Post job

Materials clerk vs inventory control clerk

The differences between materials clerks and inventory control clerks can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an inventory control clerk has an average salary of $35,634, 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 an inventory control clerk are inventory control, customer service, and data entry.

Materials clerk vs inventory control clerk overview

Materials ClerkInventory Control Clerk
Yearly salary$32,109$35,634
Hourly rate$15.44$17.13
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs222,503254,804
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 30%High School Diploma, 33%
Average age3838
Years of experience--

What does a materials clerk do?

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.

What does an inventory control clerk do?

An inventory control clerk is responsible for managing the stock inventory, recording incoming and outgoing deliveries, and inspecting proper labeling before moving the products to the storage areas. Inventory control clerks resolve inventory discrepancies, checking and reviewing product details and reports from the warehouse software database. They also monitor shipment details, confirm orders, and process payments. An inventory control clerk must have excellent knowledge of data processing since this job requires them to perform various administrative and clerical tasks as needed to ensure the smooth operations within the department.

Materials clerk vs inventory control clerk salary

Materials clerks and inventory control clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.

Materials ClerkInventory Control Clerk
Average salary$32,109$35,634
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $40,000Between $29,000 And $43,000
Highest paying CityPetaluma, CABoston, MA
Highest paying stateHawaiiOregon
Best paying companyAmphenolBD
Best paying industryAutomotiveTechnology

Differences between materials clerk and inventory control clerk education

There are a few differences between a materials clerk and an inventory control clerk in terms of educational background:

Materials ClerkInventory Control Clerk
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 30%High School Diploma, 33%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Materials clerk vs inventory control clerk demographics

Here are the differences between materials clerks' and inventory control clerks' demographics:

Materials ClerkInventory Control Clerk
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 53.0% Female, 47.0%Male, 49.6% Female, 50.4%
Race ratioBlack 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, 9.9% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 21.4% Asian, 6.9% White, 55.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between materials clerk and inventory control clerk duties and responsibilities

Materials clerk example responsibilities.

  • Manage incoming delivery of all FedEx and containers containing serviceable material.
  • Direct inbound and outbound logistics operations, such as transportation and warehouse activities, safety performance, and logistics quality management.
  • Deliver groceries to customers homes/ businesses.

Inventory control clerk example responsibilities.

  • Manage, review, analyze, verify, and ship raw, stock, purchase, QA, and manufacture materials.
  • Manage incoming delivery of all FedEx and containers containing serviceable material.
  • Handle payroll through ADP, as well as benefits and orientation.
  • Rout all interoffice mail, schedule daily FEDEX deliveries, maintain all offices supplies
  • Use WMS to research product, part number, shipping, bin and adjustment history to find error.
  • Verify tracking numbers, trailer numbers, carrier, and vendor on bills of lading to WMS worksheets.
  • Show more

Materials clerk vs inventory control clerk skills

Common materials clerk skills
  • Data Entry, 14%
  • Purchase Orders, 8%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • Inventory Control, 8%
  • Pallet Jack, 8%
  • Cycle Counts, 7%
Common inventory control clerk skills
  • Inventory Control, 18%
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Data Entry, 9%
  • Math, 7%
  • Management System, 5%
  • Forklift Training, 5%

Browse office and administrative jobs