Stock Clerks

At a Glance

Usually work in retail stores, warehouses, and factories
Have a medium level of social interaction
Typically work a standard work week
Some may work evenings and weekends
Receive training on the job

Career summary

Stock clerks receive, unpack, check, store, and track merchandise or materials.

Stock clerks may also be called supply clerks, stockers, or storekeepers.

Stock clerks work for companies that sell merchandise or materials. They may work in:

Retail stores
Warehouses
Factories

Stock clerks keep records of items coming in or going out of the stock room. They inspect goods to be sure they are not damaged or spoiled. They sort and organize products for sale, and mark them with prices or identifying codes. For example, clerks may mark items with stock or inventory control codes, so that items can be located quickly and easily.

In many firms, stock clerks use hand-held scanners to keep inventories up to date. The scanners are connected to computers that track the inventory.

In large companies, stock clerks may be responsible for only one task. They are often called by the task they perform, such as inventory clerk. In smaller firms, stock clerks may perform tasks usually done by shipping and receiving clerks. For example, they may unpack and verify incoming merchandise against the original order. They may pack and ship merchandise and prepare invoices.

In retail stores, stock clerks take merchandise to the sales floor and stock shelves and racks. Some stock clerks help customers on the sales floor. They may find materials, ring up sales, or answer questions.

In stock rooms and warehouses, clerks store materials in bins, on floors, or on shelves. They may also lift heavy cartons of various sizes.

Related careers

This career is part of the Business Management and Administration cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Military careers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to stock clerks.

Keep records of items entering or leaving stock rooms.
Inspect damaged or spoiled goods.
Sort, organize, and mark items with identifying codes, such as prices or inventory control codes.
May pack and ship outgoing merchandise, and unpack and verify incoming merchandise.
Use hand-held scanners connected to computers to keep inventories up to date.
Bring merchandise to the sales floor and stock shelves and racks.
May interact with customers to find merchandise, ring up sales, or answer questions.
Store materials in bins, on floors, or on shelves. Lift cartons of various sizes.
Keep items organized.
Complete order receipts.

Common work activities

Stock clerks perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Handle and move objects
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Get information needed to do the job
Perform activities that use the whole body
Establish and maintain relationships
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Use computers
Identify objects, actions, and events
Process information
Perform for or work with the public
Update and use job-related knowledge
Make decisions and solve problems
Teach others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, stock clerks:

Interpersonal relationships

Have a medium to high level of job-required social contact. They interact with coworkers, but also spend time working alone.
Communicate on a daily basis by face-to-face discussions and over the telephone.
Usually work as part of a team.
Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of customers. They must stock things correctly so they don't fall.
May on occasion be placed in conflict situations in which customers may be rude or angry when something isn't available.
Are somewhat responsible for the work done by other stock clerks.

Physical work conditions

Usually work indoors, but may on occasion work outdoors.
Are on occasion exposed to sounds and noise levels that are loud or distracting.
May occasionally be exposed to contaminants.
Often share work space with other clerks and customers.

Work performance

Must be very exact in their work and be sure that all details are done. Errors could cost the company money.
Repeat the same physical activities, especially when marking stock.
Sometimes make decisions that affect coworkers, customers, and their employer's reputation. Depending on the situation, they may make decisions independently.
Set many of their daily tasks and goals without seeking input from a supervisor first.
Must meet daily and weekly deadlines first.

Hours/travel

Usually work a regular 40-hour week.
May work evening and weekends, especially stock clerks who work in retail trade.

Physical demands

Stock clerks frequently:

Stand for long periods of time.
Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Repeat the same movements.
Walk or run for long periods of time.
Bend or twist their body.

It is important for stock clerks to be able to:

See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for stock clerks to be able to:

Understand the speech of another person.
Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.

Skills and abilities

Stock clerks need to:

Communicate

Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Understand spoken information.
Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a stock clerk, you typically need to:

have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required beyond high school for this occupation.

On-the-job training

Stock clerks usually learn their skills on the job. You work with an experienced clerk and do routine tasks under close supervision. You learn to count and mark stock, keep records, and take inventory.

Stock clerks whose only job is to bring merchandise to the sales floor and stock shelves and racks need little or no training. Training typically lasts up to one month.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be sales and stock specialists. Training lasts six to seven weeks. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Computer Fundamentals
Office Procedures
Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Some employers require that applicants have a high school diploma or equivalent. Many prefer to hire clerks who have information technology experience along with basic clerical skills, such as keyboarding, filing, and recordkeeping. Previous business experience or job-related experience is also helpful.

Employers prefer applicants who have good speaking and writing skills. Strength and good eyesight are also important. In addition, stock clerks need the ability to work at repetitive tasks, sometimes under pressure.

Some employers may also require a valid Washington State driver's license.

Tips

Training at a community or technical college or vocational school may be helpful. Experience with laser scanners is also helpful.

Costs to workers

Workers may join a union and pay an initiation fee and annual dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Stock clerks and order fillers (SOC 43-5081)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$11.83	$12.64	$15.22	$19.85	$24.02
	Monthly	$2,050	$2,191	$2,638	$3,440	$4,163
	Yearly	$24,610	$26,290	$31,660	$41,290	$49,960
Bellingham	Hourly	$12.01	$12.38	$14.41	$19.78	$23.58
	Monthly	$2,081	$2,145	$2,497	$3,428	$4,086
	Yearly	$24,995	$25,759	$29,979	$41,144	$49,040
Bremerton-Silverdale	Hourly	$12.27	$13.44	$16.43	$22.13	$24.92
	Monthly	$2,126	$2,329	$2,847	$3,835	$4,319
	Yearly	$25,533	$27,942	$34,172	$46,036	$51,838
Clarkston-Lewiston	Hourly	$10.05	$11.26	$12.30	$14.49	$17.63
	Monthly	$1,742	$1,951	$2,132	$2,511	$3,055
	Yearly	$20,905	$23,416	$25,578	$30,146	$36,676
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	$12.00	$12.37	$14.41	$18.12	$22.60
	Monthly	$2,080	$2,144	$2,497	$3,140	$3,917
	Yearly	$24,972	$25,737	$29,986	$37,682	$46,994
Longview	Hourly	$11.96	$12.25	$13.37	$17.05	$26.83
	Monthly	$2,073	$2,123	$2,317	$2,955	$4,650
	Yearly	$24,876	$25,486	$27,801	$35,468	$55,794
Mount Vernon-Anacortes	Hourly	$12.04	$12.86	$14.95	$20.41	$23.85
	Monthly	$2,087	$2,229	$2,591	$3,537	$4,133
	Yearly	$25,030	$26,749	$31,105	$42,461	$49,595
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	$11.96	$12.28	$14.61	$19.79	$24.18
	Monthly	$2,073	$2,128	$2,532	$3,430	$4,190
	Yearly	$24,888	$25,548	$30,383	$41,172	$50,300
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$12.42	$13.82	$16.92	$21.79	$25.27
	Monthly	$2,152	$2,395	$2,932	$3,776	$4,379
	Yearly	$25,847	$28,735	$35,206	$45,315	$52,563
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$11.99	$12.39	$14.45	$18.18	$23.57
	Monthly	$2,078	$2,147	$2,504	$3,151	$4,085
	Yearly	$24,950	$25,786	$30,051	$37,819	$49,025
Vancouver	Hourly	$11.34	$12.35	$14.76	$18.15	$21.88
	Monthly	$1,965	$2,140	$2,558	$3,145	$3,792
	Yearly	$23,584	$25,692	$30,700	$37,755	$45,511
Walla Walla	Hourly	$11.91	$12.12	$12.58	$15.68	$20.22
	Monthly	$2,064	$2,100	$2,180	$2,717	$3,504
	Yearly	$24,788	$25,213	$26,156	$32,616	$42,051
Wenatchee	Hourly	$11.95	$12.20	$12.65	$15.26	$19.38
	Monthly	$2,071	$2,114	$2,192	$2,645	$3,359
	Yearly	$24,862	$25,364	$26,305	$31,734	$40,298
Yakima	Hourly	$11.95	$12.25	$14.20	$18.69	$22.86
	Monthly	$2,071	$2,123	$2,461	$3,239	$3,962
	Yearly	$24,872	$25,479	$29,535	$38,875	$47,554
United States	Hourly	$9.41	$10.68	$12.36	$15.62	$19.79
	Monthly	$1,631	$1,851	$2,142	$2,707	$3,430
	Yearly	$19,580	$22,220	$25,700	$32,490	$41,150

Wages vary by area of the country and employer. The clerk's level of experience and responsibility also affect wages.

Stock clerks who work full time generally receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Stock Clerks and Order Fillers (SOC 43-5081)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	33,031	8.3%	16.1%	4,907
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	846	7.6%	13.4%	124
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	724	3.7%	8.6%	98
Benton and Franklin Counties	1,298	8.8%	15.0%	193
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	1,091	8.0%	11.9%	161
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	2,689	5.9%	15.2%	382
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	2,216	5.6%	14.1%	312
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	1,879	6.7%	14.6%	270
King County	10,391	7.8%	19.6%	1,520
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	1,466	12.8%	13.8%	237
Pierce County	3,728	17.7%	15.2%	656
Snohomish County	3,420	6.5%	12.4%	489
Spokane County	3,158	7.6%	13.9%	462
United States	2,056,600	1.7%	5.2%	279,500

National employment

Major employers:

Grocery stores
Department stores
Other general merchandise stores

National outlook

Little to no growth is expected for this occupation. Advances in technology such as hand-help barcode scanners and radio frequency identification tags allow more work to be done by less workers. Also, machines can stack and retrieve goods, so fewer stock clerks are needed in warehouses.

Many job openings will occur each year as current workers transfer to other jobs or leave the labor force. Opportunities will be best for clerks with computer skills.

Other resources

International Warehouse Logistics Association
2800 South River Road, Suite 260
Des Plaines, IL 60018
847.813.4699

Washington Business Week
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

Business Management and Administration

Career path

Conventional (Business Operations)

O*Net occupations

O*Net job zone

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.