Supply chain careers delivering high pay, purpose in a shifting economy

In a world defined by economic unpredictability and geopolitical volatility, one constant remains: supply chain professionals continue to thrive. According to the 2025 Association for Supply Chain Management’s Salary and Career Report, not only are compensation levels competitive, but job satisfaction and career advancement opportunities remain strong across the global supply chain landscape.

Based on survey responses from more than 3,500 professionals, the supply chain salary trends report paints a picture of a resilient, rewarding, and evolving industry—one that continues to attract new talent while retaining and rewarding experienced professionals.

According to report, not only are compensation levels competitive, but job satisfaction and career growth in supply chain management remains strong across the global landscape.

Compensation and upward mobility

Supply chain professionals in the U.S. reported a median base salary of $94,000, with total compensation, including bonuses, reaching $103,000. That’s a 52% premium over the national median salary of $62,000, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data ASCM referenced. It is the second year in a row the survey found the average topping $100,000, but it was basically unchanged from last year’s survey. Despite broader economic pressures, 78% of professionals reported a salary increase in 2024, and optimism for continued salary growth remains high.

While the median compensation level remained at the same levels as last year, the number of professionals reporting they changed jobs in 2024 doubled from 2023. Last year, 16% reported changing positions, with 20% seeking promotions and 19% seeking better compensation and benefits.

Of concern, though, is that there remains a gender pay gap in supply chain positions.  The survey found that women in their first two years of supply chain work are earning 10% (approximately $7,000/annually) more than their male counterparts. But as careers progress, this trend reverses, with men earning significantly more later in their careers. The gap after two decades of work increases to 23%. ASCM posits that the gap could be related to a complex set of factors, including career breaks, hours worked, negotiation and occupational segregation.

“Addressing this ongoing problem requires a continued focus on creating clear career paths for women; actively promoting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives; and fostering fair growth and compensation opportunities for all people throughout their careers in supply chain,” the report noted.

Education matters

One thing the report notes is that those with certifications tend to make more than those without. Professionals holding at least one APICS certification reported a 20% salary boost over those without. Those who combined a bachelor’s degree in supply chain with an APICS credential saw median salaries rise to $100,000—an 18% increase over their uncertified peers, the report noted.

Simply having a high school diploma or equivalent earns someone a median salary of $75,000, nearly double the national average, the report notes.

The survey noted that 85% of supply chain professionals report being proud of their work, and 81% say they are satisfied in their roles. Furthermore, 83% would recommend a supply chain career to others—a powerful testament to the field’s continued appeal, and another amazing selling point for the industry.

Preparing for a digital future

Not surprisingly, technology is invading the industry. Over half of respondents (56%) reported using cloud-based platforms, while 45% are using AI tools such as ChatGPT. These technology tools are becoming more important in an uncertain world. Education, though, needs to keep up. In a recent article, Supply Chain Management Review contributor Bridget McCrea noted how executive education is trying to keep up with the fast-changing worlds of geopolitics and tech.

“Put simply, there are a lot of unknowns and supply chain executives are being asked to look into their crystal balls, see what’s coming next and prepare their organizations for emerging threats and opportunities—all while the ground beneath them continues to shift. Walking this tightrope isn’t easy,” she wrote.

Importantly, she found those in the education field noting how people remain a key to this digital transition. “There’s an overriding concern that with all of the new technology being delivered at a prolific pace, at some point you have to ask yourself if you’re investing in your talent at the same pace,” Douglas Kent, ASCM EVP of corporate and strategic alliances, told her. “Many companies are marching blindly toward the bright shiny objects and then forgetting that they also need to bring their people along at the same pace.”

People, and properly compensated people at that, remain the key cog in the supply chain.

You can read the full ASCM salary report here.

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