The best paying jobs in catalog/specialty distribution include product analysts, directors, sales representatives, dispatchers, and lead managers. This industry is booming, and there are plenty of opportunities for talented and ambitious individuals.
What Do Catalog/Specialty Distribution Pay?
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary in the catalog/specialty distribution industry is $31,450. Factors such as experience level, job responsibilities, and geographic location can influence salary in this sector.
For instance, entry-level roles without educational qualifications will not command the same salary as managerial positions. Thus, a product analyst in this field has an annual average salary of $76,066, while a material handler earns an average of $31,030 yearly.
15 Highest Paying Catalog/Specialty Distribution Jobs with Good Salaries
Product analysts conduct market research, analyze market data, and identify patterns in customer behavior. Based on their assessments, they may also make recommendations and initiate plans to increase business profitability. Product analysts also keep track of how products are performing and make changes to meet sales projections.
There are no specific educational requirements for product analyst jobs. Still, employers usually look for candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree in business management, economics, finance, or another relevant field.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts an 11% increase in job growth for product analysts. It will provide 8,820 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
2 Director
Average Annual Salary: $75,681
Directors are the organization’s chief executive officers. A person in this position is also in charge of all business operations. They create, manage, and sustain a fantastic and positive workplace culture. In addition, the director is in charge of ensuring that projects run smoothly and that the workforce is satisfied and productive.
There is no particular academic course required to be a director in the catalog/specialty distribution industry. However, directors are expected to possess communication, leadership, management, and technical skills.
The job outlook for directors is positive, with a growth rate of 4% over the next ten years. BLS projects it will produce 2,570 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
3 Sales Representative
Average Annual Salary: $73,751
Sales representatives’ primary responsibilities include selling items and ensuring that client’s needs are met while receiving orders from current or future sales outlets. Furthermore, they ensure that the consumer’s needs are met and adequately cared for.
Most sales representatives have a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Although, it is not out of place for employers to go for candidates with years of professional experience. There are various certifications one can take to up their chances of landing a high paying sales representative role.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 2% increase in job growth for sales representatives. It will provide 15,880 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
4 Professional Driver
Average Annual Salary: $72,837
Drivers are very important people in catalog/specialty businesses, and for good reasons. Drivers transport a commodity from a warehouse to a specific merchant. The job offers numerous opportunities to earn extra money in addition to its base salary,
A driver in the catalog/specialty distribution industry must have a driving license and a clean driving history. They must possess knowledge of safe and efficient driving practices and be familiar with car maintenance. Some employers require a high school diploma.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 2% increase in job growth for drivers. It will provide 12,810 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
Dispatchers’ responsibilities include responding to both emergency and non-emergency phone calls. They also maintain driver logs. Their sole responsibilities may include monitoring weather reports and, if necessary, alerting authorities. Dispatchers also organize, plan, schedule, and manage resources such as people, tools, trucks, and supplies.
It is necessary to have a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification as a dispatcher. A minimum of two years of experience in a similar role is required. Dispatchers are also expected to possess good excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
The job outlook for dispatchers is positive, with a growth rate of 6% over the next ten years. BLS projects it will produce 22,800 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
6 Lead Manager
Average Annual Salary: $60,586
Lead managers’ responsibilities include managing customer leads and maintaining professional contact with the leads through text messages, emails, or Whatsapp messages. They are primarily responsible for promoting and generating customer attraction to all new products.
Candidates for the position of lead manager typically pursue business-oriented qualifications such as a bachelor’s degree in business management, marketing, or finance.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 6% increase in job growth for lead managers. It will provide 22,800 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
7 Administrator
Average Annual Salary: $58,086
Just as the name suggests, these professionals carry out administrative responsibilities. Their job duties vary depending on the organization for which they work. But in general, they organize shift schedules, pay salaries, file taxes, and keep track of time cards.
Generally, administrators hold an advanced degree in business administration, marketing, or communication. But in the catalog/specialty distribution industry, there are no strict academic requirements. However, they are expected to have organizational abilities to maintain records, files, and databases.
The job outlook for administrators is positive, with a growth rate of 4% over the next ten years. BLS projects it will produce 22,800 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
8 Warehouse Manager
Average Annual Salary: $52,998
Warehouse managers are responsible for overseeing and managing the catalog/specialty product storage and distribution. They are also in charge of ensuring that the products are distributed in an efficient and timely manner. They specialize in storing and securing products in warehouses.
Excellent oral and written communication skills are required for the role of a warehouse manager. For stock management, numeracy and financial understanding are required.
The job outlook for warehouse managers is positive, with a growth rate of 3% over the next ten years. BLS projects it will produce 8,990 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
9 Packer
Average Annual Salary: $52,449
This job role can be found in almost every industry and is most particularly emphasized in the catalog/specialty distribution industry. Packers must remove products from cartons or pallets by hand, using cartons, tools, or their own hands. Their main responsibility is to prepare items effectively so that shippers can load them into larger trucks for transportation.
Packers are not usually required to have any advanced educational qualifications. A high school diploma or a general education diploma (GED) is usually sufficient. However, physical strength and stamina are required for this job function.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 2% increase in job growth for Packers. It will provide 9,320 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
Clerks usually work for a specialized distribution company in the catalog/specialty distribution industry. Some of these companies may specialize in publishing materials such as books, music CDs, periodicals, or catalogs.
Most clerks in the catalog/specialty distribution industry require excellent computer and data entry skills. They must possess strong organizational skills and verse knowledge of the industry. Community colleges and vocational schools offer certifications for general office clerks.
The job outlook for clerks is positive, with a growth rate of 4% over the next ten years. BLS projects it will produce 22,800 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
11 Shop Manager
Average Annual Salary: $45,693
Shop managers’ sole responsibility is to ensure that all day-to-day operations run smoothly. Their job is to make sure the shop’s daily operations are efficient and effective. They are also primarily in charge of developing business plans, creating marketing collateral, and hiring new employees.
Most shop managers have at least a high school diploma or equivalent with years of experience in retail. A bachelor’s degree in business administration or a similar business degree is preferred by most employers.
The job outlook for shop managers is positive, with a growth rate of 6% over the next ten years. BLS projects it will produce 1,510 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
12 Picker
Average Annual Salary: $43,285
Pickers work in a warehouse to gather the products needed to fill incoming orders. They are in charge of finding items on shelves, packaging them, and delivering them to trucks or shipping containers.
To be a viable candidate in this career path, it is recommended that you have various certifications. Certificates in OSHA Safety, First Aid, CPR, and AED Instructor will help you stand out. Pickers are detail oriented and possess excellent math skills.
The job outlook for pickers is positive, with a growth rate of 5% over the next ten years. BLS projects it will produce 7,408,840 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
13 Global Catalog Coordinator
Average Annual Salary: $42,579
Global catalog coordinators are experts that manage a library database that contains all of the books. This position is typically found in university libraries, where they also oversee the library’s budget and resources.
Coordinators are frequently required to have a Master of Library Science degree and some prior computer experience. They must also possess strong presentation, computer, and communication skills.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts an 8% increase in job growth for product analysts. It will provide 8,931,820 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
14 Forklift Operator
Average Annual Salary: $42,056
Forklift operators transport catalog/specialty items. It is one of the highest-paying jobs in catalog/specialty distribution. Forklift operators must be able to operate the machine safely and effectively in addition to having a forklift license.
Forklift operators must be able to operate and control equipment, understand health and safety regulations, and have proficiency in operating the machines. You need a high school diploma and a driver’s license to be a forklift operator.
The job outlook for forklift operators is positive, with a growth rate of 1% over the next ten years. BLS projects it will produce 12,207,810 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
Sorters are in charge of everything, from security to record-keeping. Sorters are responsible for categorizing, arranging, and dividing goods and commodities. In addition, they are frequently responsible for preparing finished packaged items for distribution as well as inspecting, packaging, and labeling products. They can also run and program automated sorting tools and systems.
Sorters have a high school diploma and commonly have a background in production or warehouse operations. They must be able to follow detailed instructions.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 3% increase in job growth for sorters. It will provide 7,408,840 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
Highest Paying Entry-Level Catalog/Specialty Distribution Jobs with Good Salaries
There is more than enough room in the catalog/specialty distribution for entry-level candidates
Top 5 entry-level roles with good salaries in the catalog/specialty distribution industry:
Logistics coordinators are in charge of coordinating the movement of products from suppliers to customers. They could work in shipping, transportation, or inventory management.
Logistics officers are typically required to have a high school diploma. A Diploma in Logistics (TLI50415) or a comparable supply chain management qualification may be advantageous.
The job outlook for logistics coordinators is positive, with a growth rate of 4% over the next ten years. BLS projects it will produce 8,820 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
2 E-commerce Specialist
Average Annual Salary: $54,500
E-commerce specialists assist businesses in selling their products online. They could be in charge of web design, content creation, and marketing strategies.
A bachelor’s degree in marketing or a related field, as well as working knowledge of the retail business, is required to become an e-commerce specialist.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 10% increase in job growth for e-commerce specialists. It will provide 31,970 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
3 Catalog Publisher
Average Annual Salary: $52,998
Catalog publishers are in charge of developing and publishing catalogs that highlight a company’s products or services. Catalog publishers may collaborate with product managers and sales teams to research and gather product information.
Generally, a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communication, or a related field is preferred for catalog publishers. They are also expected to have strong communication and organizational skills, as well as excellent attention to detail.
The job outlook for catalog publishers is positive, with a growth rate of 4% over the next ten years. BLS projects it will produce 3,740 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
4 Marketing Coordinator
Average Annual Salary: $50,390
Marketing coordinators assist in the development and implementation of product marketing campaigns. They could be in charge of market research, advertising, and event planning.
To become a marketing coordinator, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in marketing or advertising. A master’s degree is typically not required for this position.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 10% increase in job growth for marketing coordinators. It will provide 8,064,990 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
Material handlers move products and materials around the warehouse or distribution center, ensuring that they are stored and transported safely and efficiently.
Material handlers usually hold at least a high school diploma or its equivalent. Most employers are usually on the lookout for candidates with certification in Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).
The job outlook for the material handler is positive, with a growth rate of 2% over the next ten years. BLS projects it will produce 3,375,700 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
How to Get a High Paying Job in Catalog/Specialty Distribution?
Obtaining a high-paying job in catalog/specialty distribution can be difficult, but there are several steps you can take to improve your chances.
Here are 6 practical steps to land a high paying job in catalog/specialty distribution:
1 Get a degree
While a degree in a related field, such as business, marketing, or supply chain management, is not always required. It can make you a more competitive candidate for high-paying jobs in catalog/specialty distribution.
2 Gain relevant experience
Having relevant experience in catalog/specialty distribution can help you land a high-paying job. Consider interning, working part-time, or volunteering in the industry to gain experience and build your resume.
3 Develop your skills
Increasing your knowledge of sales, marketing, logistics, and e-commerce can make you a more valuable candidate for high-paying jobs in catalog/specialty distribution. Consider taking classes or obtaining certifications to improve your skills and knowledge.
4 Network
Networking can assist you in making connections and getting your foot in the door for high-paying jobs in catalog/specialty distribution. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and use LinkedIn to connect with people in the industry.
5 Apply strategically
When applying for jobs, take a methodical approach. Target companies are known for providing high-paying catalog/specialty distribution jobs. More so, tailor your resume and cover letter to each job you apply for. Most importantly follow up on your applications to demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm.
High-paying jobs in catalog/specialty distribution may be more common in certain regions or cities. If you’re willing to relocate for a job, consider broadening your job search to other areas.
Where to Find the Best Paying Jobs in Catalog/Specialty Distribution?
5 places to look for the best paying jobs in catalog/specialty distribution:
1 Job search websites
Websites such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn are excellent resources for finding catalog/specialty distribution job postings. To find the best paying jobs in your area, you can search for jobs by keyword, location, salary range, and other criteria.
2 Company websites
Many catalog/specialty distribution companies post job openings directly on their websites. If there are specific companies you want to work for, keep an eye on their websites for job postings.
3 Industry publications
Job openings in catalog/specialty distribution are frequently listed in industry publications and websites such as Supply Chain Management Review, Multichannel Merchant, and Catalog Success. Keep an eye on these publications for job opportunities.
4 Recruiting firms
Catalog/specialty distribution recruiting firms can be a great resource for finding high-paying jobs in the industry. These companies have connections and can help you find job opportunities that match your skills and experience.
5 Professional organizations
Join a professional organization such as the National Retail Federation, Direct Marketing Association, or National Association of Wholesale-Distributors. This can help you network with others in the industry and learn about job openings.
What are the Top-Level Skills to Get a High-Paying Job in Catalog/Specialty Distribution?
You can improve your chances of landing a high-paying job in catalog/specialty distribution by developing and honing certain skills.
5 top-level skills to land a high-paying job in catalog/specialty distribution:
1 Sales and marketing skills
To be successful in catalog/specialty distribution, you must be able to effectively market and sell products. Understanding customer needs, developing marketing strategies, and cultivating client relationships are all part of the job.
2 Analytical and problem-solving skills
In order to make strategic decisions, you must be able to analyze data and solve problems. This includes analyzing sales data, identifying trends, and developing sales strategies.
3 Communication skills
Excellent communication skills are required for any job, but especially in distribution. To ensure that everyone is on the same page and that issues are resolved quickly, you will need to communicate effectively with customers, suppliers, and team members.
4 Project management skills
As a distribution professional, you will be in charge of managing multiple projects at the same time. To ensure projects are completed on time and within budget, you must be able to prioritize tasks and manage deadlines.
5 Technical skills
You must be well-versed in the technical aspects of distribution, such as inventory management, supply chain management, and logistics. Knowledge of software programs such as Excel, QuickBooks, and supply chain management software is required.
What are the Factors Affecting an Employee’s Salary in Catalog/Specialty Distribution?
Overall, there are numerous factors that can influence a catalog/specialty distribution employee’s salary.
7 major factors that influence a worker’s salary in catalog/specialty distribution:
1 Experience
One of the most important factors influencing an employee’s salary is their level of experience. Employees with more experience typically command higher pay.
2 Education and training
This can also have an impact on an employee’s salary. Employees with advanced degrees or specialized training in areas such as supply chain management or logistics may command higher pay.
3 Job role
An employee’s salary may be affected by the specific role that they hold within catalog/specialty distribution. Sales managers and logistics managers, for example, may earn more than entry-level employees.
4 Industry
The employee’s salary may be affected by the industry in which they work. Employees in catalog/specialty distribution in industries such as healthcare or technology may earn more than those in other industries.
5 Company size
The size of a company can have an effect on an employee’s salary. Larger corporations may have more resources to pay higher wages and provide better benefits than smaller corporations.
6 Geographic location
The employee’s geographic location can also affect their salary. Salaries may be higher in areas with a high cost of living to compensate for the higher expenses.
7 Individual performance
Finally, an employee’s individual performance can have an impact on their salary. Employees who consistently deliver above-average results and meet or exceed their targets may be eligible for raises or bonuses.
Conclusion: 20 Best Paying Jobs in Catalog/Specialty Distribution
You can land a high paying job in catalog/specialty distribution due to its diversity and enough room for jobs. With the requisite skills, you can comfortably get a very lucrative job in the catalog/specialty distribution industry.
