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What is an inventory management specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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Inventory management specialists help companies manage their inventory levels to meet customer demand and reduce losses. They lead and participate in inventory planning and strategy. They monitor inventory levels and restock as needed. Also, they inspect products and stock levels to spot potential problems. Using the information from sales reports and inventory counts, they forecast inventory needs. Similarly, they recommend when to purchase stock from vendors and reduce prices. Furthermore, they prepare regular inventory reports on regular counts, stock outages, and replenishments, among others.

For this role, you need a minimum of a high school diploma. However, some employers prefer a bachelor's degree. You must have previous relevant work experience. Core skills are problem-solving, maths, and communication skills. Work tools include lifting equipment, inventory tracking tools, productivity software, and inventory management software. These experts are paid about $47,915 per annum. Their salary is between $26,000 and $87,000.

ScoreInventory Management SpecialistUS Average
Salary
4.4

Avg. Salary $56,032

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.9

Growth rate 1%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.66%

Asian 8.91%

Black or African American 7.71%

Hispanic or Latino 12.94%

Unknown 4.71%

White 65.06%

Gender

female 33.80%

male 66.20%

Age - 47
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 - 47
Stress level
7.9

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.7

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.5

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Inventory management specialist career paths

Key steps to become an inventory management specialist

  1. Explore inventory management specialist education requirements

    Most common inventory management specialist degrees

    Bachelor's

    38.5 %

    High School Diploma

    25.6 %

    Associate

    21.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific inventory management specialist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service23.42%
    Inventory Management System14.71%
    Purchase Orders6.87%
    Sales Floor4.92%
    Stock Merchandise4.90%
  3. Complete relevant inventory management specialist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New inventory management specialists 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 management specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real inventory management specialist resumes.
  4. Research inventory management specialist duties and responsibilities

    • Plan, purchase and manage various commodities through the use of various MRP systems.
    • Experience decision-maker in high-pressure environments; efficiently manage vital decision points autonomously to ensure mission accomplishment in multiple combat deployments.
    • Scan product bins with RF scanner for refills.
    • Update the department's inventory with the RF scanner.
  5. Prepare your inventory management specialist resume

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

    Build a professional inventory management specialist 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 management specialist resume.
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    Inventory Management Specialist Resume
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    Inventory Management Specialist Resume
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    Inventory Management Specialist Resume
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    Inventory Management Specialist Resume
    Inventory Management Specialist Resume
    Inventory Management Specialist Resume
    Inventory Management Specialist Resume
    Inventory Management Specialist Resume
    Inventory Management Specialist Resume
  6. Apply for inventory management specialist jobs

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

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Average inventory management specialist salary

The average inventory management specialist salary in the United States is $56,032 per year or $27 per hour. Inventory management specialist salaries range between $38,000 and $81,000 per year.

Average inventory management specialist salary
$56,032 Yearly
$26.94 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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