Production, planning, and expediting clerks keep manufacturing and supply chains moving. You coordinate schedules, track materials, and solve problems in real time. The work is hands-on, in demand, and you can start with a high school diploma.
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You manage the flow of materials and products through production facilities. Your day involves working with computers to track inventory, communicating with supervisors and team members about priorities, and monitoring processes to catch delays before they happen. You gather information about orders and materials, process that data into schedules, and identify what needs attention. You might expedite a shipment that's running behind or adjust production plans when materials arrive early. The work requires you to stay organized, stay current on what's happening across multiple areas, and keep everyone informed.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks earn a median of $59,650 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is softer here. Employment is projected to fall 2 percent from 2024 to 2034, though there are still about 34,100 openings a year from turnover.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You need a high school diploma or equivalent to start. Most employers provide on-the-job training in their specific systems and processes. Look for entry-level clerk positions in manufacturing plants, warehouses, or distribution centers. You'll build skills in production software, scheduling systems, and inventory management as you work. Some people move into this role from general warehouse or administrative positions. The preparation is moderate, so you can be productive quickly while you learn the details of your employer's operation.
Most people enter this field through direct hire into entry-level clerk roles or by moving up from warehouse positions. If you're exploring whether this fits your skills and interests, Pathly can map the production, planning, and expediting clerk path that fits you to map out a realistic path with your counselor.
You do not need a license to work as a production, planning, and expediting clerk, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You like working with systems and data, following procedures, and keeping things organized. You communicate clearly, think through problems logically, and take pride in accuracy and efficiency.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).