The UK’s logistics sector is booming, and with growth comes opportunity. Whether you’re driving freight, directing fleets or managing multi-channel supply chains, logistics offers a wide range of high-paying roles for skilled professionals.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top-paying logistics jobs in the UK, explore why certain roles command higher salaries, and show you what qualifications, experience and specialisations can help you earn more.
From coach driver salary ranges to strategic supply chain leadership, we’ll cover the full spectrum of roles in today’s logistics industry.
What we’ll cover
Fleets, bookings, subcontractors, compliance & payments.
With HX, you can manage them all in one place.
What logistics covers and why certain roles pay more
Logistics covers everything from transportation and warehousing to supply chain strategy, procurement and analytics. Pay scales rise quickly as roles become more strategic, tech-driven or require high compliance and planning expertise.
Specialised logistics jobs like customs management, cold chain logistics, and transport analytics tend to attract higher salaries. That’s because these roles demand deep knowledge, certifications, and experience that help businesses run efficiently and legally.
Some roles also involve greater risk, decision-making authority, or oversight of important national infrastructure. These added responsibilities often translate directly into higher compensation.
Salary snapshot for top logistics roles in the UK
Here’s a look at the average salary ranges across the UK logistics industry:
| Role | Average Pay (UK) | Senior Band (London/Strategic) |
| Coach Driver | £27,000 – £36,000 | £38,000+ |
| Supply Chain Director | £85,000 – £120,000 | £130,000+ |
| Logistics Manager | £45,000 – £65,000 | £70,000+ |
| Transportation Manager | £40,000 – £60,000 | £65,000+ |
| Warehouse & Ops Manager | £35,000 – £55,000 | £60,000+ |
| Procurement Manager | £45,000 – £70,000 | £80,000+ |
| Customs Compliance Manager | £50,000 – £75,000 | £85,000+ |
Logistics jobs with strategy, compliance or network responsibilities offer the most earning potential. Sector and region matter too – coach driver salary UK data shows earnings peak around London, airports and major hubs.
Top high-pay roles in logistics
The logistics sector includes a wide range of roles, but some stand out for their earning potential. These positions often involve strategic oversight, high responsibility or specialist knowledge that’s in short supply.
Chief or director of supply chain
These senior professionals oversee entire supply chains from sourcing to delivery. They handle large budgets, high-pressure decisions and international logistics strategy.
Salaries rise quickly for those leading multi-site or international operations. Many come from backgrounds in procurement or distribution before stepping into this leadership role.
Supply chain manager
They coordinate production, inventory, transport and procurement operations. Experienced managers can rise into six-figure roles with cross-border or multi-sector responsibilities.
Industries like manufacturing, defence and retail offer high salaries at this level. Many managers pursue certifications like CILT to boost earnings.
They also play an important role in sustainability and cost control, often tasked with implementing greener transport options. As supply chains grow more complex post-Brexit, demand for experienced managers has increased across the UK.
Logistics or distribution manager
These logistics jobs manage warehouse teams, last-mile delivery and route optimisation. Pay increases significantly with scale, larger fleets, automated systems and complex delivery networks.
In e-commerce or 3PL sectors, bonuses and retention packages are common. Management software and people leadership are essential skills.
These managers often handle night shifts, cross-dock operations and returns logistics. Retailers and third-party providers rely on them to reduce delays and streamline delivery performance.
Transportation manager
This logistics job involves overseeing vehicle operations, HGV schedules and regulatory compliance. It’s a stepping stone to higher-paying fleet management and directorial roles.
You may also manage a team of drivers and negotiate contracts with hauliers. Those who have completed a become an HGV driver qualification often progress into these management roles.
They also guarantee compliance with driver hours, safety checks and DVSA regulations. Larger employers expect transport managers to lead digitisation and reduce fuel consumption across fleets.
Supply chain or logistics analyst
Data-focused logistics roles that analyse performance, optimise routing and reduce costs. These roles are rising fast in the logistics industry salary scale due to digitisation and sustainability efforts.
Most roles require strong Excel, SQL or ERP software skills. They often lead into planning or network design jobs.
Analysts are also responsible for creating dashboards, reporting KPIs and identifying inefficiencies across supply chain networks. With more companies relying on predictive analytics, this role continues to grow in demand and value.
Warehouse and operations manager
Operations managers handle staffing, inventory, KPIs, and safety compliance. Those in large depots, especially for retail or e-commerce, see higher bonuses and logistics salary growth.
Warehouses serving online retailers operate 24/7, so flexibility and workforce management are essential. Experience with WMS software and stock accuracy targets is also a major plus.
Procurement and purchasing manager
These logistics roles focus on sourcing goods, negotiating supplier contracts and reducing spend. Strategic procurement often links to board-level decision-making, increasing pay.
Leadership in this area is covered in more detail below. This role overlaps often with customs, finance and sustainability departments.
Customs and trade compliance manager
Experts in import/export law, Incoterms and trade regulations. They’re responsible for keeping operations legal and avoiding costly fines – and their salaries reflect this responsibility.
They often work closely with freight forwarders and government bodies. This role has grown post-Brexit and is in high demand.
Coach driver salary: A key role in UK logistics
A coach driver salary in the UK typically ranges from £27,000 to £36,000, depending on experience and route type. In larger cities or with private charters and tour operators, salaries may rise beyond £38,000.
To become a coach driver, you need a PCV licence, but what is that exactly? The PCV driver meaning refers to a “Passenger Carrying Vehicle” licence, which qualifies you to drive coaches or buses professionally.
So, how much do coach drivers earn compared to other transport roles? While not as high as logistics managers, coach drivers benefit from job security and regular overtime.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Base salary: £27,000 – £36,000
- With overtime: Up to £40,000+
- Private charters or tourism: Premium rates and bonuses
Many wonder how much does a coach driver earn with extra responsibilities like route planning or training. Those additional tasks can increase pay or lead to promotions into fleet management.
High‑earning specialist roles
In the logistics industry, certain specialist functions operate at the cutting edge of the supply chain, and command premium pay as a result.
These logistics roles typically involve a combination of niche expertise, strategic influence and high accountability, pushing their salary bands above standard operations roles.
Procurement and purchasing leadership
- Salary range: £50,000 ‑ £90,000 for senior managers, with director levels from around £75,000 up to £108,000+ depending on remit.
Senior procurement officers and heads of sourcing are among the highest paid delivery jobs UK wide. Their influence on cost-saving and supplier partnerships makes them top earners.
They often report directly to finance or operations directors. Pay is highest in sectors like manufacturing and defence.
Analytics and optimisation roles
- Salary range: £30,000 ‑ £45,000 for analysts; senior optimisation or network modelling roles can reach £50,000+ in some cases.
Data science and logistics combine in these positions – think supply chain analysts or network modellers. Strong Excel, SQL and supply chain system knowledge are important.
These professionals are essential for reducing costs and improving performance. They’re also valued in green logistics or carbon reporting.
Advanced data skills let them simulate distribution models, forecast inventory trends and streamline procurement. Many companies now consider this role mission-critical for competitive advantage.
Fleet and transportation management
- Salary range: £36,000 ‑ £70,000+ depending on size of fleet and region (London/multi‑site may drive higher pay).
Fleet directors often manage dozens or hundreds of vehicles, HGV compliance, and driver strategy. These roles overlap with coach driver salary trends – with management often earning double.
Leadership, route planning software and safety compliance are core skills. This role requires balancing operational efficiency with driver satisfaction.
Fleet managers also oversee vehicle acquisition, HGV insurance, servicing, and emissions compliance. Those operating across multiple depots can earn significantly more due to the complexity involved.
Specialisations with premium pay
Some areas of logistics require rare technical skills, high compliance standards, or advanced planning capabilities, and the pay reflects that.
These specialisations are needed for high-stakes operations and often lead to some of the best salaries in the industry.
Cold chain logistics
- Salary range: £45,000 – £70,000+
Cold chain logistics specialists make sure temperature-sensitive products (like vaccines or fresh food) stay within tight limits across the supply chain. Mistakes can cause catastrophic losses, making this a high-pressure, high-reward field.
Customs compliance
- Salary range: £50,000 – £85,000+
These managers handle cross-border documentation, tax rules and regulatory filings. Since Brexit, demand has surged in freight, e-commerce and global logistics sectors.
Network planning and logistics engineering
- Salary range: £50,000 – £80,000+
Network planners optimise where to place warehouses, how to route deliveries and how to reduce costs. They use modelling software and work closely with procurement and operations teams.
Career progression pathways in logistics
You don’t need to start at the top to reach high-paying logistics jobs. Many professionals move up from warehouse assistant to team lead, transport planner and eventually logistics manager.
Important steps include getting certifications, learning logistics software and moving into analytical or supervisory roles. With effort, it’s possible to move from entry-level operations into high-earning supply chain careers.
Those looking to switch logistics roles entirely can also explore how to start a freight forwarding company. These entrepreneurs often earn six-figure incomes.
Many start as admin assistants or route planners before specialising. With digital transformation accelerating, gaining software skills is often a faster route to higher pay than traditional pathways.
How to qualify: skills, certifications and experience
You don’t always need a degree to succeed in logistics. However, many high-paying logistics jobs require:
- Certifications: CILT UK, CPC, Lean Six Sigma, APICS
- Experience: Multi-site, international or regulated environments
- Skills: Data analysis, procurement negotiation, project management, HGV compliance, leadership
For coach or HGV roles, a valid licence and clean record are must-haves. Strategic roles, on the other hand, demand leadership, communication and strong commercial awareness.
To break into the field, start with entry-level logistics roles and work your way up. Logistics careers reward long-term development, hands-on knowledge and technical growth.
Frequently asked questions
Which logistics jobs pay the most in the UK?
Director-level roles like Supply Chain Director, Procurement Head, and Customs Compliance Manager top the list. These jobs carry high responsibility, strategic oversight and often multinational complexity.
Do I need a degree or will certifications and experience be enough?
You can progress without a degree, especially in operations or transport roles. Certifications like CILT, CPC or Six Sigma are widely accepted and often more practical.
Which industries offer premium pay for logistics roles?
Sectors like pharmaceuticals, defence, cold-chain logistics and e-commerce offer the highest pay. These industries deal with sensitive, high-value or fast-moving products.
Is London pay higher than the rest of the UK?
Yes – logistics salaries in London and major port hubs like Felixstowe or Southampton are typically higher. This reflects both demand and cost of living.
What skills move candidates into higher-pay bands?
Data analysis, compliance, negotiation and software expertise are in demand. Employers also value leadership, risk management and sustainability insight.
Which certifications help most for senior roles?
The most recognised are CILT (Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport), Lean Six Sigma, and APICS CPIM. CPC is also all-important for transport and fleet-related leadership.
Can I move from warehouse operations into a higher-paying supply chain role?
Yes, many start as warehouse managers and move into analyst, procurement or logistics planning positions. Upskilling with software and analytics training helps that shift.
