What Logisticians do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Logisticians this way: "Analyze and coordinate the ongoing logistical functions of a firm or organization. Responsible for the entire life cycle of a product, including acquisition, distribution, internal allocation, delivery, and final disposal of resources."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Maintain and develop positive business relationships with a customer's key personnel involved in, or directly relevant to, a logistics activity"; "Develop an understanding of customers' needs and take actions to ensure that such needs are met"; "Direct availability and allocation of materials, supplies, and finished products"; "Collaborate with other departments as necessary to meet customer requirements, to take advantage of sales opportunities or, in the case of shortages, to minimize negative impacts on a business"; "Protect and control proprietary materials".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree.
Job outlook for Logisticians
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 255,100 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 300,000 in 2035, an increase of 44,900 jobs (+17.6%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 26,600 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 10.4% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $82,320, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Logisticians earn the most
Across the 9 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $78,821 in Indiana to $104,330 in District of Columbia, a gap of $25,509 (1.32 times). 7 of those 9 states average above the BLS national median of $82,320 and 2 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 31,090, which is 22.8% of the 136,200 counted across them. Maryland follows with 17,530.
Highest-paying states
District of Columbia ($104,330), West Virginia ($101,915) and Maryland ($101,058) lead the ranking, while Indiana ($78,821) and Illinois ($82,044) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Logisticians: pay against the cost of living
We compare 9 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Jefferson County, WV (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV) at $58,081. The smallest margin is $24,134 in Los Angeles County, CA.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 9 of the 9 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 16.2% and 47.4% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Logisticians
Project Management Specialists belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (13-1000) include Management Analysts, Compliance Officers, Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists and Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists.
Frequently asked questions about Logisticians
How much do Logisticians earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $82,320. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $78,821 to $104,330.
Which state pays Logisticians the most?
District of Columbia, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $104,330. West Virginia is next at $101,915.
Is Logisticians a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 17.6% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 26,600 openings a year.
What education do Logisticians need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, according to BLS.
Where can Logisticians afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Jefferson County, WV leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $58,081 on a median wage of $104,330.