Material Recording Clerks

 1. OVERVIEW

Material recording clerks are responsible for tracking, organizing, and managing the flow of materials and products within businesses and supply chains. They play a vital role in ensuring that inventory records are accurate and that goods are moved efficiently within warehouses or manufacturing plants. These clerks assist in the timely delivery of products, which helps maintain smooth operations in various industries such as manufacturing, retail, and transportation.

• 2024 Median Pay: $46,120 per year ($22.17 per hour)

• Typical Education: High school diploma or equivalent

• Work Experience: None required, though previous experience in related fields is advantageous

• On-the-job Training: Short-term training provided

• Job Outlook (2023–33): -4% (Decline)

• Employment Change (2023–33): -46,700 positions

2. Role Breakdown by Level

Entry-Level Role: Material Recording Clerk

• Job Titles: Shipping Clerk, Receiving Clerk, Inventory Clerk

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent; employers may prefer some technical education in logistics or supply chain management.

• Experience: No prior experience required.

• Certifications: Certifications in inventory management or warehousing may be beneficial.

• Core Duties:

• Record the movement of materials and products in and out of warehouses.

• Ensure that shipments are correctly processed and documented.

• Check for damage or defects in incoming shipments.

• Update inventory records using barcode scanners and inventory management software.

• Salary Range: $34,270 – $46,120 per year

• Key Skills:

• Organizational skills

• Attention to detail

• Basic math skills

• Customer service and communication

Mid-Level Role: Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerk

• Job Titles: Senior Inventory Clerk, Production Control Clerk

• Education: High school diploma, but additional certifications in logistics or inventory management can be advantageous.

• Experience: 3–5 years in material recording or a related field.

• Certifications: Certification in warehouse management, such as Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM).

• Core Duties:

• Lead inventory control and shipping operations within a department or facility.

• Coordinate with vendors and suppliers to ensure timely deliveries.

• Prepare reports on inventory levels, shipping costs, and product defects.

• Supervise and train junior clerks in inventory processes.

• Salary Range: $46,120 – $58,000 per year

• Key Skills:

• Leadership and supervisory skills

• Advanced inventory management techniques

• Communication and problem-solving skills

• Proficiency in inventory management software

Senior-Level Role: Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerk

• Job Titles: Senior Inventory Manager, Supply Chain Coordinator

• Education: High school diploma; an associate’s degree or higher in logistics, supply chain management, or business administration is preferred.

• Experience: 5+ years in material recording or supply chain management roles.

• Certifications: Advanced certifications like CPIM or Six Sigma.

• Core Duties:

• Oversee and streamline the flow of materials throughout the supply chain.

• Manage relationships with vendors and ensure that production schedules are met.

• Prepare detailed reports on inventory, production delays, and supply chain bottlenecks.

• Lead and manage a team of inventory and production clerks.

• Salary Range: $58,000 – $71,520 per year

• Key Skills:

• High-level project management

• Strategic planning and forecasting

• Advanced knowledge of inventory systems

• Decision-making and conflict resolution

3. How to Become a Material Recording Clerk

Education Requirements:

• Entry-Level: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Some employers may prefer candidates with postsecondary education in logistics, supply chain, or business.

• Mid-Level: A high school diploma is sufficient, but some employers prefer candidates with additional certifications in inventory or warehouse management.

• Senior-Level: A bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree in logistics, supply chain management, or business administration may be preferred for career advancement.

Work Experience:

• Entry-Level: No experience required, though any experience in retail, warehouse work, or logistics is beneficial.

• Mid-Level: Typically 3–5 years of experience in material recording or related roles.

• Senior-Level: 5+ years in material recording or a supply chain management role, with leadership experience.

Certifications:

• Entry-Level: Optional but beneficial certifications in inventory management or basic warehousing.

• Mid-Level: Certification such as CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management).

• Senior-Level: Advanced certifications such as Six Sigma or higher-level CPIM certifications.

Training:

• Most material recording clerks learn through on-the-job training. Training typically lasts up to 1 month, covering tasks like inventory management, shipping procedures, and the use of barcode or RFID scanners.

Advancement:

• Material recording clerks can advance to roles like production planner, supply chain coordinator, or warehouse manager by gaining additional experience and certifications.

4. Skills & Tools

Core Skills:

• Attention to Detail: Ensuring accurate recordkeeping and quality control.

• Mathematical Skills: For inventory counts and cost calculations.

• Communication Skills: Interacting with vendors, customers, and coworkers.

• Organizational Skills: Keeping track of materials and managing schedules efficiently.

Tools & Equipment:

• Inventory Management Software: Programs like SAP, Oracle, or specialized inventory management systems.

• Barcode Scanners: Used to track inventory and shipments.

• RFID Technology: For automated tracking and management of materials.

• Forklifts: May be required to move materials in some roles.

5. Work Environment

Material recording clerks typically work in warehouses, manufacturing plants, or distribution centers. They often work in an office inside a warehouse but may spend time on the plant floor to handle goods or operate equipment. Most work full-time, with some positions requiring nights, weekends, or holidays due to the nature of supply chain and inventory management.

• Work Schedule: Generally full-time, but flexible hours may be needed to accommodate production schedules.

• Work Locations: Warehouse, manufacturing plant, retail distribution center.

6. Pay

• Median Annual Wage (2024): $46,120 per year

• Salaries by Specialty:

• Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks: $57,770

• Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers: $45,650

• Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks: $43,190

7. Job Outlook

• Job Growth: -4% (Decline) from 2023–2033.

• Annual Openings: Approximately 119,200 openings each year, primarily due to workers retiring or moving to other occupations.

8. Related Occupations

• General Office Clerks: Perform a variety of clerical tasks, such as answering phones and managing documents.

• Laborers and Material Movers: Manually move materials in warehouses.

• Information Clerks: Perform routine clerical duties, maintain records, and provide information to customers.

9. Resources for Learning & Advancement

• Books:

• "Warehouse & Distribution Science" by John Bartholdi

• "Logistics & Supply Chain Management" by Martin Christopher

• Online Courses:

• LinkedIn Learning offers inventory and logistics courses.

• Coursera provides courses in supply chain management basics.

• Certifications:

• Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

• Six Sigma Green Belt

• Communities:

• Reddit: r/SupplyChain for tips, advice, and networking.

• YouTube: Channels offering warehousing and inventory tutorials.