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Materials clerk vs shipping clerk

The differences between materials clerks and shipping clerks can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a materials clerk has an average salary of $32,109, which is higher than the $31,858 average annual salary of a shipping clerk.

The top three skills for a materials clerk include data entry, purchase orders and patient care. The most important skills for a shipping clerk are customer service, shipping receiving, and data entry.

Materials clerk vs shipping clerk overview

Materials ClerkShipping Clerk
Yearly salary$32,109$31,858
Hourly rate$15.44$15.32
Growth rate1%-3%
Number of jobs222,503205,150
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 30%High School Diploma, 44%
Average age3843
Years of experience-12

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 a shipping clerk do?

A Shipping Clerk is responsible for managing shipment procedures and handling the tasks of receiving, preparing, and approving them for delivery. Among the duties of a Shipping Clerk also involves processing orders and ensuring all details are accurate, producing the necessary labels and receipts, weighing and examining packages, and organizing schedules of deliveries and pick-ups. Furthermore, a Shipping Clerk must also observe procedures, coordinate with every personnel involved, communicate with clients, and maintain an accurate inventory record at all times.

Materials clerk vs shipping clerk salary

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

Materials ClerkShipping Clerk
Average salary$32,109$31,858
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $40,000Between $25,000 And $39,000
Highest paying CityPetaluma, CATualatin, OR
Highest paying stateHawaiiWashington
Best paying companyAmphenolBD
Best paying industryAutomotiveTechnology

Differences between materials clerk and shipping clerk education

There are a few differences between a materials clerk and a shipping clerk in terms of educational background:

Materials ClerkShipping Clerk
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 30%High School Diploma, 44%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Materials clerk vs shipping clerk demographics

Here are the differences between materials clerks' and shipping clerks' demographics:

Materials ClerkShipping Clerk
Average age3843
Gender ratioMale, 53.0% Female, 47.0%Male, 59.0% Female, 41.0%
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, 10.9% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 21.5% Asian, 6.7% White, 56.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between materials clerk and shipping 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.

Shipping clerk example responsibilities.

  • Maintain a close-knit relationship with freight brokers to negotiate and attain the best possible pricing for LTL and truckload shipments.
  • Print documents by either using fed ex or ups or grind or will call.
  • Process shipments via FedEx, DHL & TNT, using different account numbers by comparing rates and weights.
  • Schedule big pick ups, make BOL and print labels for next day or other dates if ready to print.
  • Create and run reports as necessary to track ordering trends.
  • Used mathematics to insure time are not waste folding new boxes.
  • Show more

Materials clerk vs shipping 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 shipping clerk skills
  • Customer Service, 12%
  • Shipping Receiving, 8%
  • Data Entry, 7%
  • Ups, 6%
  • FedEx, 6%
  • Logistics, 6%

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