How much do inventory associates make?

Inventory associates make an average hourly wage of $20. However, the salary range falls anywhere from $18 to $24 an hour, or around $35,000 to $40,000 in a year. However, the specific salary range of an inventory associate depends largely on experience level. This means that the more experienced inventory associates can make closer to $50,000 in a year.

What does an inventory associate do at Walmart?

An inventory associate at Walmart moves inventory in the backroom and unloads trucks. They may also fulfill club pick-up orders or help members while stocking shelves. An inventory associate keeps track of the goods and supplies at Walmart and manages orders to facilitate sales or production. Their duties include signing off on shipments, counting the number of available products, and placing orders for more inventory according to demand.

How To Become An Inventory Associate: What It Is and Career Path

What is an inventory associate and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

An inventory associate manages and organizes a company's inventory. They receive, count, and label items, and ensure proper storage. They also monitor inventory levels and communicate with other departments about restocking. Additionally, inventory associates may conduct audits to ensure accuracy. The role requires strong attention to detail, organization skills, and the ability to work under pressure. Some physical labor may be involved, such as lifting and moving heavy objects.

ScoreInventory AssociateUS Average

Salary

2.3

Avg. Salary $30,067

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.1

Growth rate 1%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.02%

Asian 7.08%

Black or African American 10.58%

Hispanic or Latino 19.59%

Unknown 5.66%

White 56.07%

Gender

female 40.52%

male 59.48%

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 inventory associate?

Pros

Opportunities for growth and advancement
Often flexible scheduling options
Potential for bonuses or performance-based incentives
Opportunity to work independently or as part of a team
Potential for overtime pay

Cons

High stress levels during peak seasons or busy times
Lack of recognition for hard work or effort put in
Low wages compared to other positions with similar responsibilities
Limited opportunities for career advancement beyond inventory roles
Potential to work weekends and holidays

Key steps to become an inventory associate

Explore inventory associate education requirements

Most common inventory associate degrees

High School Diploma

42.1 %

Bachelor's

22.1 %

Associate

18.0 %

Start to develop specific inventory associate skills

Skills	Percentages
Ladders	31.13%
Strong Work Ethic	27.36%
Work Ethic	27.27%
WIS	3.30%
Inventory Counts	3.00%

Complete relevant inventory associate training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New inventory 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 inventory associate based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real inventory associate resumes.

Research inventory associate duties and responsibilities

Manage the ordering of shipping supplies through FedEx's web ordering system.
Train any associate interest in POS system in order to help them achieve their goals.
Count products in warehouse; preform quality checks on packages being ship out; operate RF gun; update computer system
Research product (WMS) system to conduct quality control locations.

Prepare your inventory associate resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your inventory associate resume.

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