We love our jobs, say supply chain professionals

CHICAGO –In a recent survey 80 percent of respondents provided a rating of eight out of 10 and above for job satisfaction and 82 percent said they are likely to stay working in the supply chain field for the next five years.

The Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) released these findings as parts of its 2019 Supply Chain Salary and Career Survey Report.

Overall the survey shows a bright outlook for supply chain professionals who reported high job satisfaction, rising salaries, and benefits contributing to a healthy work and life balance, all of which contributed to strong job stability.

Although there was still a gap between men’s and women’s salaries, it appears to be narrowing, especially for supply chain professionals under 40 where the difference between salaries is less than US$1,000. These results challenge other industries where, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average difference between men’s and women’s salaries was $10,000 in 2018.

“This 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,” said ASCM CEO Abe Eshkenazi.

“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.”

Additional report findings show:

• Climbing salaries: Surveyed supply chain professionals received an average base salary increase of 4.2 percent in 2018, up from the reported three percent pay raise in 2017. Nearly all of the respondents (91 percent) received an increase.
• Time off and flexibility: Nearly all respondents receive holiday pay,and 80 percent have three weeks or more of vacation. More than half are offered flexible schedules and can work from home if needed.
• Certifications correlate with higher income: Supply chain professionals who hold one certification reported a median salary that 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.

In conjunction with the report, ASCM created an interactive tool that allows members to see how changes in job title, tenure, education, certification and more can affect salary and compensation. Learn more about the survey and ASCM at www.ascm.org/salary-survey.

ASCM received 2,693 responses to this salary survey. Respondents were instructed to answer the survey based on their position in the supply chain field in the period between July 1, 2017 through July 1, 2018.