The Job Description of a Stock Clerk

Stock clerks stock merchandise.

Stock clerks play a key role in the dynamic manufacturing and retail industries. Stock clerks work to make sure that items within the stockroom move to their proper destination, whether it be a company, retail store or the customer's hands. In a modern world where technology is automating manual labor, stock clerks are still needed, especially in retail where jobs are difficult to automate.

Roles

A stock clerk receives merchandise, unpacks it, marks items, stocks shelves and helps customers with packages, according to the Occupational Information Network. A worker receives, counts and stores items in an orderly manner. He may inspect stock and look for defects or wear. If he finds any damaged products or merchandise, he reports this to his supervisors. He also may mark stock items with identification tags or other labeling equipment. He may also keep records and maintain stock reports. Stock clerks on the sales floor are more likely to deal with customers. He may pack customer purchases away in cartons or bags. He may also answer a customer's question about products or merchandise.

Salary and Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2008 Occupational Employment Survey, stock clerks earned a national average rate of $11.13 per hour and a national average salary of $23,140. The median salary ranged from below $15,620 to above $34,410.

In the employment of stock clerks, average growth at a rate of 7 percent through 2018, according to the BLS. Most stock clerks work in retail, specifically grocery and department stores, where these workers stock shelves and help retrieve or carry items for customers. Numerous job openings will occur due to workers leaving the stock clerk occupation.

Employment

According to the BLS May 2008 OES data, grocery stores employed the highest number of stock clerks with an average salary of $21,790. Other industries that employed high numbers of stock clerks were department stores, general merchandise stores, clothing stores and warehousing and storage. The Postal Service was the highest paying employer with an average salary of $56,740. Alaska was the top paying state with an average salary of $31,330 and Fairbanks, Alaska was the highest paying region offering an average salary of $34,450.

Environment and Hours

Stock clerks work in retail stores, stockrooms, warehouses and other storage facilities, according to the BLS. Due to the line of work and environment, stock clerks are highly susceptible to scrapes, muscle ailments and other injuries. In retail environments, night and weekend hours are common. Stock clerks may work around customers in retail environments or away from customers within storage facilities.

Education/Training

A high school diploma or its equivalent, a GED, is sufficient in order to become a stock clerk, according to the BLS. Most stock clerks learn through short-term, on-the-job training by a supervisor or experienced employee.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, May 2008: Stock Clerk and Order Fillers
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Stock Clerk and Order Fillers
• Occupational Information Network: Stock Clerks, Sales Floor
• Occupational Information Network: Stock Clerks- Stockroom, Warehouse, or Storage Yard