How long does it take to become an Inventory Specialist?

It takes 3 years of professional experience to become an inventory specialist. That is the time it takes to learn specific inventory specialist skills, but does not account for time spent in formal education.

Do you need a degree to be an inventory specialist?

No, you do not need a degree to be an inventory specialist. Large companies with combined roles and complex logistics may prefer an associate or bachelor's degree in business. Employers put emphasis on experience. Candidates should have about one to three years of experience in wholesale distribution and warehousing. Familiarity with the product, effective communication, and strong organization skills are also important.

How much does an inventory control specialist make?

The average inventory specialist makes about $30,000 to $35,000 annually, or $14.40 to $16.80 an hour. With bonuses and overtime options, top earners can bring in $48,000. Salary also varies by company, experience, and location.

How To Become An Inventory Specialist: What It Is and Career Path

What is an inventory specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

An inventory specialist manages and organizes a company's inventory. They track inventory levels, order new products, and label stock. Inventory specialists work with purchasing and sales teams to ensure that inventory levels meet customer demand. They may also conduct inventory audits and reconcile any discrepancies that may occur. The role of an inventory specialist requires analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in inventory management software.

ScoreInventory SpecialistUS Average

Salary

2.8

Avg. Salary $35,752

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.6

Growth rate 1%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.97%

Asian 7.16%

Black or African American 10.21%

Hispanic or Latino 18.97%

Unknown 5.52%

White 57.17%

Gender

female 41.12%

male 58.88%

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

What are the pros and cons of being an inventory specialist?

Pros

Potential for career advancement within the company
Chance to work with a diverse group of people
Exposure to different technological systems used in inventory management
Ability to see the impact of your work on the organization's success
Opportunity to work independently and as part of a team

Cons

Repetitive tasks can become tedious over time
Long hours may be required during peak times
Limited opportunities for creativity or innovation in daily tasks
Potential for job instability due to company downsizing or outsourcing
Possibility of working irregular hours or shifts

Key steps to become an inventory specialist

Explore inventory specialist education requirements

Most common inventory specialist degrees

High School Diploma

32.8 %

Bachelor's

30.5 %

Associate

21.9 %

Start to develop specific inventory specialist skills

Skills	Percentages
Customer Service	26.12%
Sales Floor	8.60%
Reservations	7.28%
Pallet Jack	5.52%
Safety Standards	4.75%

Research inventory specialist duties and responsibilities

Manage assign commodities by communicating MRP changes to the suppliers, minimizing obsolete inventory while achieving the optimum inventory targets.
Manage JDE ERP module for service department of finish goods for sale and field support.
Achieve establish average per hour (APH) counting goals while ensuring accuracy and integrity of the data collect.
Used WIS scanners to scan stock and download scanner information to computer.

Prepare your inventory specialist resume

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

Build a professional inventory 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 specialist resume.

Apply for inventory specialist jobs

Now it's time to start searching for an inventory specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first inventory specialist job

Johnny Taylor

Inventory Specialist, Danfoss

The journey start from Graduating from High School in 2018 and joining the Army as a 92Y meaning a Unit Supply Specialist. In the career of inventory there no Blue Print or schooling only going in with a blind eye. Everyone has inventory in them whether it’s counting money or straightens up shoes or making sure you bring your book bag to school. My journey started at fort lee Virginia where i undergo a training known as AIT, on how to become a successful solider in my line of work for military training. I was in charge of everything maintaining arms room and supply and ordering and shipping and maintaining supply's for my unit 24/7 for 4 years after the army i choose to have a simple life of inventory control which i enjoy but can be hard at time when there no help in my job when company only have one person inventory it can cost them due too one person and one task at time, i can say inventory is great if you make it great or can be roller coaster i love inventory i feel like a detective.

How do inventory specialists rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Inventory specialist reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2022

Pros

Love working in logistics, implementing lean 6 sigma.

Cons

Really enjoy everything

A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2021

Pros

Freedom from supervision. Always busy, not stuck behind a desk. The variaty each days work.

Cons

Physical toll.

A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019

Pros

Fast pace, dealing with customer service, work is always changing

Cons

Management stuck in the same position no room for growth

What is an inventory specialist and how to become one

What are the pros and cons of being an inventory specialist?

Inventory specialist career paths

Key steps to become an inventory specialist

Explore inventory specialist education requirements

Most common inventory specialist degrees

Start to develop specific inventory specialist skills

Research inventory specialist duties and responsibilities

Prepare your inventory specialist resume

Choose from 10+ customizable inventory specialist resume templates

Apply for inventory specialist jobs

How did you land your first inventory specialist job

Average inventory specialist salary

How do inventory specialists rate their job?

Inventory specialist reviews

Inventory specialist FAQs

How long does it take to become an Inventory Specialist?

Do you need a degree to be an inventory specialist?

How much does an inventory control specialist make?

Search for inventory specialist jobs

Inventory specialist jobs by state