Supply Chain and Transportation Career Pathways
In supply chain management, logistics is the broader discipline of moving, storing, and flowing goods, information, and services from a point of origin (raw materials) to a point of consumption (the finished product to the customer).
Purchasing, also known as procurement, is the function of acquiring necessary goods and services from suppliers, and warehousing is the physical storage and management of these goods within a facility.
Supply chain management integrates the logistics and distribution networks to facilitate the seamless flow of materials and products from raw materials to the finished product in the hands of the customer.
Planning & Logistics
In-demand Specialties:
Project Management
Sustainability
Education:
A bachelor’s degree in business administration, logistics, or a similar field is typically required for entry-level roles. Experience in procurement or operations helps accelerate advancement.
High-Growth Jobs:
Emerging high-growth roles in operations include logistician, management analyst, operations manager, product owner, project management specialist, supply chain specialist, and sustainability specialist.
Suggested Montana Careers
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Median MT Salary: $73,000
MT Growth Rate: 11%
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Median MT Salary: $76,000
MT Growth Rate: 12%
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Median MT Salary: $77,000
MT Growth Rate: 28%
-
Median Salary: $78,000
Growth Rate: 11% (nationally)
-
Median Salary: $81,000 - $165,000
Growth Rate: 10% (nationally)
-
Median MT Salary: $85,000
MT Growth Rate: 22%
-
Median MT Salary: $92,000
MT Growth Rate: 19%
Core Skills
Technical Skills
Accounting software like QuickBooks
Business intelligence and data analysis software like Tableau
Customer relationship management software like Salesforce
Data mining software like Google Analytics
E-commerce software like Intuit MailChimp
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software like Microsoft Dynamics
Project management software like Microsoft Project or Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
Query languages like SQL to work with databases
Sales and Marketing software like Google Ads or Hubspot
Spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel
Writing documentation to manage inventory and the processing of goods
Soft Skills
Analytical
Critical thinking
Communication
Customer service
Detail-oriented
Leadership
Organization
Problem-solving
Time-management
Education:
Most of these roles require a four-year bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, management information systems, or a similar field.
High-Growth Jobs:
Emerging high-growth roles in purchasing and warehousing include data warehousing specialist, operations manager, quality control analyst, supply chain manager. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.
Purchasing & Warehousing
Suggested Montana Careers
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Median MT Salary: $53,000
Growth Rate: 9% (nationally)
-
Median MT Salary: $85,000
MT Growth Rate: 22%
-
Average MT Salary: $92,000
MT Growth Rate: 19%
-
Average MT Salary: $116,000
Growth Rate: 11% (nationally)
Core Skills
Technical Skills
Accounting software like QuickBooks
Business intelligence and data analysis software like Tableau
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software like Microsoft Dynamics
Project management software like Microsoft Project or Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
Query languages like SQL to work with databases
Spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel
Writing documentation to manage inventory and the processing of goods
Understanding of supply chain management and manufacturing best practices
Soft Skills
Analytical
Critical thinking
Communication
Customer service
Detail-oriented
Leadership
Organization
Problem-solving
Time-management
Air & Space Transportation:
Careers in air & space transportation are related to the design, operation, and management of both air and space transportation, including air cargo and passenger services, as well as space exploration and satellite operations. This field incorporates the maintenance of electrical equipment such as radios, navigation equipment, and autopilot systems.
Ground & Rail Transportation:
This field includes the design, operation, and management of automotive, trucking, rail operations, and logistics services, focusing on efficient and safe ground transport. Professionals in the field of rail operations work in a variety of settings from urban transit systems, such as subways and light rail, to cross-country freight and high-speed passenger trains.
Transportation encompasses the transfer, coordination, and management of goods from production to consumption, as well as the maintenance of the respective transport modes.
Visit our Supply Chain & Transportation education/training page to see a comprehensive list of Montana training programs.
Air & Space Transportation
Education:
Entry-level roles often require a two-year degree in electrical or mechanical engineering. Many senior positions require at least a four-year degree in a related engineering discipline. The FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification is also usually required.
High-Growth Jobs:
Emerging high-growth roles in Montana include advanced robotics technician, aerospace engineer, avionics technician, drone pilot, electrical engineer, electrical and electronic engineering technician, mechanical engineer, mechanical engineer technician, and robotics engineer. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.
Suggested Montana Careers
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Median MT Salary: $40,000 - $80,000
Growth Rate: 14% (nationally)
-
Median MT Salary: $62,000
MT Growth Rate: 20%
-
Median MT Salary: $62,000
MT Growth Rate: 23%
-
Median MT Salary: $66,000
Growth Rate: 21% (nationally)
-
Median MT Salary: $73,000
MT Growth Rate: 8%
-
Median MT Salary: $80,000
MT Growth Rate: 25%
-
Median MT Salary: $82,000
MT Growth Rate: 20%
-
Median MT Salary: $87,000
MT Growth Rate: 14%
-
Median Salary: $135,000
MT Growth Rate: 13%
Core Skills
Technical Skills
Ability to read and interpret blueprints
Computer-aided drafting (CAD) for designing robotics systems
Dexterity and understanding of circuitry, electronics, math, mechanics, and semiconductors
Knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) procedures and regulations
Programming languages like Python and C++ to control and modify robotic products
Project management software like Microsoft Project
Query languages like SQL to work with databases
Spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel
Writing documentation
Soft Skills
Analytical
Communication
Creativity
Critical thinking
Detail-oriented
Organization
Problem-solving
Teamwork
Time-management
Ground & Rail Transportation
Education:
For most entry-level roles, a bachelor’s degree in electrical or mechanical engineering is required. Graduate-level degrees are often needed for roles involving autonomous or hybrid vehicles. Licenses like Fundamentals in Engineering (FE), Professional Engineering (PE), or Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) can boost marketability and pay.
High-Growth Jobs:
Montana is at the forefront of cutting-edge research in autonomous vehicles (AV). In Bozeman, Montana State University’s Innovation Campus houses a 78,000 square-foot office and testing facility for Aurora, a national leader in autonomous trucking technology.
Emerging high-growth ground & rail transportation roles in Montana include advanced robotics technician, automotive engineer, civil engineer, civil engineer technician, electrical engineer, electrical and electronics engineering technician, mechanical engineer, mechanical engineer technician, remote sensing technician, and transportation engineer. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.
Suggested Montana Careers
-
Median MT Salary: $40,000 - $80,000
MT Growth Rate: 13%
-
Median MT Salary: $51,000
MT Growth Rate: 12%
-
Median MT Salary: $62,000
MT Growth Rate: 23%
-
Median MT Salary: $66,000
Growth Rate: 21% (nationally)
-
Median MT Salary: $66,000
MT Growth Rate: 4%
-
Median MT Salary: $73,000
MT Growth Rate: 8%
-
Median MT Salary: $78,000
MT Growth Rate: 25%
-
Median MT Salary: $79,000
MT Growth Rate: 25%
-
Median MT Salary: $80,000
MT Growth Rate: 29%
-
Median MT Salary: $82,000
MT Growth Rate: 20%
Core Skills
Technical Skills
Ability to read and interpret blueprints
Dexterity and understanding of circuitry, electronics, math, mechanics, and physics
Knowledge of road safety standards, traffic engineering, and environmental regulations
Proficiency in software like AutoCAD for design, ARCGIS for surveillance, and PTV VISSIM for simulating traffic scenarios.
Programming languages like Python and C++ to control and modify robotic products
Project management software like Microsoft Project
Query languages like SQL to work with databases
Spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel
Writing documentation
Soft Skills
Analytical
Communication
Creativity
Critical thinking
Detail-oriented
Organization
Problem-solving
Teamwork
Time-management
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