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The differences between distribution clerks 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 distribution clerk and a distribution center associate. Additionally, a distribution center associate has an average salary of $33,708, 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 center associate are pallets, excellent interpersonal, and patients.
| Distribution Clerk | Distribution Center Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $32,142 | $33,708 |
| Hourly rate | $15.45 | $16.21 |
| Growth rate | -3% | -4% |
| Number of jobs | 86,473 | 240,852 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Average age | 43 | 40 |
| 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 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.
Distribution clerks and distribution center associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Distribution Clerk | Distribution Center Associate | |
| Average salary | $32,142 | $33,708 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $39,000 | Between $26,000 And $42,000 |
| Highest paying City | Eureka, CA | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Minnesota |
| Best paying company | SF-Marin Food Bank | McKinsey & Company Inc |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a distribution clerk and a distribution center associate in terms of educational background:
| Distribution Clerk | 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 distribution clerks' and distribution center associates' demographics:
| Distribution Clerk | Distribution Center Associate | |
| Average age | 43 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 50.5% Female, 49.5% | Male, 49.9% Female, 50.1% |
| 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, 11.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 7.0% White, 55.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 7% |