Inventory and Warehouse Operations: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
This program equips students with the essential skills and knowledge required to manage and optimize warehouse and inventory systems within modern supply chains. Focused on operational efficiency, it prepares learners for roles that demand precision in inventory control, seamless logistics coordination, and effective customer-facing support in distribution environments.
- Inventory Management Systems: Learn to implement and maintain digital platforms for tracking stock levels, minimizing overstock and shortages, and ensuring real-time visibility across supply networks.
- Warehouse Operations & Layout Design: Study best practices in facility organization, workflow planning, and space utilization to enhance productivity and safety in storage and retrieval processes.
- Supply Chain Logistics: Understand the movement and coordination of goods from suppliers to end users, including transportation planning, order fulfillment, and delivery scheduling.
- Database and Record-Keeping Technologies: Gain proficiency in using enterprise software for accurate data entry, reporting, and auditing of inventory and transaction records.
- Equipment Operation and Safety Protocols: Receive hands-on training in operating material handling systems such as forklifts, conveyors, and automated storage solutions, with emphasis on compliance and workplace safety.
- Parts Identification and Classification: Master standardized systems for labeling, categorizing, and retrieving components, ensuring accuracy in high-volume distribution settings.
- Customer and Supplier Relations: Develop communication and negotiation skills essential for resolving order discrepancies, managing service expectations, and building strong partnerships across the supply chain.
- Mathematical Applications in Operations: Apply quantitative reasoning to calculate inventory turnover, determine optimal reorder points, and analyze cost-efficiency metrics in warehousing processes.
Inventory and Warehouse Operations Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Inventory and Warehouse Operations Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Inventory and Warehouse Operations degrees, including Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 385,000 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks 43-5061 | $57,770 | $38,570 - $84,810 | 385,000 | $27.78 |
Inventory and Warehouse Operations Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $46,940 in New Mexico to $66,580 in Wyoming—a 42% difference. The highest-paying states include Wyoming, Washington, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 385,000 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Inventory and Warehouse Operations by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 8 institutions offering Inventory and Warehouse Operations programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Inventory and Warehouse Operations is found at Lake Land College (99 graduates), William Rainey Harper College (59 graduates), Kaskaskia College (KC) (57 graduates), College of Lake County (CLC) (36 graduates), and Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) (30 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 296 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Land College |
Other Award
|
99 | Mattoon, Illinois | Public | lakelandcollege.edu |
| William Rainey Harper College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
59 | Palatine, Illinois | Public | harpercollege.edu |
| Kaskaskia College (KC) |
Other Award
|
57 | Centralia, Illinois | Public | kaskaskia.edu |
| College of Lake County (CLC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
36 | Grayslake, Illinois | Public | clcillinois.edu |
| Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
30 | Grand Rapids, Michigan | Public | grcc.edu |
| Tarrant County College District (TCCD) |
Other Award
|
11 | Fort Worth, Texas | Public | tccd.edu |
| Pima Community College (PCC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | pima.edu |
| H W Brewster Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Tampa, Florida | Public | hillsboroughschools.org |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Inventory and Warehouse Operations programs
How much can I earn with a Inventory and Warehouse Operations degree?
Salaries for Inventory and Warehouse Operations graduates vary by role and location. Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks earn a median of $57,770 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Wyoming average $66,580 compared to $46,940 in New Mexico. Approximately 385,000 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Inventory and Warehouse Operations programs?
Currently 8 accredited institutions offer Inventory and Warehouse Operations degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Lake Land College (99 graduates), William Rainey Harper College (59 graduates), and Kaskaskia College (KC) (57 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Inventory and Warehouse Operations growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 267 in 2010 to 296 in 2023-24. This represents a 11% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Inventory and Warehouse Operations degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks. Related occupations employ approximately 385,000 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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