What is a supply chain analyst and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
5 min read
Quoted Expert
Priya Nagaraj
introduction image

A supply chain analyst evaluates and optimizes a company's supply chain. They use data analysis and modeling to identify areas for improvement, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. These professionals work closely with suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to ensure on-time and cost-effective delivery of goods. Supply chain analysts also monitor inventory levels, track shipments, and manage logistics operations. They work to create an efficient supply chain and meet the needs of the business and customers.

What general advice would you give to a Supply Chain Analyst?

P

Priya NagarajPriya Nagaraj LinkedIn Profile

Professor of Economics and Global Business, Website

Students should be able to analyze and interpret data. For instance, demand forecasting and predictive analytics are a large part of this industry today. As the number of regulations across nations increases, it is important to have at least some knowledge of foreign regulations. Cross-cultural knowledge and experience are always a plus in this area for prospective employees. People skills are also important along with knowledge of additional languages.
ScoreSupply Chain AnalystUS Average
Salary
5.3

Avg. Salary $67,450

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
5.5

Growth Rate 28%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
7.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.35%

Asian 11.37%

Black or African American 10.28%

Hispanic or Latino 19.79%

Unknown 5.67%

White 52.55%

Gender

female 40.66%

male 59.34%

Age - 39
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39
Stress Level
5.5

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.2

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
5.3

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Supply Chain Analyst?

Pros

  • Great potential for career growth and advancement.

  • Exposure to a wide range of industries and business models.

  • Chance to work with cutting-edge technology and software tools.

  • Potential for travel and international experience.

  • Competitive salary and benefits packages.

Cons

  • Long hours and tight deadlines are common.

  • Potential for conflict or misunderstandings with suppliers or other partners in the supply chain.

  • Can be isolating, as much of the work is done independently or in small teams.

  • Can require extensive travel, which can be tiring and disruptive to personal life.

  • Can be difficult to maintain work-life balance due to the demands of the job.

Supply Chain Analyst career paths

Key steps to become a supply chain analyst

  1. Explore supply chain analyst education requirements

    Most common supply chain analyst degrees

    Bachelor's

    72.8 %

    Master's

    15.0 %

    Associate

    8.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific supply chain analyst skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Supply Chain18.12%
    Logistics8.02%
    Customer Service5.70%
    Power Bi4.53%
    Continuous Improvement3.92%
  3. Complete relevant supply chain analyst training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New supply chain analysts learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a supply chain analyst based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real supply chain analyst resumes.
  4. Research supply chain analyst duties and responsibilities

    • Manage and develop various SQL queries to extract, analyze, and report trends and inventory needs.
    • Raise capital, set up PMO office & lead cross-functional team to deliver a document management technology solution.
    • Overhaul inventory management and replenishment methodology until introduction of ERP and policies upon ERP integration.
    • Decrease overtime percentages significantly by restructuring workloads, and material cost savings by reducing inventory levels and implementing MRP principles.
  5. Prepare your supply chain analyst resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your supply chain analyst resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a supply chain analyst resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Supply Chain Analyst Resume templates

    Build a professional Supply Chain Analyst resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Supply Chain Analyst resume.
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    Supply Chain Analyst Resume
  6. Apply for supply chain analyst jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a supply chain analyst job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Supply Chain Analyst Job

Zippi

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Average supply chain analyst salary

The average Supply Chain Analyst salary in the United States is $67,450 per year or $32 per hour. Supply chain analyst salaries range between $50,000 and $90,000 per year.

Average Supply Chain Analyst Salary
$67,450 Yearly
$32.43 hourly

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How do supply chain analysts rate their job?

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Supply Chain Analyst reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2022
Pros

Engagements with customers and understanding their needs, enabling business to stock what moves only

Cons

Dealing with customers when shipping lines have delayed their planned consignment


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A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019
Pros

I am continuously working to develop my the communication and computer skills necessary listed in the job description job description. My formal education which is bachelors degree in philosophy and a minor in economics. I am currently furthering my education in the area of computer science.

Cons

I am working to improve my area of concern which is having limitations when managing employees.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2019
Pros

You fill the proceeds in your hand, every production depends of you. If you don't have the material you don't have anithing

Cons

When you demand change


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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