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The differences between distribution associates and inventory control specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an inventory control specialist has an average salary of $34,507, which is higher than the $33,453 average annual salary of a distribution associate.
The top three skills for a distribution associate include pallets, basic math and customer orders. The most important skills for an inventory control specialist are customer service, inventory control procedures, and work ethic.
| Distribution Associate | Inventory Control Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $33,453 | $34,507 |
| Hourly rate | $16.08 | $16.59 |
| Growth rate | -3% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 175,791 | 107,710 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 33% | High School Diploma, 31% |
| Average age | 43 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 12 | - |
A distribution associate typically works at warehouses or distribution establishments where they are in charge of processing orders for shipments or deliveries in a timely and efficient manner. Their responsibilities often include monitoring the inventory of goods, identifying and locating items, liaising with clients, receiving orders, lifting heavy packages, and maintaining accurate records of all transactions. Furthermore, as a distribution associate, it is essential to be proactive as warehouse conditions can be unpredictable due to the influx of goods.
Inventory control specialist ensures company inventory is accurate in all levels to increase the company's profitability. The specialist should maintain stable stocks and should manage the procurement of inventories. He/She or she is responsible for managing the flow of inventory in and out together with the shipment, package, and the storage activities then record them accurately for audits and reporting to the management. Specialists are often employed by various industries. They usually work in warehouses or in local retail locations.
Distribution associates and inventory control specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Distribution Associate | Inventory Control Specialist | |
| Average salary | $33,453 | $34,507 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $40,000 | Between $23,000 And $51,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Philadelphia, PA |
| Highest paying state | New York | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Clearwater Paper | JPMorgan Chase & Co. |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between a distribution associate and an inventory control specialist in terms of educational background:
| Distribution Associate | Inventory Control Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 33% | High School Diploma, 31% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between distribution associates' and inventory control specialists' demographics:
| Distribution Associate | Inventory Control Specialist | |
| Average age | 43 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 66.3% Female, 33.7% | Male, 63.2% Female, 36.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.0% Asian, 7.1% White, 55.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 7.0% White, 57.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |