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The differences between shipping clerks 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 shipping clerk and a distribution clerk. Additionally, a distribution clerk has an average salary of $32,142, which is higher than the $31,858 average annual salary of a shipping clerk.
The top three skills for a shipping clerk include customer service, shipping receiving and data entry. The most important skills for a distribution clerk are data entry, shipping receiving, and patients.
| Shipping Clerk | Distribution Clerk | |
| Yearly salary | $31,858 | $32,142 |
| Hourly rate | $15.32 | $15.45 |
| Growth rate | -3% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 205,150 | 86,473 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 44% | High School Diploma, 35% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
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.
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.
Shipping clerks and distribution clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Shipping Clerk | Distribution Clerk | |
| Average salary | $31,858 | $32,142 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $39,000 | Between $25,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Tualatin, OR | Eureka, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | BD | SF-Marin Food Bank |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a shipping clerk and a distribution clerk in terms of educational background:
| Shipping Clerk | Distribution Clerk | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 44% | High School Diploma, 35% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between shipping clerks' and distribution clerks' demographics:
| Shipping Clerk | Distribution Clerk | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 59.0% Female, 41.0% | Male, 50.5% Female, 49.5% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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 Percentage | 6% | 6% |