Material Clerk

Career Guide

A Material Clerk receives, tracks, stores, and issues materials used in operations such as manufacturing, construction, healthcare, or warehousing. The role helps keep accurate inventory records, supports timely production or service work, and ensures materials are available, labeled, and stored safely.

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Key Responsibilities

Receive incoming shipments and verify items against purchase orders
Inspect materials for damage and report issues
Label materials and store them in the correct locations
Maintain inventory records in a tracking system
Pick and issue materials to internal teams based on requests
Perform cycle counts and support full inventory counts
Prepare materials for transfer, shipment, or staging
Create basic documentation such as receiving reports and material tickets
Coordinate with purchasing, production, and shipping teams to resolve discrepancies
Follow safety rules for lifting, storage, and hazardous materials

Top Skills for Success

Attention to Detail

Organization

Time Management

Communication

Teamwork

Inventory Control

Receiving

Picking

Stockroom Operations

Barcode Scanning

Data Entry

ERP Systems

Safety Compliance

Material Handling Equipment Operation

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Inventory Clerk Shipping and Receiving Clerk Warehouse Associate

Supply Chain Clerk

Transition Opportunities

Inventory Control Specialist Warehouse Supervisor Materials Coordinator Purchasing Assistant Production Planner Logistics Coordinator

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

ERP SystemsInventory AuditingRoot Cause AnalysisProcess ImprovementHazardous Material HandlingForklift OperationBasic Excel Skills

Development SuggestionsBuild comfort with inventory systems and basic spreadsheets, practice cycle count methods, learn how to investigate inventory differences, and pursue safety training. If your workplace uses equipment such as forklifts, seek formal training and certification through an approved program.

Market Intelligence Report

Material Clerk is part of the Warehousing category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 32,000 to 40,000

Mid LevelUSD 40,000 to 52,000

Senior LevelUSD 52,000 to 65,000

Growth Trend

Stable demand. Hiring is strongest in logistics, manufacturing, healthcare supply, and large distribution operations. Pay increases with certification, system skills, and leadership responsibilities.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

AmazonWalmartFedExUPSDHLTargetHome DepotLowe'sBoeingLockheed MartinGeneral MotorsFordSiemensJohnson and JohnsonPfizerUnited States Postal Service

Industry Sectors

Warehousing and DistributionManufacturingAerospace and DefenseAutomotiveHealthcareRetailConstructionFood and BeveragePublic Sector

Recommended Next Steps

Update your resume with measurable results such as inventory accuracy improvements and shipment volume handled

Ask to cross-train on receiving, cycle counting, and returns processing to broaden your experience

Learn the inventory system used at your site and document common transactions you can perform independently

Complete an OSHA safety course or equivalent workplace safety training

Strengthen spreadsheet skills by tracking counts, shortages, and reorder needs

If relevant to your environment, pursue forklift certification through an employer approved program

Set a 6 month goal to lead a cycle count section or train a new teammate to build leadership experience