SOC 1241 Other managers and proprietors

Managers in transport and distribution Salary

Median salary £46,734 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £47,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For managers in transport and distribution, £47,504 is the typical (median) pay. That is above the UK full-time median of £39,039 — +22% versus the national average. Experienced managers in transport and distribution (top 25%) earn over £61,408.

About this role

Managers in transport and distribution oversee supply chain, logistics and distribution operations. They manage warehouse facilities, transport fleets, inventory systems and delivery networks to ensure efficient movement of goods from source to customer.

Key responsibilities

Managing warehouse, distribution and transport operations
Optimising supply chain efficiency and reducing costs
Ensuring compliance with transport and health and safety regulations
Leading logistics teams and managing contractor relationships
Implementing technology solutions for inventory and fleet management

Qualifications and entry routes

Typically requires experience in logistics or supply chain management. A degree in logistics, supply chain management or business is common. CILT (Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport) membership is valued.

Career outlook

Growing demand driven by e-commerce expansion and supply chain resilience priorities. Automation and sustainability skills are increasingly important.

Key skills

Supply chain management Warehouse management Fleet management Cost optimisation Technology systems (WMS, TMS)

Common industries

Logistics and distribution
Retail
E-commerce
Manufacturing
Third-party logistics (3PL)

Data coverage

SOC code 1241

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2021–2025

Estimated jobs 64,000

Median Salary

£46,734

Mean Salary

£51,700

Jobs (000s)

64k

Data Years

5 years

Salary Range (2025)

P25: £36,669Median: £46,734P75: £61,408

P10: £27kP25: £37kMedian: £47kP75: £61kP90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Entry Level

£26,527

0-2 years

Mid Level

£36,669

3-7 years

Senior

£61,408

8-15 years

Potential career growth: +131% from entry to leadership

Salary Trend (2021-2025)

Adjust for inflation

Nominal growth: +23.8%Real growth: +0.1%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Gender pay gap: 6.0%

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£46,734

Full-time Only

£47,504

Full-time premium: +£770

Managers in transport and distribution salary: common questions

How much do managers in transport and distribution earn in the UK?

Managers in transport and distribution earn a median of £47,504 a year (ONS ASHE 2025). The middle half earn between £36,669 and £61,408.

Is £47,504 a good salary in the UK?

What is the starting salary for managers in transport and distribution?

Entry-level managers in transport and distribution typically start near the lower end of the range. The bottom 25% earn up to £36,669, and the lowest-paid 10% earn under £26,527.

Have managers in transport and distribution salaries kept up with inflation?

Since 2021, median managers in transport and distribution pay has risen from £38,702 to £47,504 — +23% in cash terms, or -1.0% after CPIH inflation. That is roughly in line with inflation over the period.

Is there a gender pay gap for managers in transport and distribution?

Male managers in transport and distribution earn a median £46,962 and female managers in transport and distribution £44,136 — a gap of +6.0% in 2025.

Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).