Highest-Paying Stock Clerk Jobs [2023]

Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of stock clerks that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.

Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of stock clerks:

• General Merchandise Clerk is the highest-paid type of stock clerk with an average salary of $34,415 and an average hourly rate of $16.55.

• The second highest-paying type of stock clerk is inventory clerk, with an average salary of $32,666.

• The average stock clerk salary is $29,226 per year, and the average hourly pay is $14.05.

Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs

Background

Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a stock clerk, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of stock clerks are so that you can plan your career progression.

Here are the top salaries for different types of stock clerks:

1. General Merchandise Clerk

   Average Salary: $34,415

   This individual works in the GM section of a store. They interact with customers and assist them as they purchase merchandise. In this role, they are expected to place all special orders and to take stock of all products annually. Other responsibilities of this position include developing merchandise plans and ensuring they are compliant with quality standards. They may also have to evaluate merchandise and ensure credit payments are accurate.

2. Inventory Clerk

   Average Salary: $32,666

   Inventory clerks or inventory control clerks manage and maintain all inventory coming in and out. They ensure that the items are stored and stocked in their proper places. They have to train less experienced clerks as well as prepare balance and shortage reports. They also need to report any stock issues, place orders when necessary, prepare a list of lacking products, and take note of unusable items. A good inventory clerk must be detail-oriented, organized, and have relevant experience in inventory control.

3. Stock Person

   Average Salary: $32,393

   A stock person is responsible for managing the stock inventory, ensuring supplies’ adequacy, and organizing products on the shelves. The stock person unloads the items from delivery trucks, updates the inventory records, and inspects any defects and mislabeling. A stock person must have excellent communication and time-management skills, especially on responding to customers’ inquiries and concerns and resolving complaints. They must also have a broad knowledge of operating mechanical equipment and machinery to track inventory and accuracy.

4. Overnight Stock Associate

   Average Salary: $32,370

   An overnight stock associate is responsible for monitoring the adequacy of store merchandise after normal operating hours. Overnight stock associates load the shelves and arrange product displays as per the store’s requirements during off-hours when there are no other employees and customers around. They also receive items from distribution centers, verify the order details, inspect the package for any defects, process replacements, and update inventory records. An overnight stock associate checks the validity of the items upon stocking, eliminating expired products, and notify the management for order requests.

5. In-Stock Associate

   Average Salary: $32,130

   An In-Stock Associate is responsible for ensuring that the shelves of a retail store or warehouse are stocked with up to standard items and merchandise. They follow a supervising staff or manager’s instructions while adhering to the company’s policies and regulations, reporting problems should there be any. An In-Stock Associate’s tasks will also revolve around loading and unloading shipments or deliveries, monitoring the quality and quantity of items, and operating devices such as scanners and forklifts, communicate and assist customers, and cleaning up stockrooms and shelves.

Below is a full table of the average pay for various stock clerk that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Stock Clerks

Methodology

Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.

Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for stock clerks.

Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Stock Clerk Jobs FAQs

1. What is the highest-paid stock clerk job?

   The highest-paid stock clerk job is a general merchandise clerk. General Merchandise Clerks earn an average salary of $34,415, which is $ 16.55 hourly.

   This individual works in the GM section of a store. They interact with customers and assist them as they purchase merchandise. In this role, they are expected to place all special orders and to take stock of all products annually. Other responsibilities of this position include developing merchandise plans and ensuring they are compliant with quality standards. They may also have to evaluate merchandise and ensure credit payments are accurate.

2. What is a good salary for a stock clerk?

   A good salary for a stock clerk is $29,226 or more. The average stock clerk salary is $29,226, so those making at least $29,226 are earning above-average paychecks.

   Keep in mind, however, that the average stock clerk salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.

   In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a stock clerk, the average entry level salary is $0, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $29,226 average, as this includes all stock clerks of all skill and experience levels.

3. Do Stock Clerk jobs pay well?

   No, stock clerk jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some stock clerk jobs pay better than others, but the average stock clerk salary of $29,226 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.

   In addition to this, many stock clerk jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of stock clerks earning $0 a year on average.

   Stock Clerks’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a stock clerk. Do your research on the going rate for a stock clerk in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.

4. Where do stock clerks get paid the most?

   Stock Clerks get paid the most in Michigan. In Michigan, stock clerks earn an average annual salary of $28,758 and an average hourly wage of $13.83.

   Following MI, the states with the highest-paid stock clerks are Connecticut, California, and Wisconsin, with average annual salaries of $30,170, $32,730, and $27,977 respectively.

   The cities with the highest-paid stock clerk salaries are:

   1. Dedham, MA – $34,556

   2. Los Angeles, CA – $32,478

   3. Centereach, NY – $30,998

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.