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What is an inventory analyst and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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An inventory analyst manages a company's inventory levels, ensuring the right amount of stock. They analyze sales data, forecast demand, and monitor inventory levels to determine orders and needs. Inventory analysts work with sales and logistics to ensure that inventory levels remain optimal. They also conduct inventory audits to identify any discrepancies or areas for improvement. The role requires analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

ScoreInventory AnalystUS Average
Salary
4.6

Avg. Salary $58,944

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.6

Growth rate 23%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.2
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.63%

Asian 8.52%

Black or African American 12.14%

Hispanic or Latino 14.29%

Unknown 6.00%

White 58.41%

Gender

female 43.86%

male 56.14%

Age - 44
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 - 44
Stress level
4.6

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
9.9

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.8

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being an inventory analyst?

Pros

  • Opportunity to work in a variety of industries

  • Opportunity for advancement within the company

  • Opportunity to work independently and manage projects

  • Good compensation and benefits packages

  • High demand for inventory analysts in many industries

Cons

  • May require long hours or weekend work during periods of high demand

  • May require significant data entry and manipulation

  • May require dealing with difficult or irate customers or vendors

  • Can be affected by external factors such as economic downturns or supply chain disruptions

  • May require frequent meetings or check-ins with management or other teams

Inventory analyst career paths

Key steps to become an inventory analyst

  1. Explore inventory analyst education requirements

    Most common inventory analyst degrees

    Bachelor's

    66.9 %

    Associate

    15.4 %

    Master's

    8.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific inventory analyst skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Supply Chain11.83%
    Customer Service9.12%
    Logistics6.71%
    Purchase Orders6.00%
    Inventory Control5.35%
  3. Complete relevant inventory analyst training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New inventory analysts 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 inventory analyst based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real inventory analyst resumes.
  4. Research inventory analyst duties and responsibilities

    • Manage vendor compliance and EDI contacts; set up new vendors and monitor EDI data flow.
    • Manage inventory procurement through MRP software.
    • Manage production and non-production stockrooms to ensure that inventory FIFO exceed industry standards.
    • Manage inventory levels by running bi-weekly MRP reports by identifying and validating purchasing requirements.
  5. Prepare your inventory analyst resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your inventory analyst 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 inventory analyst resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable inventory analyst resume templates

    Build a professional inventory analyst 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 inventory analyst resume.
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    Inventory Analyst Resume
  6. Apply for inventory analyst jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an inventory analyst 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 inventory analyst job

Zippi

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Average inventory analyst salary

The average inventory analyst salary in the United States is $58,944 per year or $28 per hour. Inventory analyst salaries range between $42,000 and $80,000 per year.

Average inventory analyst salary
$58,944 Yearly
$28.34 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do inventory analysts rate their job?

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Inventory analyst reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2020
Pros

Well when looking in the figures you will understand immediately how the organization doing, then when you send the info and your are correct and they don't listen then they realize that you where right, you look at there faces you will feel like you own the world.

Cons

we put a lot of hours, we earn our salaries from our eyes so salary is not up to what we do. but i do it because i love this job.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2019
Cons

Its all sitting, and you are unlikely to get a raise


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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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