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Inventory control associate vs distribution associate

The differences between inventory control associates and distribution associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an inventory control associate has an average salary of $37,541, which is higher than the $33,453 average annual salary of a distribution associate.

The top three skills for an inventory control associate include customer service, inventory control and sales floor. The most important skills for a distribution associate are pallets, basic math, and customer orders.

Inventory control associate vs distribution associate overview

Inventory Control AssociateDistribution Associate
Yearly salary$37,541$33,453
Hourly rate$18.05$16.08
Growth rate1%-3%
Number of jobs157,859175,791
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 42%Bachelor's Degree, 33%
Average age3843
Years of experience-12

What does an inventory control associate do?

In warehouses, an inventory control associate plays a significant role in its daily operations. It is their responsibility to monitor the inventory of supplies, receive job orders and process shipments, monitor the arrival and departure of cargo, and maintain records of all transactions, updating databases as necessary. There are also instances where they must operate machinery and maintain the cleanliness of work areas. Furthermore, as an inventory control associate, it is essential to participate in developing strategies to optimize the facility's supply chain operations while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.

What does a distribution associate do?

A distribution associate typically works at warehouses or distribution establishments where they are in charge of processing orders for shipments or deliveries in a timely and efficient manner. Their responsibilities often include monitoring the inventory of goods, identifying and locating items, liaising with clients, receiving orders, lifting heavy packages, and maintaining accurate records of all transactions. Furthermore, as a distribution associate, it is essential to be proactive as warehouse conditions can be unpredictable due to the influx of goods.

Inventory control associate vs distribution associate salary

Inventory control associates and distribution associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

Inventory Control AssociateDistribution Associate
Average salary$37,541$33,453
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $57,000Between $27,000 And $40,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYNew York, NY
Highest paying stateNew YorkNew York
Best paying companyApollo Global ManagementClearwater Paper
Best paying industryTechnologyAutomotive

Differences between inventory control associate and distribution associate education

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

Inventory Control AssociateDistribution Associate
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 42%Bachelor's Degree, 33%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Inventory control associate vs distribution associate demographics

Here are the differences between inventory control associates' and distribution associates' demographics:

Inventory Control AssociateDistribution Associate
Average age3843
Gender ratioMale, 60.5% Female, 39.5%Male, 66.3% Female, 33.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 7.0% White, 56.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%Black or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.0% Asian, 7.1% White, 55.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between inventory control associate and distribution associate duties and responsibilities

Inventory control associate example responsibilities.

  • Utilize RF system to manage warehouse shipments, reviewing shipments for shortages and overages within the dry goods warehouse.
  • Participate in material management meetings, offering information on processing of depot support manage items.
  • Issue RMA's using computer program and receive RMA goods.
  • Maintain logistics schedule with trucking companies, customers, and other vendors.
  • Locate products and materials using a RF scanner and transport to its designate aisle locations.
  • Handle all task in the warehouse with responsibilities in shipments, pickups, and operating systems; shipping and receiving logistics.
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Distribution associate example responsibilities.

  • Manage and monitor KPI's, departmental metrics and ensure all checks and balances are in place.
  • Process LTL and small parcel shipments.
  • Assist in maintaining the cleanliness of facility.
  • Keep up the cleanliness of the entire warehouse.
  • Complete all OSHA and IBM safety classes and training classes for department.
  • Close orders using Lawson system and ensure deliveries contain the correct products.
  • Show more

Inventory control associate vs distribution associate skills

Common inventory control associate skills
  • Customer Service, 21%
  • Inventory Control, 15%
  • Sales Floor, 10%
  • Cycle Counts, 7%
  • Pallets, 4%
  • Data Entry, 3%
Common distribution associate skills
  • Pallets, 34%
  • Basic Math, 30%
  • Customer Orders, 5%
  • Shipping Receiving, 2%
  • RF Scanner, 2%
  • Quality Standards, 2%

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