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What is an in-stock associate and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
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An in-stock associate ensures the proper stocking and organization of items in a retail setting. They receive shipments, unpack boxes, and check for damaged items. In-stock associates must also track inventory levels and notify management when supplies are running low. They work closely with the retail team to maintain a clean store environment, assist customers, and process returns. In addition, they may be responsible for setting up displays or signage.

ScoreIn-Stock AssociateUS Average
Salary
2.5

Avg. Salary $32,130

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
7.1

Growth Rate 1%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.2
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.04%

Asian 6.62%

Black or African American 9.94%

Hispanic or Latino 21.89%

Unknown 5.69%

White 54.83%

Gender

female 30.33%

male 69.67%

Age - 35
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 35
Stress Level
7.1

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
6.1

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
10.0

Work Life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being an In-Stock Associate?

Pros

Cons

  • Physically demanding work

  • Requires standing for extended periods of time

  • May require working weekends and holidays

  • Pay may be lower compared to other positions in the store

  • High-pressure situations when dealing with inventory discrepancies

In-Stock Associate career paths

Key steps to become an in-stock associate

  1. Explore in-stock associate education requirements

    Most common in-stock associate degrees

    High School Diploma

    47.9 %

    Bachelor's

    20.5 %

    Associate

    18.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific in-stock associate skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Food Handling7.68%
    Stock Room7.54%
    Ladders7.44%
    Customer Service7.24%
    POS6.97%
  3. Complete relevant in-stock associate training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New in-stock associates learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an in-stock associate based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real in-stock associate resumes.
  4. Research in-stock associate duties and responsibilities

    • Perform basic customer service skills, cleaning skills, and math skills.
    • Offer customer service & cashier duties while stocking wine cases deliver to the store.
    • Accommodate in customer service with sizing and recommending certain styles of clothing for kids and infants.
    • Stock overnight groceries and provide customer service
  5. Prepare your in-stock associate resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your in-stock associate resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an in-stock associate resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable In-Stock Associate Resume templates

    Build a professional In-Stock Associate resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your In-Stock Associate resume.
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    In-Stock Associate Resume
  6. Apply for in-stock associate jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an in-stock associate job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First In-Stock Associate Job

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Average in-stock associate salary

The average In-Stock Associate salary in the United States is $32,130 per year or $15 per hour. In-stock associate salaries range between $26,000 and $38,000 per year.

Average In-Stock Associate Salary
$32,130 Yearly
$15.45 hourly

What Am I Worth?

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How do in-stock associates rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

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2 Stars

1 Star

In-Stock Associate reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2023
Cons

Can't say anything I buy the product that sells or does not a sale makes me profit. Always liked inventory.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2019
Cons

Working in Memphis


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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