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The differences between materials clerks and distribution clerks can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a distribution clerk has an average salary of $32,142, which is higher than the $32,109 average annual salary of a materials clerk.
The top three skills for a materials clerk include data entry, purchase orders and patient care. The most important skills for a distribution clerk are data entry, shipping receiving, and patients.
| Materials Clerk | Distribution Clerk | |
| Yearly salary | $32,109 | $32,142 |
| Hourly rate | $15.44 | $15.45 |
| Growth rate | 1% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 222,503 | 86,473 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 30% | High School Diploma, 35% |
| Average age | 38 | 43 |
| Years of experience | - | 12 |
A materials clerk is in charge of recording and monitoring the inventory of materials in different establishments, mostly in warehouses and retail facilities. They typically receive and inspect supplies to verify its quality and quantity, handle the documentation procedures, review requisitions and invoices, and update records as needed. Most of the time, they have the authority to accept and reject deliveries according to documents and materials. Moreover, aside from keeping accurate records, a materials clerk must maintain an active communication line with staff for a smooth and efficient workflow.
A distribution clerk is in charge of processing and managing products for shipments and deliveries, ensuring efficiency and timeliness. They work at warehouse facilities responsible for monitoring shipments, participating in loading and unloading packages, and inspecting them to ensure their quality and quantity. They also process and pack items according to protocols, review documentation, keep records of transactions, and maintain work areas' cleanliness. Moreover, a distribution clerk may also perform clerical tasks such as managing calls and correspondence, arranging schedules, and preparing documents.
Materials clerks and distribution clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Materials Clerk | Distribution Clerk | |
| Average salary | $32,109 | $32,142 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $40,000 | Between $25,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Petaluma, CA | Eureka, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Washington |
| Best paying company | Amphenol | SF-Marin Food Bank |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a materials clerk and a distribution clerk in terms of educational background:
| Materials Clerk | Distribution Clerk | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 30% | High School Diploma, 35% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between materials clerks' and distribution clerks' demographics:
| Materials Clerk | Distribution Clerk | |
| Average age | 38 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 53.0% Female, 47.0% | Male, 50.5% Female, 49.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 7.0% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% | Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Asian, 7.1% White, 56.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |