move—or you already live near one of these logistics hot zones—you're in a prime spot to earn more than the usual average salary USA figure for this industry.

How to Boost Your Pay in Logistics

If you’re gunning for a higher logistics salary, there’s no magic trick—but there are some proven moves that work. Most guys in logistics who break past the average don’t just stick it out in one role. They grab any chance to level up their skills, build their network, and show they can handle bigger challenges.

• Certifications make a difference. Stuff like APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt can add a few thousand to your annual salary. Companies look for these when they’re picking leaders or giving promotions.
• Get comfortable with tech. Knowing how to use modern warehouse systems or transportation management software, like SAP or Oracle, puts you above someone who’s just familiar with spreadsheets.
• Working odd hours or overtime pays. Deliveries and shipments run around the clock, so folks willing to take the evening or weekend shifts often see bigger paychecks from overtime or shift differentials.
• Relocate if you can. Logistics jobs in port cities or big distribution states (like California, Texas, and Georgia) usually pay more than jobs in rural areas.
• Talk about pay more. Loads of people miss out on raises because they never ask. Come to performance reviews with numbers and a list of what you’ve handled (especially if it saved money or fixed chaos).

Want some proof? Check out this quick breakdown of the extra dollars common certifications can pull in:

The move that pays off the fastest? Get yourself in the action where the biggest companies operate, and never stop adding to your toolkit—even just learning a little Spanish can open up new options. That’s how guys in the know keep inching ahead in the average salary USA stats.