25 of the Highest Paying Supply Chain Specialist Jobs in 2023

The best Supply Chain Specialist jobs can pay up to $126,500 per year.

A supply chain specialist is a critical player in the process of moving goods from producers to consumers, taking responsibility for overseeing the transportation and storage of products. Their main responsibilities encompass managing product development, monitoring inventory levels, supervising transportation and storage logistics, and overseeing daily supply chain operations.

Aspiring supply chain specialists need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline like business or economics, complemented by prior managerial experience. Essential skills for this role include strong analytical capabilities, excellent communication skills, and superior organizational abilities. For those keen on advancing their careers, professional certification can be an advantageous pursuit.

To land a role as a supply chain specialist, potential candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree in business, economics, or a related field, coupled with a few years of experience in supply chain operations, preferably in a management role. Employers often favor applicants with experience in the specific type of supply chain management software they use, thus getting trained on widely-used systems could enhance your career prospects in this sector.

Successful supply chain specialists are known for their interpersonal, analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Additionally, attention to detail, the ability to multitask effectively in a high-pressure environment, and keen problem-solving abilities are all beneficial traits for professionals in this field.

High-Paying Supply Chain Specialist Jobs

Supply Chain Consultant Salary range: $86,500-$126,500 per year

A supply chain consultant is a pivotal player in refining a client’s logistics operations. This role involves collaborating closely with a company’s management team to pinpoint any issues related to inventory, storage, and distribution, with the aim of enhancing efficiency and cutting costs. Key tasks in this role involve client consultations, in-depth analysis of every facet of the supply chain, pinpointing potential areas for improvement, and recommending viable alternatives to clients. To thrive in this role, one needs a robust combination of analytical prowess and excellent interpersonal communication skills.

Supply Planner Salary range: $103,000-$113,000 per year

A supply planner is a key figure who supervises the realms of inventory management, and merchandise production planning and manages budget-related issues associated with the manufacturing of products. In this role, your primary responsibility is to ensure that stock levels are well-maintained to cater to customer demand. Collaboration with demand planners, who craft predictive models to estimate or stimulate future demand, forms a critical part of your job. Analyzing these forecasts is integral to ascertaining that your supplies remain equipped to meet anticipated demand. Communication of inventory requirements to the production team and warehouse staff also falls under the purview of a supply planner’s duties.

Sourcing Consultant Salary range: $25,000-$111,000 per year

Sourcing Consultant salaries across the United States exhibit quite a spread, typically falling between $25,000 (representing the 25th percentile) and $111,000 (marking the 75th percentile) per year. This substantial salary range indicates plenty of room for career progression and potential pay hikes, contingent upon factors like skill level, geographic location, and experience. Judging by recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the job market for Sourcing Consultants in the United States can be described as moderately active, with several companies currently recruiting for this role.

Vendor Analyst Salary range: $60,000-$106,500 per year

In the role of a vendor analyst, you’re the maestro who crafts novel ranking methodologies, empowering manufacturing firms to evaluate suppliers and make procurement choices that bolster their profitability. Your responsibilities entail conducting comprehensive research into the diverse outsourcing possibilities accessible to manufacturers, and creating tools that aid the company in selecting the most suitable supplier. Prerequisites for this role are an eclectic blend of professional background, educational qualifications, and proficiencies. To be a desirable candidate, you should hold a bachelor’s degree in IT, logistics, or business administration, complemented by multiple years of experience in vendor or supplier analysis.

Vendor Management Consultant Salary range: $67,500-$101,000 per year

Vendor Management Consultant salaries across the United States typically fall between $67,500 (25th percentile) and $101,000 (75th percentile) each year. This relatively moderate salary range indicates that compensation in this role tends to be stable, irrespective of proficiency level, geographical location, and years of experience, although some upward mobility is achievable. According to the most recent job listings on ZipRecruiter, there is a moderate level of activity in the Vendor Management Consultant job market in the United States, with several companies currently on the hunt for new talent.

Procurement Agent Salary range: $59,500-$99,000 per year

As a procurement agent, your role encompasses buying merchandise or services on behalf of a client or organization. The core responsibilities of this position include generating purchase orders, sourcing high-value goods from suppliers, negotiating commercial agreements with vendors, and offering regular updates on the shipping status. Occasionally, your duties might also involve attending conferences or trade shows to discover and build rapport with potential suppliers.

Sourcing Analyst Salary range: $50,000-$93,500 per year

As a sourcing analyst, your role is pivotal in observing and recording data about the providers of raw materials for your organization. You are tasked with diligently monitoring shifts in market trends and prices; given that even minor market variations can severely impact profitability, your focus on price monitoring is crucial. In instances of significant market changes, your role involves devising strategies to shield the company from adverse effects and exploring innovative methods for material procurement. The prerequisites to become a sourcing analyst include a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, finance, or a relevant field, coupled with relevant industry experience.

Demand Planner Salary range: $65,000-$90,000 per year

In the role of a demand planner, you are tasked with managing supply chains and predicting the supply-demand dynamics for businesses. Your duties include conducting data analytics and crafting a demand plan, essentially a trustworthy forecast report that assists in determining the apt amount of supplies required during fluctuating market demand. Implementing such a planning system frequently leads to substantial cost savings for a supply channel. As a demand planner, it’s common to establish a solid understanding or connections with multiple companies within the supply chain, aiding in gaining deeper insights into the influences at the far reaches of the supply chain.

Vendor Management Associate Salary range: $51,000-$89,500 per year

Across the United States, Vendor Management Associate salaries typically fall between $51,000 (25th percentile) and $89,500 (75th percentile) per year. This broad salary spectrum indicates potential opportunities for career growth and enhanced compensation, contingent on the associate’s skills, geographical location, and years of professional experience. Recent job listings on ZipRecruiter suggest a highly active job market for Vendor Management Associates in the U.S., with numerous businesses actively seeking to hire.

Sourcing Specialist Salary range: $47,500-$86,500 per year

As a sourcing specialist, your role is integral in ensuring a company’s efficient and cost-effective acquisition of necessary goods or talent. In the realm of procurement, a sourcing specialist’s responsibilities hinge on cultivating relationships with product vendors, driving negotiations, and crafting contractual agreements. On the other hand, a recruitment sourcing specialist takes on tasks like identifying potential job applicants, establishing initial contact, and then evaluating their qualifications to match the hiring needs of the company.

Demand Planning Analyst Salary range: $60,500-$83,000 per year

Across the United States, salaries for Demand Planning Analysts typically fall between $60,500 (25th percentile) and $83,000 (75th percentile) each year. This modest salary range suggests that the remuneration for this role is quite steady and doesn’t fluctuate dramatically with factors such as skill level, geographical location, or years of experience, although career progression could result in higher earnings. According to the latest job advertisements on ZipRecruiter, the demand for Demand Planning Analysts in the U.S. job market is high, with numerous firms currently recruiting for these positions.

Inventory Planner Salary range: $50,000-$81,500 per year

An Inventory Planner plays a crucial role in an organization by formulating and overseeing inventory strategies. In a manufacturing setting, an Inventory Planner examines the production timetable to estimate the amount of materials required to fulfill a specific order for a certain product. Professionals in this role must be adept at devising complex methods to anticipate potential shifts in the supply chain, fostering solid relationships with suppliers, and managing resources during peak production periods. Typical prerequisites for an Inventory Planner position often comprise a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. However, certain employers may consider candidates with a high school diploma coupled with substantial experience in logistics.

Vendor Management Specialist Salary range: $54,500-$80,000 per year

In the role of a Vendor Management Specialist, you engage directly with a company’s suppliers to guarantee that the company is equipped with the necessary materials for its operations. These materials can span a broad range from office supplies and raw materials to software and more. Your responsibilities involve procuring new supplies, cultivating relationships with vendors, and seeking cost-reduction opportunities such as bulk purchase discounts. Additionally, you are in charge of coordinating deliveries to prevent interruptions in the workflow.

Sales Planner Salary range: $50,000-$80,000 per year

As a Sales Planner, your role involves devising tactics to engage customers and generate sales leads. Your responsibilities may encompass conducting research, discerning sales trends, crafting proposals, and developing and presenting strategies. You collaborate with sales or marketing teams to ascertain that the marketing campaigns are congruent with the set sales objectives of the department.

Retail Planner Salary range: $36,000-$77,500 per year

Across the United States, Retail Planner salaries typically fall between $36,000 (25th percentile) and $77,500 (75th percentile) annually. This wide salary range indicates potential for career advancement and pay increase, varying with factors such as skill level, geographic location, and years of experience. Recent job listings on ZipRecruiter reveal that the job market for Retail Planners in the United States is notably active, with numerous companies currently recruiting.

Sourcing Associate Salary range: $44,500-$71,500 per year

In the United States, the annual salaries for Sourcing Associates typically span from $44,500 (25th percentile) to $71,500 (75th percentile). This relatively moderate salary range implies that compensation in this role tends to be stable, with minor variations depending on skill set, geographic location, and experience level, although there’s some room for advancement. As per recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the job market for Sourcing Associates in the United States appears to be less vibrant, with only a few companies presently recruiting for this role. Exploring opportunities under similar job titles might yield more active job prospects.

Sourcing Coordinator Salary range: $44,500-$68,500 per year

In the role of a sourcing coordinator or procurement coordinator, one’s primary responsibility is the administration of a company’s inventory levels. This involves assessing existing stock, deciding on the quantity and type of goods to be purchased, as well as selecting appropriate vendors. Budget management is another crucial aspect of the job, as one needs to monitor spending closely. Collaboration with managers to track supply levels might be a part of the role, and meeting with suppliers might necessitate occasional travel. While a bachelor’s degree is not typically a prerequisite, previous experience can be beneficial. Key competencies for this career path include proficient analytical abilities and effective budgeting skills.

Vendor Specialist Salary range: $33,500-$63,500 per year

As a vendor specialist, your primary duties encompass delivering superior customer service to a business’s vendors while upholding high operational standards to ensure their satisfaction. An essential part of your role involves maintaining an accurate record of inventory reconciliation between the organization and its vendors, alongside ensuring compliance with any relevant Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Serving as the liaison between the business and its vendors, your responsibilities also include overseeing vendor payments, facilitating effective communication, and managing the company’s cash flow. You might be entrusted with account management for specific vendors, allowing you to supervise daily interactions with them. Since you represent your company, it’s crucial that you exhibit professionalism and embody the company’s values.

Supply Chain Coordinator Salary range: $43,500-$62,500 per year

A supply chain coordinator plays a vital role in overseeing the flow of incoming and outgoing traffic, managing shipping orders, and negotiating favorable shipping rates with carriers. As a supply chain coordinator, your responsibilities encompass monitoring and analyzing the entire supply chain while collaborating with colleagues in the sales department to enhance logistics and efficiency. Qualifications for this career path typically entail experience in the logistics field, proficiency in supply chain management, and the ability to perform data analysis. While an associate degree combined with relevant experience is often sufficient, some employers may prefer a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, computer literacy, including familiarity with shipping and invoice software, is crucial for success in this role.

Supply Chain Associate Salary range: $36,000-$52,000 per year

A supply chain associate or specialist plays a vital role in supporting supply chain management. Responsibilities for this position typically include inventory verification, facilitating order deliveries to the manufacturing facility, and ensuring the achievement of delivery and sales targets. Qualifications for this job often involve industry experience and an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Valuable skills for this role include proficiency in database software, SQL programming, and meticulous attention to detail.

Supply Chain Assistant Salary range: $38,500-$51,500 per year

A supply chain assistant plays a crucial role in facilitating the smooth movement of retail products or building materials throughout the supply chain. The responsibilities of a supply chain assistant encompass tasks such as inventory verification, order fulfillment, product quality assurance, and invoice preparation for retail customers or builders. This career path typically requires prior experience in warehousing, shipping, or logistics. Qualifications for advancing into a management role often involve obtaining a bachelor’s degree and relevant certifications.

Supply Technician Salary range: $42,000-$48,500 per year

A supply technician operates within the realm of inventory management. In this role, your primary responsibilities involve locating inventory items and ensuring their timely shipment to the end user. Strong organizational skills and experience in fast-paced warehouse environments are essential for success. You are accountable for updating order statuses and promptly notifying the relevant manager in case of inventory shortages. Additionally, you may be assigned delivery responsibilities and expected to operate warehouse equipment. While this career path does not have specific educational requirements, possessing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree can potentially enhance earning opportunities.

Supply Chain Intern Salary range: $32,000-$44,000 per year

As an intern in the field of supply chain management, your role entails providing assistance in procuring inventory and coordinating product purchases based on your employer’s specific requirements. As a student in this position, your primary objective is to gain practical experience in supply chain operations to prepare for a permanent role upon graduation. As a supply chain intern, you will have opportunities to develop supply chains, deliver presentations to senior leaders, and utilize analytical skills to enhance existing processes. Additionally, you may shadow experienced employees to gain insight into the intricacies and broader aspects of supply chain management.

Supply Chain Tech Salary range: $30,000-$37,500 per year

Supply Chain Tech salaries in the United States typically fall within the range of $30,000 (25th percentile) to $37,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate salary range suggests that compensation in this role remains relatively stable across different skill levels, geographic locations, and levels of experience, although potential for advancement exists. Recent job postings on ZipRecruiter indicate a moderate level of activity in the Supply Chain Tech job market, with several companies currently seeking to hire professionals in this field.

Vendor Representatives Salary range: $27,000-$29,000 per year

In the United States, the annual salaries for Vendor Representatives typically fall between $27,000 (25th percentile) and $29,000 (75th percentile). It is noteworthy that individuals in this role tend to earn similar salaries regardless of their skill level, location, or years of experience. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the job market for Vendor Representatives in the United States is highly active, with numerous companies actively hiring for these positions.