Shipping, receiving, and inventory clerks
SOC Code: 43-5071Also known as:
Backroom Associate, Booking Clerk, Break Out Man, Break Out Worker, Car Checker
Median Annual Salary
$43,190
-7.7% growth (2024-2034)
69K
Openings/Year
862K
Current Jobs
What Shipping, receiving, and inventory clerks Do
Verify and maintain records on incoming and outgoing shipments involving inventory. Duties include verifying and recording incoming merchandise or material and arranging for the transportation of products. May prepare items for shipment.
💰 Salary
$43,190
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-7.7%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
69K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
862,200
Projected Employment (2034)
795,800
Related Careers
Cargo and freight agents
$49,900 •
+8.5% growth
Postal service clerks
$61,630 •
-3.5% growth
Postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators
$56,530 •
-8.4% growth
Weighers, measurers, checkers, and samplers, recordkeeping
$45,650 •
-4.8% growth
Stockers and order fillers
$37,090 •
+8.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Examine shipment contents and compare with records, such as manifests, invoices, or orders, to verify accuracy.
- Requisition and store shipping materials and supplies to maintain inventory of stock.
- Prepare documents, such as work orders, bills of lading, or shipping orders, to route materials.
- Pack, seal, label, or affix postage to prepare materials for shipping, using hand tools, power tools, or postage meter.
- Record shipment data, such as weight, charges, space availability, damages, or discrepancies, for reporting, accounting, or recordkeeping purposes.
- Confer or correspond with establishment representatives to rectify problems, such as damages, shortages, or nonconformance to specifications.
- Deliver or route materials to departments using handtruck, conveyor, or sorting bins.
- Contact carrier representatives to make arrangements or to issue instructions for shipping and delivery of materials.
- Determine shipping methods, routes, or rates for materials to be shipped.
- Compute amounts, such as space available, shipping, storage, or demurrage charges, using computer or price list.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
College rankings for this career path are being calculated. Check back soon!
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do shipping, receiving, and inventory clerks make?
The median annual salary for shipping, receiving, and inventory clerks is $43,190.
What education do shipping, receiving, and inventory clerks need?
Most shipping, receiving, and inventory clerks positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming shipping, receiving, and inventory clerks a good career choice?
Shipping, receiving, and inventory clerks is projected to see -7.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 69,300 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for shipping, receiving, and inventory clerks?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to shipping, receiving, and inventory clerks?
Shipping, receiving, and inventory clerks may also be known as: Backroom Associate, Booking Clerk, Break Out Man, Break Out Worker, Car Checker, Cloth Booker, Container Coordinator, Disposition Clerk, Distributing Clerk, Distribution Associate, Distribution Center Associate, Distribution Clerk, Distribution Team Member, Express Clerk, Fish Receiver, Forwarder, Freight Breaker, Freight Clerk, Freight Handler, Freight Separator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.