By Sarah Mehlert

Considering a career in Logistics? With virtually endless career path options and unprecedented job growth, there is no better time to get your foot in the door in this lucrative industry. Broadly speaking, logistics professionals coordinate and manage the flow of goods and information from conception all the way to consumption. The industry as a whole is integral to our everyday life, and offers vast career path options. Whether you are interested in manual warehouse work or supply chain management, or anything in between, there are not only opportunities for every education and skill level, but also immense room for growth and advancement. When you think about how many industries and organizations rely on logistics professionals for their everyday operations, it is easy to see why this industry offers such stable job security and fulfillment in its workers' lives.

The Logistics industry is thriving, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts about a 5% increase in employment within the industry from 2018 - 2028. With the rise of eCommerce, that number could be even higher. The soundness of a company's supply chain directly correlates with their success and profit, so the need for skilled logistics professionals will continue to rise across all industries. The Harvard Business Review found that the U.S. supply chain contains 37% of all jobs, employing 44 million people. Even in times of economic hardship, this is one industry that has continued to show growth and isn't slowing down.

The average salary of a logistics professional in the United States in 2019 was $74,750 per year, which is almost double the median annual wage of all workers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). On the lower end of the scale, the BLS reports that entry level logistics professionals are making about $44,020 annually, and the top 10 percent are earning about $120,400. Companies are constantly searching for skilled logistics professionals for all sectors of business that can help optimize their supply chains. Because of the level of demand and its significant impact on our economy, there is plenty of money to be made in the logistics industry.

Any company that offers a product or service requires logistics professionals to operate, which means there are infinite options in the industry for which career path you can take and in which sector, depending on what you are interested in. Working environments vary from warehouse settings from office settings to truck driving, while places of employment can vary from non-profit organizations to government to large corporations and everything in between. Under the broad logistics umbrella, there are careers in customer service, operations, warehousing, transportation, materials handling, inventory management, dispatching and fleet operations, freight forwarding, and so much more. Whichever path you choose, it will prove to be a rewarding career in an industry that has much to offer.

No matter what your education level is, there is a position in logistics for you. Although some positions require a 4-year college degree or higher, there is still plenty of work to be found with an Associate's degree or even a High School Diploma. Whether you are searching for an entry level position or a management position, this field offers opportunity at every level. Getting your foot in the door with an entry level position can also lead to plenty of advancement opportunities down the road. For a lot of employers, experience in the industry is just as valuable, if not more so, than education.

If you are willing to put in the hard work and take on the responsibility, the logistics industry is an ideal place to work your way up the ranks, as companies tend to prefer to promote from within and invest in their employees. As you build your skills and experience, many exciting career paths will open to you that may have not been on your radar before. Because logistics is such a diverse industry with numerous facets and levels, there is always room to advance in your career. Promotions are common, and the most diligent employees can advance quickly with the abundance of knowledge and experience that comes with any position.

All organizations and industries rely on logistics professionals and the relationship between suppliers, businesses and consumers is vital. Although often overlooked, the logistics industry is one with unlimited potential and as the backbone of our economy, isn't going anywhere anytime soon. If you are looking for an exciting career path that offers an abundance of positions to be filled, rapid advancement, a high salary and job security, look no further. No matter what area or industry you choose to pursue, a career in logistics will offer you stability and fulfillment.