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The differences between call center agents and distribution center associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a call center agent and a distribution center associate. Additionally, a distribution center associate has an average salary of $33,708, which is higher than the $31,180 average annual salary of a call center agent.
The top three skills for a call center agent include customer service, strong customer service and data entry. The most important skills for a distribution center associate are pallets, excellent interpersonal, and patients.
| Call Center Agent | Distribution Center Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $31,180 | $33,708 |
| Hourly rate | $14.99 | $16.21 |
| Growth rate | -4% | -4% |
| Number of jobs | 131,722 | 240,852 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
A call center agent is responsible for answering calls and assisting clients by responding to inquiries. They also handle complaints and resolve issues, troubleshoot errors, and process applications. The tasks of a call center agent will vary on the directives of supervisors. There are instances when they must make calls to gather or give information, sell products, and discuss a particular subject. Furthermore, most of the duties take place in a team setting, which is why it is essential to coordinate with colleagues and adhere to the company's policies and regulations at all times.
A distribution center associate is responsible for supporting the operations of a distribution center, such as assisting the manufacturing process, labeling merchandise, packaging items, and storing products to the appropriate category shelves. Distribution center associates also help on loading and unloading items from the delivery trucks, checking inventory receipts, and inspecting the quality and the correct quantity of products for shipment. They update stock information on the database, as well as responding to clients' inquiries and delivery concerns, and resolving complaints immediately.
Call center agents and distribution center associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Call Center Agent | Distribution Center Associate | |
| Average salary | $31,180 | $33,708 |
| Salary range | Between $23,000 And $41,000 | Between $26,000 And $42,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | Minnesota | Minnesota |
| Best paying company | University of California, Berkeley | McKinsey & Company Inc |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a call center agent and a distribution center associate in terms of educational background:
| Call Center Agent | Distribution Center Associate | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between call center agents' and distribution center associates' demographics:
| Call Center Agent | Distribution Center Associate | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 30.8% Female, 69.2% | Male, 49.9% Female, 50.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.1% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 21.0% Asian, 5.9% White, 55.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 7.0% White, 55.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 7% |