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Receiver vs distribution clerk

The differences between receivers and distribution clerks can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a receiver and a distribution clerk. Additionally, a receiver has an average salary of $32,401, which is higher than the $32,142 average annual salary of a distribution clerk.

The top three skills for a receiver include customer service, math and basic math. The most important skills for a distribution clerk are data entry, shipping receiving, and patients.

Receiver vs distribution clerk overview

ReceiverDistribution Clerk
Yearly salary$32,401$32,142
Hourly rate$15.58$15.45
Growth rate-3%-3%
Number of jobs186,25086,473
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 46%High School Diploma, 35%
Average age4343
Years of experience1212

What does a receiver do?

A receiver is responsible for confirming receipt of items delivered from distribution centers to the warehouse. Receivers carefully evaluate order invoices, ensuring the correct quantity of the items, and inspect the merchandise for any possible mislabeling and defects. They also coordinate with the distributors for replacement and verifications concerning the delivery. A receiver must have excellent organizational and analytical skills, especially on billing discrepancies by utilizing specific shipping software to monitor the delivery activities.

What does a distribution clerk do?

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.

Receiver vs distribution clerk salary

Receivers and distribution clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.

ReceiverDistribution Clerk
Average salary$32,401$32,142
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $39,000Between $25,000 And $39,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYEureka, CA
Highest paying stateNew YorkWashington
Best paying companyCalifornia Institute of TechnologySF-Marin Food Bank
Best paying industryManufacturingHealth Care

Differences between receiver and distribution clerk education

There are a few differences between a receiver and a distribution clerk in terms of educational background:

ReceiverDistribution Clerk
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 46%High School Diploma, 35%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Receiver vs distribution clerk demographics

Here are the differences between receivers' and distribution clerks' demographics:

ReceiverDistribution Clerk
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 63.7% Female, 36.3%Male, 50.5% Female, 49.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.8% Asian, 7.3% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%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 Percentage6%6%

Differences between receiver and distribution clerk duties and responsibilities

Receiver example responsibilities.

  • Package small some times fragile items to be ship out via fed-ex, ups, and other distributors.
  • Pack, tape and ship boxes w/UPS, FX or DHL.
  • Process all invoices through the IRMA system.
  • Stamp, stencils, or glues identifying information and shipping instructions onto crates or containers.
  • Pack and crate major components for shipments; schedule all LTL domestic and overseas shipments.
  • Refuse any product that are not on purchase order and deduct the charge off the invoice.
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Distribution clerk example responsibilities.

  • Manage all aspects of verifying incoming items and outgoing customer material release orders (MRO )
  • Enter time card information in the payroll system occasionally.
  • Process and pack orders using wet and dry ice for FedEx shipping.
  • Research U.P.S., FedEx, mail inquiries, and distribute and process mail.
  • Receive numerous awards and accolades from customers and the USPS over the years.
  • Deliver medications in company car, vehicle maintenance, faxing, filing, ordering, and HIPAA certify.
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Receiver vs distribution clerk skills

Common receiver skills
  • Customer Service, 19%
  • Math, 10%
  • Basic Math, 10%
  • PET, 7%
  • Cleanliness, 7%
  • Pallets, 6%
Common distribution clerk skills
  • Data Entry, 16%
  • Shipping Receiving, 12%
  • Patients, 12%
  • Inventory Control, 7%
  • Customer Support, 5%
  • Purchase Orders, 4%

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