Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks Salary Guide 2025: How to Start, Pay, and Outlook
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks earn a national median salary of $45,260 per year, with most making between $34,650 and $62,190, according to the BLS. That works out to about $22 per hour. The occupation employs over 816,000 people across the U.S., but the job market is shrinking. Here's what you need to know in 2025.
How much Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks earn
Salaries range widely by experience and location. The bottom 10% earn around $34,650, while the top 10% make up to $62,190. The mean annual wage is $46,810, or roughly $22.50 an hour.
Pay often reflects regional cost of living and industry. Clerks in warehousing and transportation tend to earn more than those in retail or small businesses.
Pay by state
Washington pays the most, with an average of $51,590. The District of Columbia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Vermont also top the list, all averaging above $49,000.
On the lower end, Alabama ($38,940), New Mexico ($38,860), and Mississippi ($38,620) pay the least. That's roughly $7,000 below the national mean.
How to become Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerk
Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent. No college degree is necessary. On-the-job training is typical, lasting a few weeks to a month.
You'll learn how to use inventory software, operate barcode scanners, and handle shipping paperwork. Some employers prefer candidates with forklift certification or a valid driver's license.
Steps to enter the field:
1. Earn a high school diploma or GED. 2. Apply for entry-level clerk positions (warehouse, retail, manufacturing). 3. Complete on-the-job training. 4. Consider optional certifications like Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) or forklift operator certification to boost your resume.
Job outlook
Employment for Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks is projected to decline by 7.7% from 2024 to 2034. That's a loss of about 63,000 jobs. The main reasons: automation and inventory management software that reduce the need for manual tracking.
Despite the decline, about 69,300 openings are projected each year, mostly to replace workers who transfer or retire. The best opportunities will be in warehousing and logistics hubs that still rely on hands-on handling.
Frequently asked questions
What is the hourly wage for Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks?
The national mean hourly wage is about $22, based on the BLS mean annual of $46,810.
Do you need a degree to become a Shipping and Receiving Clerk?
No, a high school diploma is usually sufficient. Most training is on the job.
Is Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerk a good career?
It offers stable pay and entry without a degree, but the job market is shrinking due to automation. With 69,300 openings per year, replacement hiring provides opportunities.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks data.