Warehouse Stock Clerk Job Description

Warehouse stock clerks organize merchandise for a company.

A warehouse stock clerk is responsible for checking and organizing inventory for a company. Warehouse stock clerks also unload and load shipments, frequently by hand. Sometimes, however, they operate machinery used to assist the distribution process. Warehouse stock clerks are also often in charge of cleaning and maintaining the warehouse, making sure everything is in its proper place.

Basics

Warehouse stock clerks have to make all merchandise arrives or is sent out in good condition. They typically must keep a record of shipments and manage invoices. In some instances, they are not only responsible for organizing items within the warehouse, but placing them on shelves in the store. Either way, warehouse stock clerks must be prepared to spend the majority of their workday on their feet, lifting and storing materials. As for those items that are shipped from the warehouse, stock clerks often are responsible for packaging.

Skills

Warehouse stock clerks must be highly organized and possess the endurance needed to lift and store packages. They should own basic analytical and math skills needed to arrange merchandise on shelves and decipher invoices. They also need a strong work ethic and an ability to work well alone, or alongside other employees. Along with those things, warehouse stock clerks have to be capable of following the direction of a supervisor.

Background

Warehouse stock clerks rarely need more than a high school diploma to land a job. That’s because they hold what are widely considered to be entry-level positions that typically consist of little training. Some, however, may attend a community college or vocational school to receive an associate degree or certificate, mostly for the purpose of advancement.

Prospects

Since most retail industries will always need workers to organize the products they sell, opportunities for warehouse stock clerks are likely to remain available. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of stock clerks is expected to increase by seven percent through 2018, which is only slightly slower than the average growth rate for all occupations.

Earnings

While warehouse stock clerks hold entry-level positions, their performance is often vital to the organization of the establishment for which they work. So they can earn a decent wage, depending on their overall duties and length of time on the job. In fact, according to PayScale.com, warehouse workers earned anywhere from more than $22,000 to more than $34,000 per year in June 2010.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Stock Clerks and Order Fillers
• Education-Portal.com: Warehouse Stock Clerk Job Description
• PayScale.com: Warehouse Worker Wages