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Human Resources & ConsultingDeclining

Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks

Operational-level

Also known as: Backroom Associate, Booking Clerk, Break Out Man, Break Out Worker

Human Resources & ConsultingBachelor's Degree

Job Description

Verify and maintain records on incoming and outgoing shipments involving inventory. Duties include verifying and recording incoming merchandise or material and arranging for the transportation of products. May prepare items for shipment.
ShippingInventory ManagementLogisticsSupply Chain ManagementWarehouse OperationsOperations ManagementBusiness AdministrationCustomer ServiceOperations

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

In-demand software
Apple SafariInventory management systemsMicrosoft EdgeMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMozilla FirefoxSAP softwareWarehouse management system WMSWeb browser software

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

-7.6%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

61,300

per year (US)

Jobs today

827,700

in 2025 → 765,000 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
High
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
High
Time spent sitting
Moderate
Working outdoors
Low
Indoor, climate-controlled
Moderate
Dealing with customers
High
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Declining Job Market

This field is experiencing contraction with decreasing job opportunities. Consider developing skills in related growing fields.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Aide d'entrepôt
  • Manutentionnaire
  • Commis de bureau d'entrée de gamme

Where it can lead

  • Gestionnaire d'inventaire
  • Coordinateur logistique
  • Analyste de la chaîne d'approvisionnement

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will significantly automate routine tasks such as data entry, tracking, and inventory reconciliation for Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks, boosting efficiency and accuracy. This shift will likely reduce the demand for purely manual transactional work. Clerks will increasingly focus on overseeing AI systems, managing exceptions, and performing more analytical or problem-solving roles.