Distribution clerk vs production clerk

The differences between distribution clerks and production clerks can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a distribution clerk, becoming a production clerk takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a production clerk has an average salary of $32,281, 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 production clerk are basic math, data entry, and safety procedures.

Distribution clerk vs production clerk overview

	Distribution Clerk	Production Clerk
Yearly salary	$32,142	$32,281
Hourly rate	$15.45	$15.52
Growth rate	-3%	-3%
Number of jobs	86,473	241,271
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 35%	High School Diploma, 31%
Average age	43	45
Years of experience	12	2

What does a distribution clerk do?

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.

What does a production clerk do?

Production clerks are involved with parts, warehousing, and inventory management operations. Those who choose this career path will be required to review and distribute production, work, and shipment schedules, as well as confer with department supervisors in order to determine the progress of work and completion dates. Production clerks also compile reports on things like work progress, inventory levels, cost, and production issues.

Distribution clerk vs production clerk salary

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

	Distribution Clerk	Production Clerk
Average salary	$32,142	$32,281
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $39,000	Between $25,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City	Eureka, CA	Minneapolis, MN
Highest paying state	Washington	Massachusetts
Best paying company	SF-Marin Food Bank	Rich Products
Best paying industry	Health Care	Manufacturing

Differences between distribution clerk and production clerk education

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

	Distribution Clerk	Production Clerk
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 35%	High School Diploma, 31%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	Western Carolina University

Distribution clerk vs production clerk demographics

Here are the differences between distribution clerks' and production clerks' demographics:

	Distribution Clerk	Production Clerk
Average age	43	45
Gender ratio	Male, 50.5% Female, 49.5%	Male, 31.8% Female, 68.2%
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, 10.3% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 7.0% White, 60.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	6%	11%

Differences between distribution clerk and production clerk duties and responsibilities

Distribution clerk example responsibilities.

Manage all aspects of verifying incoming items and outgoing customer material release orders (MRO )
Enter time card information in the payroll system occasionally.
Process and pack orders using wet and dry ice for FedEx shipping.
Research U.P.S., FedEx, mail inquiries, and distribute and process mail.
Receive numerous awards and accolades from customers and the USPS over the years.
Deliver medications in company car, vehicle maintenance, faxing, filing, ordering, and HIPAA certify.

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Production clerk example responsibilities.

Flight line expediter ensures maintenance accomplishment and sortie production by managing, controlling and directing allocate resources and personnel.
Clean windows, glass partitions, and mirrors with water and other cleaners with sponges and squeegees.
Coordinate with multiple sewing facilities to expedite late customer orders.
Ship via fed ex and ups.
Observe and follow GMP guidelines ensuring product quality.
Perform cycle counting of WIP and complete inventories.

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Distribution clerk vs production clerk skills

Common distribution clerk skills

Data Entry, 16%
Shipping Receiving, 12%
Patients, 12%
Inventory Control, 7%
Customer Support, 5%
Purchase Orders, 4%

Common production clerk skills

Basic Math, 16%
Data Entry, 16%
Safety Procedures, 8%
Math, 8%
Production Reports, 4%
GMP, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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