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Job outlook for inventory associates in the United States
Inventory associate job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected inventory associate job growth rate is 1% from 2018-2028.
About 46,900 new jobs for inventory associates are projected over the next decade.
Inventory associate salaries have increased 38% for inventory associates in the last 5 years.
There are over 185,867 inventory associates currently employed in the United States.
There are 184,462 active inventory associate job openings in the US.
The average inventory associate salary is $30,067.
Are inventory associate jobs in demand?
Inventory associate job and salary trends over time
Inventory associate jobs over time
Inventory associate job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 185,867 | 0.06% |
| 2020 | 403,010 | 0.12% |
| 2019 | 308,722 | 0.09% |
| 2018 | 152,264 | 0.05% |
| 2017 | 151,524 | 0.05% |
Average inventory associate salary over time
Inventory associate salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $30,067 | $14.46 | +2.1% |
| 2024 | $29,453 | $14.16 | +25.5% |
| 2023 | $23,478 | $11.29 | +5.0% |
| 2022 | $22,354 | $10.75 | +2.6% |
| 2021 | $21,778 | $10.47 | +2.7% |
Inventory associate jobs by state
Most common states for inventory associates
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 193 | 26% |
| 2 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,628 | 24% |
| 3 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,264 | 22% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 300 | 22% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 207 | 22% |
| 6 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,675 | 21% |
| 7 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,905 | 21% |
| 8 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,373 | 20% |
| 9 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,189 | 20% |
| 10 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,301 | 19% |
| 11 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,039 | 19% |
| 12 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 991 | 18% |
| 13 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 792 | 18% |
| 14 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 641 | 18% |
| 15 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 561 | 18% |
| 16 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 528 | 18% |
| 17 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 237 | 18% |
| 18 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 1,989 | 17% |
| 19 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 1,709 | 17% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 180 | 17% |
Most common cities for inventory associates
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muskego | 7 | 28% | $29,752 |
| 2 | Pensacola | 6 | 11% | $24,257 |
| 3 | Salt Lake City | 7 | 4% | $31,391 |
| 4 | Orlando | 9 | 3% | $23,821 |
| 5 | Newark | 7 | 2% | $30,479 |
| 6 | Phoenix | 11 | 1% | $29,450 |
| 7 | Jacksonville | 9 | 1% | $23,904 |
| 8 | Boston | 7 | 1% | $33,706 |
| 9 | Dallas | 7 | 1% | $25,189 |
| 10 | Fort Worth | 7 | 1% | $25,303 |
| 11 | Sacramento | 7 | 1% | $33,775 |
| 12 | Atlanta | 6 | 1% | $24,611 |
| 13 | Indianapolis | 6 | 1% | $26,142 |
| 14 | Mesa | 6 | 1% | $29,376 |
| 15 | Omaha | 6 | 1% | $27,850 |
| 16 | Portland | 6 | 1% | $32,311 |
| 17 | New York | 12 | 0% | $30,983 |
| 18 | Chicago | 9 | 0% | $29,901 |
| 19 | Houston | 6 | 0% | $24,663 |
| 20 | Los Angeles | 6 | 0% | $32,440 |
Inventory Associate job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of inventory associate experts
San Diego Mesa College
Fashion Institute of Technology
Meegan Feori Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorSan Diego Mesa College
Department is Business Department
What Inventory Associate skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Meegan Feori Ph.D.: My recommendation is to combine your interests and career goals. For example, if you are an avid rock climber, you could apply for an internship with the North Face or start a retail position at an REI near Red Rock, Nevada, a place known for excellent rock climbing. If relocating for your gap year is not possible, then seek out a local option such as working at the nearby climbing gym. Customers are crucial to the fashion industry, enhancing your customer service skills during your gap year will benefit you. You could apply to be a Stitch Fix stylist, a boutique, or a non-profit resale salesperson. Even customer service jobs outside of the fashion industry will build experiences that will enhance your abilities to design, produce, or sell amazing products. Another option is to pursue an entrepreneurial venture. Dedicating yourself to creating an influential Instagram account, podcast, or YouTube channel could showcase your skills and build your network. Opening a Poshmark, Depop, Teespring, Etsy, or another digital retail store could let you apply your skills. Finally, keep investing in yourself through learning. There are many massive open online courses and community college offerings that could further your career.
What soft skills should all Inventory Associates possess?
Alexander Nagel Ph.D.: Soft skills needed are flexibilities to adapt quickly to new opportunities, to be open to non-traditional career paths. Being organized and responsive to email correspondence, being friendly and kind, having empathy are values that will never be out of fashion. FIT is known for being home to "unconventional minds," and our students are super creative, engaged, and ready to take on challenges.