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Store worker vs stower

The differences between store workers and stowers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a stower has an average salary of $27,464, which is higher than the $26,528 average annual salary of a store worker.

The top three skills for a store worker include safety rules, strong work ethic and customer service. The most important skills for a stower are PET, pallets, and basic math.

Store worker vs stower overview

Store WorkerStower
Yearly salary$26,528$27,464
Hourly rate$12.75$13.20
Growth rate6%1%
Number of jobs60,185198,954
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 35%High School Diploma, 44%
Average age4038
Years of experience--

What does a store worker do?

A store worker maintains the daily material concerns of a store. They show hospitality to customers and provide assistance in finding products. They also maintain their store by stocking the shelves, maintaining organization, and cleaning. They may also be responsible for ringing up purchases.

What does a stower do?

A stower is responsible for scanning a product and appropriately placing it to the right shelf for customer's consumption. Duties of a stower include inspecting the item for any defects and escalating damaged items to the supervisor ensuring adequately labeled products. Other responsibilities include operating essential store equipment, adhering to the sanitary standards of the working area, and assisting customers with their concerns and inquiries. A stower should have excellent time-management skills and the ability to multi-task, especially on working with a fast-paced environment.

Store worker vs stower salary

Store workers and stowers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Store WorkerStower
Average salary$26,528$27,464
Salary rangeBetween $17,000 And $39,000Between $21,000 And $34,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCLakewood, WA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsWashington
Best paying companyUniversity of California, BerkeleyRich Products
Best paying industryRetailTechnology

Differences between store worker and stower education

There are a few differences between a store worker and a stower in terms of educational background:

Store WorkerStower
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 35%High School Diploma, 44%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Store worker vs stower demographics

Here are the differences between store workers' and stowers' demographics:

Store WorkerStower
Average age4038
Gender ratioMale, 59.3% Female, 40.7%Male, 69.9% Female, 30.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.6% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 5.9% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 19.6% Asian, 6.7% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage5%6%

Differences between store worker and stower duties and responsibilities

Store worker example responsibilities.

  • Utilize the POS system for accurate inventory.
  • Perform first-in, first-out (FIFO) procedures in merchandise storing coolers.
  • Use cardboard baler, electric hydraulic/hand-operate pallet jacks, weigh scale, POS.
  • Process debit, credit, checks, WIC, and food stamp transactions.
  • Ensure product are properly store using FIFO method to prevent loss to the government.
  • Reconcile cash, checks, money orders, WIC, ATM debits and credit card transactions.
  • Show more

Stower example responsibilities.

  • Operate material handling equipment in safe and efficient manner; including forklifts, balers, and compactors.
  • Itemize and total customer purchases at checkout counter, using POS terminal, and accept various forms of payment.
  • Use all equipment in deli/bakery/bistro such as the refrigerators, freezers, slicers, and ovens according to company guidelines.
  • Operate POS cash registers, closing/opening tills, balancing the cash drawer, and ensure customers are greeted and serve quickly.
  • Operate heavy machinery including balers and forklifts.
  • Maintain cleanliness of equipment and floor to ensure safety and sanitation regulations.
  • Show more

Store worker vs stower skills

Common store worker skills
  • Safety Rules, 17%
  • Strong Work Ethic, 17%
  • Customer Service, 16%
  • Stock Shelves, 12%
  • Basic Math, 9%
  • Commissary, 5%
Common stower skills
  • PET, 23%
  • Pallets, 18%
  • Basic Math, 10%
  • Cleanliness, 7%
  • Math, 7%
  • Sales Floor, 5%

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