What Does a Logistics Coordinator Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a logistics coordinator do?

Logistics coordinators and logisticians plan, schedule and track the movement of goods: booking carriers, managing inventory and orders, solving delays and analyzing data to keep supply chains efficient. The median pay is $82,320 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–4 years, and employment is projected to grow +17.6% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$82,320
$39.58/hour · May 2025
Job growth
+17.6%
2025–35, much faster than average
Openings per year
26,600
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
BLS classification
Time to train
1–4 years
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
255,100
Employment, 2025

What logistics coordinators do

Logistics coordinators are the air-traffic controllers of the supply chain. They book trucks and freight, track shipments, coordinate with warehouses, suppliers and customers, solve problems when shipments are late or damaged, and use data to cut costs and improve on-time delivery.

BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as typical for logisticians, but many coordinators start in warehouses, dispatch or customer service and move up with experience and certifications. Employment is projected to grow much faster than average.

Typical duties

Schedule and book shipments with carriers
Track shipments and update customers and teams
Coordinate with warehouses, suppliers and customers
Prepare and review shipping documents
Resolve delays, damages and billing discrepancies
Monitor inventory and order flow
Analyze logistics data to reduce costs and improve service

Work environment and schedule

Logistics coordinators work in offices at manufacturers, retailers, distributors, 3PLs, freight brokers and government agencies, sometimes visiting warehouses. Many roles offer hybrid or remote options.

Schedule: Usually full-time, weekday hours, with occasional evenings or weekends when shipments run late.

A day in the life

8:00 AMReview the shipment tracking dashboard for late or at-risk loads.
8:30 AMCall a carrier about a delayed truck and update the customer with a new ETA.
10:00 AMGet quotes and book three truckload shipments in the transportation management system (TMS).
11:30 AMMeet with the warehouse manager to plan for a large inbound container.

See a full day in the life of a logistics coordinator →

Logistics Coordinator salary

Half of logistics coordinators earned more than $82,320 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $50,890 for the lowest 10% to $133,160 for the top 10%.

$50,89010th$82,320Median$133,16090th

Full logistics coordinator pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a logistics coordinator

Build a foundation
Get logistics experience
Learn the systems
Earn credentials or a degree
Advance

BLS lists a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business or a related field as typical for logisticians. Many coordinators enter with an associate degree or experience from warehousing, dispatch or customer service and advance with certifications.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a logistics coordinator →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Transportation and carrier management
Inventory and order management
Shipping documentation
Logistics software (TMS, WMS, ERP)
Excel and data analysis

People skills

Problem-solving under pressure
Clear communication
Organization
Negotiation

All logistics coordinator skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Much faster than average job growth
Strong pay potential as you advance
Fast-paced problem-solving
Remote or hybrid options in many roles

Cons

Stressful when shipments go wrong
Juggling many priorities and deadlines
Lots of phone and email communication
Some roles expect after-hours availability

Certifications and licenses

CLTD (ASCM): Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution.
CSCP (ASCM): Certified Supply Chain Professional.
CPIM (ASCM): Certified in Planning and Inventory Management.
MSSC Certified Logistics Technician: Entry-level credential for warehouse and logistics operations.

Career path

Logistics Coordinator: Book, track and solve shipment issues.
Logistician or Logistics Analyst: Analyze and improve logistics operations.
Transportation or Supply Chain Manager: Lead teams and carrier strategy.
Director of Logistics or Supply Chain: Run the end-to-end supply chain.

Learn the job before day one

Our Logistics Coordinator training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as calculate a reorder point with safety stock and book a truckload shipment, safety and how to land your first job.

View Logistics Coordinator training Is this career right for me?

Truck Driver

Haul freight safely across town or across the country with a CDL.

$58,640
3–7 weeks

Warehouse Associate

Receive, pick, pack and ship orders that keep stores and customers supplied.

$40,240
Days (on the job)

Project Manager

Plan projects, lead teams and deliver results on time, on budget and in scope.

$102,320
1–4+ years

Customer Service Representative

Help customers solve problems by phone, chat and email, and keep them coming back.

$44,770
2–6 weeks (paid training)

Compare: Logistics Coordinator vs. Truck Driver · Logistics Coordinator vs. Warehouse Associate · Logistics Coordinator vs. Project Manager · Logistics Coordinator vs. Customer Service Rep

Logistics Coordinator FAQ

Do you need a degree to work in logistics?

Entry-level coordinator roles often hire based on experience and skills. Logistician and analyst roles more often require a bachelor’s degree.

What’s the difference between a logistics coordinator and a logistician?

Coordinators handle day-to-day scheduling and tracking; logisticians typically analyze and manage the broader supply chain.

Is logistics a growing field?

Yes. BLS projects 17.6% employment growth for logisticians from 2025 to 2035.

How much does a logistics coordinator make?

The median annual wage for logistics coordinators was $82,320 ($39.58 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $50,890 and the highest 10% earned more than $133,160.

How long does it take to become a logistics coordinator?

Most people need about 1–4 years of training. BLS lists a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business or a related field as typical for logisticians. Many coordinators enter with an associate degree or experience from warehousing, dispatch or customer service and advance with certifications.

Do you need a degree to be a logistics coordinator?

Not always. BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as typical for logisticians, but many logistics coordinators are hired from warehouse, dispatch or customer service roles and grow with experience and certifications such as ASCM’s CLTD.

More logistics coordinator questions →

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 13-1081 (Logisticians).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Logisticians (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Logistics Coordinator