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Inventory clerk vs inventory associate

The differences between inventory clerks and inventory associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an inventory clerk has an average salary of $32,666, which is higher than the $30,067 average annual salary of an inventory associate.

The top three skills for an inventory clerk include customer service, data entry and inventory control. The most important skills for an inventory associate are ladders, strong work ethic, and work ethic.

Inventory clerk vs inventory associate overview

Inventory ClerkInventory Associate
Yearly salary$32,666$30,067
Hourly rate$15.70$14.46
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs204,051184,462
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 42%
Average age3838
Years of experience--

What does an inventory clerk do?

Inventory clerks or inventory control clerks manage and maintain all inventory coming in and out. They ensure that the items are stored and stocked in their proper places. They have to train less experienced clerks as well as prepare balance and shortage reports. They also need to report any stock issues, place orders when necessary, prepare a list of lacking products, and take note of unusable items. A good inventory clerk must be detail-oriented, organized, and have relevant experience in inventory control.

What does an inventory associate do?

An inventory associate is responsible for monitoring inventory supplies, ensuring that the supplies are adequate for customers' orders and business' needs. Inventory associates manage order sheets and record inventory reports, check items for possible defects, prepare merchandise for shipment, inspect delivered inventory supplies and return damaged items, organize shelves, and operate basic warehouse equipment. An inventory associate must have strong analytical and data entry skills to input inventory records in the system efficiently and accurately.

Inventory clerk vs inventory associate salary

Inventory clerks and inventory associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

Inventory ClerkInventory Associate
Average salary$32,666$30,067
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $39,000Between $24,000 And $37,000
Highest paying CityPortland, ORSeattle, WA
Highest paying stateOregonWashington
Best paying companyBDPhillips 66
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between inventory clerk and inventory associate education

There are a few differences between an inventory clerk and an inventory associate in terms of educational background:

Inventory ClerkInventory Associate
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 42%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Inventory clerk vs inventory associate demographics

Here are the differences between inventory clerks' and inventory associates' demographics:

Inventory ClerkInventory Associate
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 51.4% Female, 48.6%Male, 59.5% Female, 40.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 22.7% Asian, 7.0% White, 53.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 19.6% Asian, 7.1% White, 56.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between inventory clerk and inventory associate duties and responsibilities

Inventory clerk example 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.
  • Reconcile receipts from travel expenses, material and employee payday loan log to AS400 reports.
  • Key in and verify invoices using the AS400 system coming from various shops and terminals worldwide.
  • Show more

Inventory associate example 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.
  • Clean store, bag groceries, and assist customers with general needs.
  • Assist customers with bagging groceries and assisting them with lifting and carrying groceries.
  • Show more

Inventory clerk vs inventory associate skills

Common inventory clerk skills
  • Customer Service, 15%
  • Data Entry, 11%
  • Inventory Control, 9%
  • Purchase Orders, 8%
  • Cycle Counts, 6%
  • Shipping Receiving, 5%
Common inventory associate skills
  • Ladders, 31%
  • Strong Work Ethic, 27%
  • Work Ethic, 27%
  • WIS, 3%
  • Inventory Counts, 3%
  • Customer Service, 2%

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