Supply Chain Manager vs Freight Broker: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Supply Chain Manager
Oversee end-to-end supply chain from procurement through last-mile delivery.
Freight Broker
Match freight shippers with carriers to negotiate rates and coordinate shipments.
Supply Chain Manager earns more on average — the national median is $42,000/year (62%) higher than a Freight Broker. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Supply Chain Manager vs Freight Broker — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Supply Chain Manager | Freight Broker | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $161,840 | $96,108 | Supply +$65,732 |
| New York, NY | $130,446 | $82,621 | Supply +$47,825 |
| Seattle, WA | $157,531 | $95,821 | Supply +$61,710 |
| Austin, TX | $122,619 | $73,907 | Supply +$48,712 |
| Chicago, IL | $120,061 | $71,109 | Supply +$48,952 |
| Boston, MA | $142,605 | $86,476 | Supply +$56,129 |
| London, UK | £85,237 | £54,288 | Supply +$30,949 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$146,029 | CA$91,112 | Supply +$54,917 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Supply Chain Manager or Freight Broker earn more?+
A Supply Chain Manager earns more on average. The national median salary for a Supply Chain Manager is $110,000/year, compared to $68,000/year for a Freight Broker — a difference of $42,000 (62%).
Which has better career growth — Supply Chain Manager or Freight Broker?+
Supply Chain Manager roles are growing at 14% YoY while Freight Broker demand is growing at 8% YoY. Supply Chain Manager has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Supply Chain Manager to Freight Broker?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Supply Chain Manager or Freight Broker?+
Supply Chain Manager has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 45%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.