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What is an inventory clerk and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
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Inventory clerks work under the supervision of a store manager, assisting them in tracking inventory. They help to make sure the right amount of inventory is always on stock and the warehouse is organized. They give a hand in unloading and shelving products and provide customer service whenever necessary.

As an inventory clerk, you will keep track of stock using spreadsheets and inventory databases. You will need a driver's license, and you will have to know your way around a warehouse, possibly even operate a forklift. You will need physical strength to lift, carry, unpack, and place products, but most of the job is counting things: supplies, materials, equipment, and merchandise.

No specific education is necessary to be hired for this entry-level position. You need to be good at math and have an analytical mind because, again, your job will entail a whole lot of counting.

ScoreInventory ClerkUS Average
Salary
2.6

Avg. Salary $32,666

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.6

Growth rate 1%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.97%

Asian 7.05%

Black or African American 9.88%

Hispanic or Latino 22.69%

Unknown 5.52%

White 53.90%

Gender

female 48.63%

male 51.37%

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
4.6

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
5.6

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.1

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Inventory clerk career paths

Key steps to become an inventory clerk

  1. Explore inventory clerk education requirements

    Most common inventory clerk degrees

    High School Diploma

    37.7 %

    Bachelor's

    23.6 %

    Associate

    21.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific inventory clerk skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service15.42%
    Data Entry11.47%
    Inventory Control8.61%
    Purchase Orders7.94%
    Cycle Counts6.17%
  3. Research inventory clerk duties and responsibilities

    • Use ERP system on a daily basis to accurately move and manage finish goods throughout the plant into inventory.
    • Manage incoming delivery of all FedEx and containers containing serviceable material.
    • Receive in POs and transfers.
    • Maintain complete update purchasing records/data and pricing in the system POS.
  4. Prepare your inventory clerk resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your inventory clerk 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 clerk 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 clerk resume templates

    Build a professional inventory clerk 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 clerk resume.
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    Inventory Clerk Resume
    Inventory Clerk Resume
    Inventory Clerk Resume
    Inventory Clerk Resume
  5. Apply for inventory clerk jobs

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

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Average inventory clerk salary

The average inventory clerk salary in the United States is $32,666 per year or $16 per hour. Inventory clerk salaries range between $26,000 and $39,000 per year.

Average inventory clerk salary
$32,666 Yearly
$15.70 hourly

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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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