SOC 13-1081.01Bright outlook

    Logistics Engineers

    Design or analyze operational solutions for projects such as transportation optimization, network modeling, process and methods analysis, cost containment, capacity enhancement, routing and shipment optimization, or information management.

    Median pay
    $82,320
    Growth
    +17.6%
    Much faster than average
    Openings a year
    26,600
    Typical education
    Bachelor's degree

    Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition

    Source: BLS 2025 wages · 2025–35 projections · figures for the broader BLS group "Logisticians"

    See the pathway

    Annual pay range

    Lowest 10% earn less than
    $50,890
    Median
    $82,320
    Highest 10% earn more than
    $133,160
    National wages for all workers in this occupation. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.

    251,040 people work in this occupation.

    In short

    Logistics Engineers design and analyze operational solutions to optimize transportation, routing, and supply chain networks. Belonging to the broader logisticians group, they earn a median annual pay of $82,320 and enjoy much faster than average job growth.

    Written with AI from the BLS, O*NET and CareerOneStop data on this page. Every figure is checked against that data before it is published.

    What logistics engineers do

    Job Zone 4: Considerable preparation

    Design or analyze operational solutions for projects such as transportation optimization, network modeling, process and methods analysis, cost containment, capacity enhancement, routing and shipment optimization, or information management.

    Most need a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.

    What the work is like

    Logistics Engineers focus on improving efficiency across supply chains. Day-to-day work involves analyzing data, working with computers, and gathering information to optimize shipments, contain costs, and enhance capacity. These professionals solve complex problems by evaluating systems, monitoring processes, and making decisions to streamline operations. They regularly communicate with supervisors and peers to coordinate projects and organize work priorities.

    Succeeding in this career requires strong skills in systems analysis, mathematics, critical thinking, and active listening. These engineers rely on a deep knowledge of engineering, technology, transportation, and production processes. They also need a solid understanding of economics, accounting, and administration.

    This role appeals most to individuals with conventional interests who enjoy structured, detail-oriented tasks. Key work styles for this job include attention to detail, dependability, intellectual curiosity, and initiative. Engineers must remain adaptable and demonstrate perseverance when resolving intricate logistical challenges.

    How to get there

    To enter this field, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree. Because this occupation requires considerable preparation, most employers also look for applicants who have several years of related work experience.

    Students preparing for this career often major in business administration or management and operations. These programs provide the foundational knowledge in administration, economics, and production processes necessary for the role.

    While not always mandatory, obtaining professional credentials can help candidates stand out in the job market. One such certification is the Certified Materials & Resource Professional, which is offered by the Association for Healthcare Resource & Materials Management.

    Pay and outlook explained

    In 2025, the median annual pay for logisticians, the broader occupational group that includes logistics engineers, was $82,320. Earnings vary based on experience and location; the lowest 10% of workers in this category earn less than $50,890, while the highest 10% earn more than $133,160.

    This field is experiencing rapid growth. Employment is projected to increase by 17.6% from 2025 to 2035, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth, combined with normal staff turnover, is expected to result in 26,600 job openings each year.

    Interest profile

    Realistic (R)
    50 / 100
    Investigative (I)
    70 / 100
    Artistic (A)
    1 / 100
    Social (S)
    5 / 100
    Enterprising (E)
    46 / 100
    Conventional (C) · strongest
    78 / 100
    How strongly each interest area describes the work, from O*NET (scores rescaled to 0–100). The interest code lists the strongest areas in order.

    Interest code CIR. Compare it with yours

    What you'd do

    Working with Computers
    88
    Getting Information
    84
    Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
    82
    Analyzing Data or Information
    81
    Making Decisions and Solving Problems
    78
    Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
    78
    Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
    77
    Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
    76
    Processing Information
    76
    Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
    74
    Work activities rated by importance for this occupation, O*NET (0–100).

    Skills and strengths

    Skills

    • Systems Analysis
    • Complex Problem Solving
    • Systems Evaluation
    • Writing
    • Active Learning
    • Active Listening
    • Judgment and Decision Making
    • Mathematics
    • Reading Comprehension
    • Critical Thinking

    Knowledge

    • Engineering and Technology
    • Mathematics
    • Transportation
    • Production and Processing
    • Computers and Electronics
    • English Language
    • Economics and Accounting
    • Administration and Management
    • Design
    • Education and Training

    Abilities

    • Mathematical Reasoning
    • Written Comprehension
    • Deductive Reasoning
    • Fluency of Ideas
    • Inductive Reasoning
    • Information Ordering
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Oral Expression
    • Problem Sensitivity
    • Written Expression

    Work styles

    • Attention to Detail
    • Dependability
    • Innovation
    • Intellectual Curiosity
    • Achievement Orientation
    • Adaptability
    • Cautiousness
    • Integrity
    • Perseverance
    • Initiative

    Also called

    Acquisition Logistics Engineer · Aero Logistics Engineer (Aeronautical Logistics Engineer) · Auto Logistics Engineer (Automotive Logistics Engineer) · Continuous Improvement Specialist · Cost Engineer · Cost Estimating Engineer · Cost Reduction Engineer · Engineer · Logistics Engineer · Logistics Planning Engineer

    Career pathway

    From your interests to logistics engineers

    Interests that fit the work, the career, majors that lead there and colleges whose graduates in those majors earn the most. Hover or focus a step to follow one path.

    1. Interests

    2. This career

      • Logistics Engineers$82,320 median pay
    3. Majors

    4. Colleges

    College Scorecard program outcomes

    Colleges with strong outcomes

    Programs that lead to this career, ranked by what their graduates earn four years after finishing. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid.

    1. 1Carnegie Mellon University logo
      Carnegie Mellon University

      Pittsburgh, PA · Business Administration, Management and Operations · Bachelor's

      1 yr after
      $97,419
      4 yrs after
      $160,783
      Median debt
      $19,000
    2. 2University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Main Campus logo
      University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Main Campus

      Ann Arbor, MI · Business Administration, Management and Operations · Bachelor's

      1 yr after
      $96,806
      4 yrs after
      $144,654
      Median debt
      $19,500
    3. 3University of California-Berkeley CAL logo
      University of California-Berkeley CAL

      Berkeley, CA · Business Administration, Management and Operations · Bachelor's

      1 yr after
      $94,811
      4 yrs after
      $144,599
      Median debt
      $10,656
    4. 4University of Pennsylvania UPENN logo
      University of Pennsylvania UPENN

      Philadelphia, PA · Business Administration, Management and Operations · Bachelor's

      1 yr after
      $108,743
      4 yrs after
      $136,806
      Median debt
      $19,250
    5. 5Emory University-Main Campus logo
      Emory University-Main Campus

      Atlanta, GA · Business Administration, Management and Operations · Bachelor's

      1 yr after
      $87,830
      4 yrs after
      $136,731
      Median debt
      $15,000
    6. 6University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Main Campus logo
      University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Main Campus

      Chapel Hill, NC · Business Administration, Management and Operations · Bachelor's

      1 yr after
      $88,182
      4 yrs after
      $135,874
      Median debt
      $9,250
    7. 7Boston College logo
      Boston College

      Chestnut Hill, MA · Business Administration, Management and Operations · Bachelor's

      1 yr after
      $75,464
      4 yrs after
      $123,144
      Median debt
      $18,625
    8. 8Bismarck State College logo
      Bismarck State College

      Bismarck, ND · Business Administration, Management and Operations · Bachelor's

      1 yr after
      $113,408
      4 yrs after
      $122,948
      Median debt
      $14,482

    Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard field-of-study data, 2025. Programs with few graduates are not listed.

    NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk

    Majors that lead here

    Related programs by four-digit CIP code. They are common routes in, not the only ones.

    CareerOneStop

    Certifications, licenses and pay by state

    What logistics engineers may need beyond a degree, where a license is required, and what the work pays in each state.

    Certifications

    Core certifications employers recognise for this work.

    Search all certifications on CareerOneStop

    Training

    Programs of study that prepare people for this work.

    • Business Administration and Management, General
    • Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management
    • Operations Management and Supervision

    Find training near you on CareerOneStop

    Data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor (Employment and Training Administration, with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development). Retrieved November 6, 2026.

    Your plan

    Build my pathway plan

    Courses, majors, colleges, scholarships and a timeline for this career, built from your profile.

    Questions about logistics engineers

    Written with AI from the BLS, O*NET and CareerOneStop data on this page. Every figure is checked against that data before it is published.

    What are some alternative job titles for Logistics Engineers?

    People in this field are also called logistics planning engineers, cost reduction engineers, continuous improvement specialists, and acquisition logistics engineers. Some specialize in specific industries, working as automotive or aeronautical logistics engineers.

    What college majors are most relevant to this career?

    The most common college majors that lead to this career are business administration and management and operations. These programs teach the management, production, and economic principles used daily in logistics.

    How many people are employed in this field and what is the job outlook?

    There are 251,040 people employed in this field. The profession is growing much faster than average, with a projected employment increase of 17.6% between 2025 and 2035.

    Sources and attribution

    Every figure on this page comes from these public datasets. Missing values are shown as not reported, never estimated.

    O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. CollegesRef has modified all or some of this information.

    Data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor (Employment and Training Administration, with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development). Retrieved November 6, 2026.

    Page data updated November 5, 2026.