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Distribution associate vs warehouse clerk

The differences between distribution associates and warehouse clerks can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a distribution associate has an average salary of $33,453, which is higher than the $31,564 average annual salary of a warehouse clerk.

The top three skills for a distribution associate include pallets, basic math and customer orders. The most important skills for a warehouse clerk are work ethic, data entry, and logistics.

Distribution associate vs warehouse clerk overview

Distribution AssociateWarehouse Clerk
Yearly salary$33,453$31,564
Hourly rate$16.08$15.18
Growth rate-3%1%
Number of jobs175,791235,973
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 33%High School Diploma, 47%
Average age4338
Years of experience12-

What does a distribution associate do?

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.

What does a warehouse clerk do?

A warehouse clerk is an employee responsible for the process of ordered goods while keeping the warehouse well-organized and clean. Warehouse clerks accept company products' deliveries, inspect them for any damages, and store them accordingly in the warehouse. Companies require their warehouse clerks to have many skills, such as an operating forklift or other machinery to transport large and heavy goods. Warehouse clerks must also possess abilities like knowledge in Warehouse Management Software programs and detailed-oriented capable of noticing small errors in orders.

Distribution associate vs warehouse clerk salary

Distribution associates and warehouse clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.

Distribution AssociateWarehouse Clerk
Average salary$33,453$31,564
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $40,000Between $25,000 And $39,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYSan Jose, CA
Highest paying stateNew YorkHawaii
Best paying companyClearwater PaperThermo Fisher Scientific
Best paying industryAutomotiveTransportation

Differences between distribution associate and warehouse clerk education

There are a few differences between a distribution associate and a warehouse clerk in terms of educational background:

Distribution AssociateWarehouse Clerk
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 33%High School Diploma, 47%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Distribution associate vs warehouse clerk demographics

Here are the differences between distribution associates' and warehouse clerks' demographics:

Distribution AssociateWarehouse Clerk
Average age4338
Gender ratioMale, 66.3% Female, 33.7%Male, 73.6% Female, 26.4%
Race ratioBlack 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, 10.3% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 26.4% Asian, 5.8% White, 51.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between distribution associate and warehouse clerk duties and responsibilities

Distribution associate example responsibilities.

  • Manage and monitor KPI's, departmental metrics and ensure all checks and balances are in place.
  • Process LTL and small parcel shipments.
  • Assist in maintaining the cleanliness of facility.
  • Keep up the cleanliness of the entire warehouse.
  • Complete all OSHA and IBM safety classes and training classes for department.
  • Close orders using Lawson system and ensure deliveries contain the correct products.
  • Show more

Warehouse clerk example responsibilities.

  • Coordinate and manage shipping for complete pallets to different work sites internationally.
  • Check the MRP system for shortages on release work orders or sales orders and issue as required.
  • Update training and work instructions pursuant to ISO guidelines.
  • Have used various MRP systems for inventory with superior knowledge.
  • Train and certify in the use of ESD equipment and practices.
  • Process all BOL via SAP/TWMS for external, rail and barge shipments.
  • Show more

Distribution associate vs warehouse clerk skills

Common distribution associate skills
  • Pallets, 34%
  • Basic Math, 30%
  • Customer Orders, 5%
  • Shipping Receiving, 2%
  • RF Scanner, 2%
  • Quality Standards, 2%
Common warehouse clerk skills
  • Work Ethic, 19%
  • Data Entry, 15%
  • Logistics, 13%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Pallets, 4%
  • Patients, 4%

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