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The differences between distribution clerks and distribution 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 distribution clerk and a distribution associate. Additionally, a distribution associate has an average salary of $33,453, which is higher than the $32,142 average annual salary of a distribution clerk.
The top three skills for a distribution clerk include data entry, shipping receiving and patients. The most important skills for a distribution associate are pallets, basic math, and customer orders.
| Distribution Clerk | Distribution Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $32,142 | $33,453 |
| Hourly rate | $15.45 | $16.08 |
| Growth rate | -3% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 86,473 | 175,791 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | Bachelor's Degree, 33% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
A distribution clerk is in charge of processing and managing products for shipments and deliveries, ensuring efficiency and timeliness. They work at warehouse facilities responsible for monitoring shipments, participating in loading and unloading packages, and inspecting them to ensure their quality and quantity. They also process and pack items according to protocols, review documentation, keep records of transactions, and maintain work areas' cleanliness. Moreover, a distribution clerk may also perform clerical tasks such as managing calls and correspondence, arranging schedules, and preparing documents.
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.
Distribution clerks and distribution associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Distribution Clerk | Distribution Associate | |
| Average salary | $32,142 | $33,453 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $39,000 | Between $27,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | Eureka, CA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Washington | New York |
| Best paying company | SF-Marin Food Bank | Clearwater Paper |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a distribution clerk and a distribution associate in terms of educational background:
| Distribution Clerk | Distribution Associate | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | Bachelor's Degree, 33% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between distribution clerks' and distribution associates' demographics:
| Distribution Clerk | Distribution Associate | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 50.5% Female, 49.5% | Male, 66.3% Female, 33.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Asian, 7.1% White, 56.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |