Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks
Shipping, receiving, and inventory clerks verify and record merchandise arriving at and leaving warehouses, distribution centers, and retail locations. They check items against orders, maintain inventory records, arrange shipments, and prepare products for delivery. This work happens in warehouses, stockrooms, and shipping departments across all industries.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against shipping, receiving, and inventory clerks and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves checking incoming shipments against purchase orders, scanning barcodes, and recording details in inventory systems. Clerks organize products in storage areas, pick items for outgoing orders, and prepare packages for shipment. Some time goes to updating records, resolving discrepancies between physical stock and database entries, and communicating with suppliers or delivery companies about shipment status.
Who this work suits
Holland code CRE. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You'd do well in this role if you're detail-oriented and comfortable following established procedures and systems. You likely prefer structured tasks with clear expectations, enjoy working with data and numbers, and are practical about solving real problems with inventory and logistics.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $45,240 | $51,590 | $61,950 | 19,500 |
| District of Columbia | $45,670 | $49,660 | $64,770 | 680 |
| Hawaii | $41,980 | $49,660 | $65,880 | 1,390 |
| Massachusetts | $44,010 | $49,240 | $59,470 | 14,370 |
| Vermont | $42,640 | $49,080 | $57,630 | 780 |
| New Hampshire | $41,850 | $47,960 | $56,040 | 4,090 |
| Alaska | $39,740 | $47,900 | $62,100 | 890 |
| Minnesota | $41,600 | $47,890 | $56,770 | 13,210 |
| Iowa | $40,630 | $47,590 | $54,350 | 7,170 |
| Oregon | $40,010 | $47,540 | $56,130 | 11,210 |
| Wisconsin | $40,800 | $47,490 | $55,020 | 20,980 |
| Indiana | $40,160 | $47,320 | $55,640 | 27,600 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) — The National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America
- Certified Export Specialist (CES) — The National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America
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
and 102 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against shipping, receiving, and inventory clerks and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 43-5071.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.