Order Clerks
Order clerks receive and process incoming orders for materials, merchandise, classified ads, or services like repairs and installations. They work in offices, call centers, retail businesses, and service companies, handling orders that arrive by mail, phone, fax, or email. Their primary responsibility is managing the complete order workflow from receipt through delivery confirmation.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against order clerks and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Order clerks spend their time entering order information into computer systems, verifying customer details and product availability, calculating prices and shipping costs, and preparing shipping documents. They respond to customer inquiries about order status, pricing, and delivery dates via phone or email. Clerks coordinate with warehouse and shipping departments, track delayed orders, and resolve discrepancies. Administrative tasks include filing paperwork, updating inventory records, and maintaining organized order logs throughout the week.
Who this work suits
Holland code CER. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You do well in this role if you're detail-oriented and enjoy following established procedures and systems—conventional interests serve you well here. You're also comfortable with sales interactions and coordinating between customers and departments, reflecting enterprising qualities. Strong organizational skills, accuracy with data entry, and the ability to manage multiple orders simultaneously are essential.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $48,140 | $55,040 | $63,390 | 1,350 |
| Oregon | $43,260 | $50,260 | $59,190 | 790 |
| Vermont | $46,900 | $49,950 | $56,620 | — |
| Colorado | $41,150 | $49,530 | $58,680 | 1,970 |
| Rhode Island | $46,640 | $49,410 | $52,590 | 170 |
| District of Columbia | $45,380 | $49,150 | $57,210 | 170 |
| Alabama | $45,590 | $48,840 | $51,010 | 80 |
| Arizona | $43,740 | $48,590 | $51,870 | 760 |
| New Hampshire | $45,970 | $48,540 | $55,550 | 390 |
| Minnesota | $43,860 | $48,400 | $57,480 | 1,150 |
| New York | $41,960 | $48,320 | $57,230 | 3,530 |
| South Dakota | $44,340 | $48,010 | $50,780 | 330 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against order clerks and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 43-4151.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.