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The differences between materials clerks and distribution technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a distribution technician has an average salary of $33,564, 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 technician are patients, computer system, and data entry.
| Materials Clerk | Distribution Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $32,109 | $33,564 |
| Hourly rate | $15.44 | $16.14 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 222,503 | 154,925 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 30% | Bachelor's Degree, 31% |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
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 technician has a variety of duties and responsibilities, including collecting and delivering materials, receiving documents, packages, and messages, and transporting them safely to their destination. Other tasks that you will likely perform include managing the inventory and completing data entry, preparing documentation and reports, and coordinating logistics for the shipment of products. Additional duties include providing quality service to customers and distributors, resolving inventory discrepancies, and collecting and updating customer information. You may also be tasked to conduct field and laboratory testing of construction materials.
Materials clerks and distribution technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Materials Clerk | Distribution Technician | |
| Average salary | $32,109 | $33,564 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $40,000 | Between $26,000 And $41,000 |
| Highest paying City | Petaluma, CA | Vallejo, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Amphenol | Brigham and Women's Hospital |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Utilities |
There are a few differences between a materials clerk and a distribution technician in terms of educational background:
| Materials Clerk | Distribution Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 30% | Bachelor's Degree, 31% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between materials clerks' and distribution technicians' demographics:
| Materials Clerk | Distribution Technician | |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 53.0% Female, 47.0% | Male, 70.8% Female, 29.2% |
| 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, 9.4% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 7.0% White, 58.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |