Key carrier vs general merchandise clerk

The differences between key carriers and general merchandise clerks can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a general merchandise clerk has an average salary of $34,415, which is higher than the $32,262 average annual salary of a key carrier.

The top three skills for a key carrier include store sales, store operations and customer issues. The most important skills for a general merchandise clerk are product knowledge, product displays, and customer service.

Key carrier vs general merchandise clerk overview

	Key Carrier	General Merchandise Clerk
Yearly salary	$32,262	$34,415
Hourly rate	$15.51	$16.55
Growth rate	-6%	1%
Number of jobs	82,534	137,799
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	High School Diploma, 36%
Average age	49	38
Years of experience	-	-

What does a key carrier do?

A key carrier is primarily in charge of opening and closing business establishments. Because they are typically the first team member to come into the workplace, it is often their duty to set-up alarm systems, clean the sales floor and other areas, arrange shelves or tables, and prepare for the incoming customers. Should there be any problems, it is essential to report to the manager right away. Furthermore, a key carrier must maintain an active communication line with all co-workers while enforcing the company's policies and regulations.

What does a general merchandise clerk do?

This individual works in the GM section of a store. They interact with customers and assist them as they purchase merchandise. In this role, they are expected to place all special orders and to take stock of all products annually. Other responsibilities of this position include developing merchandise plans and ensuring they are compliant with quality standards. They may also have to evaluate merchandise and ensure credit payments are accurate.

Key carrier vs general merchandise clerk salary

Key carriers and general merchandise clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Key Carrier	General Merchandise Clerk
Average salary	$32,262	$34,415
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $39,000	Between $27,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between key carrier and general merchandise clerk education

There are a few differences between a key carrier and a general merchandise clerk in terms of educational background:

	Key Carrier	General Merchandise Clerk
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	High School Diploma, 36%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Key carrier vs general merchandise clerk demographics

Here are the differences between key carriers' and general merchandise clerks' demographics:

	Key Carrier	General Merchandise Clerk
Average age	49	38
Gender ratio	Male, 36.2% Female, 63.8%	Male, 50.2% Female, 49.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 6.2% White, 60.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%	Black or African American, 7.5% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 23.0% Asian, 5.9% White, 56.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage	9%	6%

Differences between key carrier and general merchandise clerk duties and responsibilities

Key carrier example responsibilities.

Achieve and exceed store and company sales and KPI goals.
Used KRONOS proficiently on a daily basis to monitor staff clock in/out and to compile payroll bi-weekly.
Handle payments at the POS, stock the storefront as needed, and answer customer questions and inquiries.
Train and develop new associates on POS system, proper formatting of the store, and key sales tactics.
Analyze and study various reports in order to make merchandising, selling, staffing, and payroll planning decisions.
Maintain cleanliness and organizational standards.

General merchandise clerk example responsibilities.

Provide great customer service while effectively bagging groceries.
Collect all carts from outside help cashiers bag groceries for customers and sometimes help the customers take groceries to their car.
Execute grain futures orders for special accounts that require extraordinary attention to detail as well as personalized service.
Work in almost every department in the Kroger store.

Key carrier vs general merchandise clerk skills

Common key carrier skills

Store Sales, 21%
Store Operations, 18%
Customer Issues, 12%
Cleanliness, 5%
Basic Math, 4%
Math, 4%

Common general merchandise clerk skills

Product Knowledge, 44%
Product Displays, 20%
Customer Service, 9%
Stock Shelves, 6%
Sales Floor, 3%
Math, 3%

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Key Carrier
Key Carrier vs General Merchandise Clerk

Updated January 8, 2025

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