A shipping, receiving, and inventory clerk tracks, organizes, and moves goods in warehouses and distribution centers. It is hands-on, in demand, and you can start with a high school diploma. Here is what the work involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
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You receive, unload, and organize shipments. You verify that incoming goods match packing slips and orders, then store items in the right locations. You also pick and pack orders for outgoing shipments, keeping detailed records of everything that moves through your facility. You communicate with supervisors and coworkers to coordinate workflow, monitor inventory levels, and flag discrepancies. The work is physical and fast-paced, requiring attention to detail and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks at once.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks earn a median of $45,260 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 8 percent from 2024 to 2034, though there are still about 69,300 openings a year from turnover.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. You will benefit from basic computer skills and comfort with math for counting and measuring. Many employers provide on-the-job training in their specific systems and procedures. Some facilities use warehouse management software, so familiarity with computers and electronics helps you learn faster. Starting as a clerk gives you a foundation to move into supervisory or specialized inventory roles if you choose.
Most people enter this field directly from high school or through a local warehouse or distribution center. If you are exploring whether this path fits your timeline and interests, Pathly can map the shipping, receiving, and inventory clerk path that fits you with your counselor to map out the next steps.
You do not need a license to work as a shipping, receiving, and inventory clerk, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You like clear procedures and organized systems. You are detail-oriented, reliable, and comfortable following established processes. You communicate well with others and take pride in accuracy and efficiency.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
Start with a quick quiz and assessments that surface your personality, your EQ, and what really motivates you, so your next steps are built around who you actually are.
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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).