How to hire a scale clerk

How to hire a scale clerk, step by step

Here's a step-by-step scale clerk hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a scale clerk job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new scale clerk
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a scale clerk do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your scale clerk job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a scale clerk for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A scale clerk's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, scale clerks from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of scale clerks.

   Type of Scale Clerk	Description	Hourly rate
   Scale Clerk	Material recording clerks track product information in order to keep businesses and supply chains on schedule. They ensure proper scheduling, recordkeeping, and inventory control.	$12-20
   Clerk	Clerks are responsible for many of the general administrative tasks in the office. They are in charge of manning office telephone lines, managing incoming and outgoing mails, filing paperwork and other needed records, scheduling and documenting meetings, typing out documents when needed, disseminating memos and other official announcements, and keeping an inventory of office equipment and supplies... Show more	$11-18
   Scale Operator	Scale Operators are responsible for the operations of a material or vehicle weighing process. Their duties include weighing vehicles, sampling of inbound materials, maintaining inbound and outbound scaling documentation, reviewing loads and paperwork for inbound and outbound vehicles, and upkeeping scale house and scales... Show more	$11-20

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Data Entry
   • Harvest
   • Office Equipment
   • Fax Machines
   • Strong Customer Service
   • Asphalt
   • Telephone Calls
   • Payroll
   • CB
   • Scale Tickets
   • Computer System
   • Landfill
   • Weight Tickets
   • Quality Customer Service

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Monitor CB and phone incoming/outgoing traffic.
   • Used CB radio while communicating with plant workers.
   • Make sure all visitors are MSHA train and equip with proper safety attire.
   • Maintain cleanliness of the company warehouse, operate warehouse machinery and organize the warehouse to ensure proper product placement.
   • Prepare confidential reports, PowerPoint presentations, correspondence, organizational charts and other documents as required.

   More scale clerk duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your scale clerk job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A scale clerk can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, scale clerks' average salary in alaska is 30% less than in maine.
   • Seniority. Entry-level scale clerks 40% less than senior-level scale clerks.
   • Certifications. A scale clerk with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a scale clerk's salary.

   Average scale clerk salary

   $16.47hourly

   $34,249 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level scale clerk salary

   $26,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 21, 2025

   Average scale clerk salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Ohio	$35,393	$17
   2	California	$34,622	$17
   3	Iowa	$33,873	$16
   4	Illinois	$33,495	$16
   5	Pennsylvania	$32,797	$16
   6	Maryland	$32,586	$16
   7	Texas	$30,709	$15
   8	Florida	$30,698	$15
   9	Oregon	$30,658	$15
   10	Colorado	$30,523	$15
   11	Tennessee	$30,357	$15
   12	Idaho	$29,544	$14

   Average scale clerk salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	UPS	$38,012	$18.27	4
   2	ADM	$37,039	$17.81	4
   3	Martin Marietta	$36,681	$17.64	1
   4	Basic American Foods	$36,324	$17.46	1
   5	Colas USA	$34,705	$16.69	3
   6	WestRock	$34,601	$16.64	5
   7	Waste Connections	$34,468	$16.57	21
   8	Randstad North America, Inc.	$33,517	$16.11	22
   9	Kelly Services	$33,233	$15.98	28
   10	Aerotek	$32,980	$15.86	82
   11	Oldcastle Infrastructure	$32,933	$15.83	24
   12	LKQ	$32,523	$15.64	9
   13	Vulcan Materials	$32,156	$15.46	6

4. Writing a scale clerk job description

   A scale clerk job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a scale clerk job description:

   Scale clerk job description example

   Functional Area: Clerical/Admin. Position Type: Full Time
   Experience Required: 1 - 3 Years Relocation Provided: No
   
   Education Required: GED
   
   RC/Department: 6713 -M.RIVER G&A HICKMAN AR :BTMAR
   
   Position Description
   
   Essential duties and responsibilities: • Prepare, process, complete and review for accuracy, inbound receipts, work orders, outbound shipment release documents, scale tickets and reports, as per Kinder Morgan and customer requirements. • Prepare/supply all needed daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly or annual reports, as per Kinder Morgan and customer requirements. • Operate scale, including creating, distributing and completing scale tickets. • Understand Terminals Operating capabilities and processes. • Closely interact with customer elected carriers, surveyors, etc., regarding orders and product movement. • Strict adherence to security regulations and procedures as stated in the terminal's Facility Security Plan. • Accurately update/maintain the Galahad Bulk inventory system as to reflect current activity and inventories. • Assist Terminal Manager, Operations Manager, Operations Supervisor, and co-workers as needed. • Other duties as assigned Position Requirements:Minimum requirements: Education: High School Graduate or equivalent.
   
   Position Requirements
   
   Experience / specific knowledge: • One year experience in a clerical capacity performing data entry, customer service, accounting, general office or similar duties. • Knowledge of office terminology, procedures, equipment, and business mathematics. • Able to use personal computer, fax machine, scanner, copier, and printer. • Proficient in Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) for the purpose of work processing, spreadsheets, and presentations. Certifications, licenses, registrations: Valid Drivers License Competencies, skills, and abilities: • Able to deal effectively with customers, vendors, and employees at all levels of the organization. • Ability to communicate and write reports in maintenance terminology. • Ability to keep detailed records and to manipulate data accurately. • Self-motivated with ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. • Excellent organizational skills with ability to prioritize tasks. • Ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently. • Possess ability to pass and complete safety training/certification as required by customers to work in their facilities, and as required by Kinder Morgan. • Ability to accept supervision/direction and work effectively and cooperatively with other people. • Ability to focus attention and follow work rules. • Successful completion of background check and post-offer and random drug screens. • Ability to maintain regular, dependable attendance, valid driver's license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers. Physical demands: • While performing duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee must meet physical requirements including but not limited to, walking, kneeling, crouching, climbing up/down ladders and stairs, negotiating uneven and moving surfaces, and occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Working conditions: • Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed and required. • Respond to call out as needed. • Perform work in dusty and/or noisy environment. • Must be available for assignments at multiple berths within a 12 mile radius. Supervisory responsibility: None Preferred education, experience, certifications, competencies, skills, and abilities above the minimum requirements; not required but advantageous in this position: • Two years experience working with computerized equipment, parts, or inventory program. • Experience in bulk terminals.
   
   EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT: We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right scale clerk for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with scale clerks they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit scale clerks who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your scale clerk job on Zippia to find and recruit scale clerk candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit scale clerks, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new scale clerk

   Once you've selected the best scale clerk candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new scale clerk. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a scale clerk?