The 2019 Supply Chain Salary and Career Survey Report from the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), shows a bright outlook for supply chain professionals.
The survey, designed jointly by ASCM and Readex Research, received 2,693 responses ranging from staff/associate or managerial level positions to director or above, who reported high job satisfaction, rising salaries and benefits that combined to contribute to strong job stability.
ASCM, the largest nonprofit association for supply chain, noted that a recent Gallup World Poll found 85 percent of workers displeased with their jobs. In comparison, when supply chain professionals were asked to rate their overall satisfaction with working in the supply chain field on a 0-10 scale, 80 percent of respondents provided a rating of 8 and above. In addition, 82 percent said they were likely to stay working in the supply chain field for the next five years.
Although there was still a gap between men’s and women’s salaries, indications are that it is narrowing, especially for supply chain professionals under 40, where the difference between salaries is less than $1,000 annually. These results challenge other industries where, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average difference between men’s and women’s salaries was $10,000 in 2018, ASCM noted.
Overall, the supply chain professionals surveyed earned between $51,000 and $140,000 in 2018. The median salary was $80,000, up 3 percent from 2017.
“The supply chain industry offers people of all profiles and backgrounds a fast-track to career advancement, professional and personal satisfaction, and high levels of compensation,” ASCM CEO Abe Eshkenazi said. “ASCM is proud to support these individuals as they develop in the profession, make meaningful contributions to their organizations, and achieve continued career fulfillment and success.”
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Among the additional report findings were that surveyed supply chain professionals received an average base salary increase of 4.2 percent in 2018, up from a reported 3 percent pay raise in 2017. Nearly all of the respondents (91 percent) received an increase.
Nearly all the respondents said they receive holiday pay and 80 percent have three weeks or more of vacation. More than half are offered flexible schedules and 57 percent can work from home if needed.
In other areas, the survey revealed that supply chain professionals who hold at least one certification reported their median salary was 18 percent higher than those who are not certified. Furthermore, each additional certification earned correlates with an additional rise in salary. Supply chain professionals who hold an APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD) designation reported a median salary that is 25 percent higher than those without a certification.
ASCM launched this year with the aim of driving innovation in the supply chain sector, with new products, services and partnerships that enable companies. It was built on the foundation of the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS).