What Is a Logistics Analyst? 2025 Career Guide

Playing a key role in product development and supply chain management, logistics analysts help to manage the life cycle of a product, from securing the materials needed for developing it to assisting with its distribution and delivery to customers. Careers in logistics have a favorable job outlook—jobs for logistics analysts are likely to grow by 19 percent between 2023 and 2033, a faster-than-average pace [1]. While many logistics analysts work in manufacturing, you can find work with many companies and even government agencies. 

Learn more about working in logistics, including job duties, average salary, and how to begin your career as a logistics analyst.

What does a logistics analyst do?

Supply chain management is essential for any organization, helping to ensure cost-effective product distribution, and as a logistics analyst you will assist your organization with improving its supply chain to boost customer satisfaction, reduce expenses, and increase profits. You’ll be involved in every element of the production process, from the acquisition of materials to the transport of the final product to customers. As a result, you will work closely with other professionals, including suppliers, warehouse managers, and inventory managers to streamline the product design, development, and distribution process. 

Logistics analyst tasks and responsibilities 

As a logistics analyst, you can expect to fulfill some common job responsibilities such as maintaining databases, analyzing data, and tracking shipments. Below, you may take a more in-depth look at your role:

• Develop and maintain databases of logistics information, including product availability, transportation costs, and key performance measures

• Analyze logistics data and business metrics to optimize efficiency 

• Track and monitor product shipments

• Identify and improve shipment methods to reduce costs and expedite product delivery to customers

• Coordinate with vendors, including transportation companies and materials suppliers 

• Evaluate inventory to determine how much product to develop, store, or ship

• Monitor software that tracks product movement

• Develop standards to streamline product shipment and delivery

Logistics analyst skills

A successful career as a logistics analyst begins by developing the skills that help you excel in this role. Having the right workplace and technical skills can help you advance in your career.

Workplace skills

Logistics analysts work on a team to oversee the product development life cycle, and as a result, it’s essential that you have key skills that allow you to collaborate effectively with others. Moreover, you may have some customer-facing responsibilities that make it important for you to communicate effectively with customers. Focus on building the following workplace skills to prepare for a role in logistics:

• Communication

• Customer service

• Critical thinking

• Analytical skills

• Problem-solving

• Management

Technical skills

As a logistics professional, it’s also important for you to develop technical expertise in the field. Technical skills for logistics analysts include knowledge and experience in: 

• Supply chain management

• Inventory management

• Warehousing

• Data entry and data analysis

• Compliance

• Purchasing

• Production planning

• Transportation management

Logistics analyst salary and job outlook

The average logistics analyst salary was $79,400 as of May 2023 [2]. This salary can vary by industry, with logistics analysts working for the federal government earning an average salary of $95,890 and those in manufacturing earning $82,410 [2]. 

Job prospects for logistics analysts are positive for the next several years, thanks to the growth of e-commerce. With a job growth rate of 19 percent between 2023 and 2033 [1], the US will see about 26,100 job openings a year for logistics analysts [1].

How to become a logistics analyst

Some logistics analysts may choose to earn a degree related to the field of logistics to begin their career. However, others might transition into logistics roles after serving as material recording clerks or in the military. After working as a logistics analyst, you may take on advanced roles as a logistics manager, supply chain manager, or project manager.

Learn more about the degrees and credentials you can earn on your path to becoming a logistics analyst.

Education and training

Most logisticians, including logistics analysts, hold a bachelor’s degree in logistics, supply chain management, business, or a related field. 66 percent of logistics analysts have a bachelor’s degree [3]. Another 17 percent have an associate degree, and 9 percent have a master’s degree [3]. Business is the most popular major for logistics analysts, followed by supply chain management, management, accounting, and finance [3].

If you choose to pursue graduate education, consider earning a Master of Business Administration or a master’s degree in logistics and supply chain management. These graduate-level degree programs allow you to develop advanced skills that help you prepare for a role in logistics. For example, logistics and supply chain management graduate degree programs include courses focusing on such topics as supply chain management strategies, purchasing and materials management, international trade, and quantitative methods for logistics. 

Certifications and certificates

Earning a credential in logistics or supply chain management can demonstrate to potential employers that you possess the necessary skills for the job. Several organizations in the logistics industry offer certifications or certificates, so consider these options:

• Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution (CLTD): The Association for Supply Chain Management offers the CLTD designation. After studying key topics in logistics, including inventory management, warehouse fulfillment, and global logistics and transportation, you’ll complete a certification exam to earn this designation.

• Demonstrated Logistician (DL) Certificate: The International Society of Logistics offers the Demonstrated Logistician certificate, which requires continuing education or professional development as well as satisfactory job performance ratings. You’ll work with your employer to begin this DL program, which requires supervisor input. As your career progresses, you may earn additional designations, including Certified Master Logistician and Certified Professional Logistician. 

• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM): The Institute for Supply Management offers the CPSM certification for logistics analysts. To earn this certification, you must have three years of relevant professional experience in supply management and a bachelor’s degree. Alternatively, you may have five years of professional experience in the field without a bachelor’s degree. You’ll study competencies such as supply chain strategy, sales and operations planning, quality management, and logistics and material management. Then you’ll complete three exams on supply management to complete the program.

Getting started as a logistics analyst on Coursera

Logistics is a rapidly growing field with ample career opportunities, well suited for those who enjoy database management and problem-solving. Launch your logistics career on Coursera. Consider the Supply Chain Management Specialization from Rutgers University, where you can learn about key topics in logistics and supply chain management. Additionally, the University of California, Irvine offers an Inventory Management course on Coursera. This five-hour course covers such topics as analyzing historical inventory data and using the newsvendor model to identify an organization’s inventory needs.