Stock Clerks and Order Fillers in Kings County

May also be called: Central Supply Technicians; Inventory Control Clerks; Inventory Takers; Linen Clerks; Order Pullers; Pickers; Stockers; Storekeepers; Supply Clerks; Ticketers; Tool-Crib Attendants

Specialties within this occupation include: Marking Clerks; Merchandisers; Sales Floor Stock Clerks; Stockroom, Warehouse, or Storage Yard Stock Clerks; Wholesale and Retail Sales Order Fillers

What Would I Do?

Stock Clerks and Order Fillers bring order to modern life’s vast assortment of goods and materials. They receive, unpack, check, store, track merchandise or materials, and pack customer orders. They keep records of items entering or leaving the stockroom and inspect damaged or spoiled goods. Stock Clerks and Order Fillers sort, organize, and mark items with identifying codes, such as price, stock, or inventory control codes.

Marking Clerks print and attach price tags to merchandise by hand or with a ticket-pricing machine.

Wholesale and Retail Sales Stock Clerks follow sales slip or order forms to fill customers' mail and telephone orders. They compute prices, issue receipts, keep shipping records, and request additional materials, supplies, and equipment.

Stockroom, Warehouse, or Storage Yard Stock Clerks receive, store, and issue materials, equipment, and other items from stockrooms, warehouses, or storage yards. They keep records and compile stock reports.

Sales Floor Stock Clerks, often called Merchandisers, receive, store, and issue sales floor merchandise. They stock shelves, racks, cases, bins, and tables with merchandise. They periodically take physical count of stock, mark merchandise, and tag shelves. They rotate products and pull discontinued or aged merchandise for return. Following written assembly instructions, they may construct and install store displays to attract customers. They clean shelves and sweep debris from display areas.

Working Conditions

Working conditions vary considerably by specialty and employer. Most Stock Clerks and Order Fillers work indoors, with good lighting, heating, and ventilation. They usually work alone, but have frequent contact with other workers. The job requires a lot of standing, walking, stooping, bending, and lifting. Safety equipment such as gloves, boots, helmets, and safety glass may be required. Those working as Merchandisers servicing a particular product line travel to retail stores within their assigned territory. Most Stock Clerks work 40 hours a week. Stock Clerks working during retail business hours must be able to concentrate on their tasks in the midst of customer activity. Other Stock Clerks begin their work as the store closes and work through the night. Evening, night, and weekend hours are common.

Stock Clerks and Order Fillers may belong to a union, depending on their employment setting, such as the United Food and Commercial Workers.

Will This Job Fit Me?

The job of Stock Clerk and Order Fillers will appeal to those who like working with their hands in organized and clearly defined activities requiring accuracy and attention to detail while in frequent contact with others. Employees who value providing service for others and working in a friendly, non-competitive environment should enjoy this occupation.

What Wages and Benefits Can I Expect?

Wages

The median wage in 2021 for Stock Clerks and Order Fillers in California was N/A annually. The median is the point at which half of the workers earn more and half earn less.

Benefits

Benefits for Stock Clerks and Order Fillers will vary by industry and whether employed full or part-time. If uniforms are required, employers generally provide them or offer an allowance to purchase them.

What is the Job Outlook?

Despite automation of warehouses and factories, demand continues for Stock Clerks and Order Fillers in retail and wherever hand selection and placement of items remains essential. Since this is a large entry-level occupation, opportunities exist even during periodic economic slumps.

Workers in retail settings are less affected by automation but more by the economic downturn. Warehouse type retail outlets and Internet shopping fulfillment services should experience more growth than other sectors. The increasing role of large retail outlets and warehouses, as well as catalog, mail, telephone, and Internet shopping ser­vices should bolster employment of Stock Clerks and Order Fillers. Applicants with computer skills will fare better in the job search.

Projections of Employment

In California, the number of Stock Clerks and Order Fillers is expected to grow slower than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for Stock Clerks and Order Fillers are expected to increase by 6.5 percent, or 11,200 jobs between 2018 and 2028.

In Kings County, the number of Stock Clerks and Order Fillers is expected to grow faster than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for Stock Clerks and Order Fillers are expected to increase by 8.5 percent, or 40 jobs between 2018 and 2028.

How Do I Qualify?

Education, Training, and Other Requirements

Stock Clerks and Order Fillers generally are entry-level workers who do not need more than a high school diploma or GED. Short-term on-the-job training is usually adequate for this occupation.

Stock Clerks and Order Fillers learn the job by doing routine tasks under close supervision. Training in the use of automated equipment usually is done informally on the job. As this occupation becomes more automated, however, workers may need longer periods of training to master using the equipment.

Early Career Planning

High school business math, bookkeeping, and computer classes prepare students for Stock Clerk positions. Part-time or summer work as a retail salesclerk or Stock Clerk could eventually lead to full-time employment.

Where Would I Work?

All large organizations need Stock Clerks. The greatest numbers are found in department stores, followed by grocery stores. Jobs for Stock Clerks are found in all parts of the State, but most work in urban areas that have many suburban shopping centers, warehouses, and factories. The largest industries employing Stock Clerks and Order Fillers are as follows:

Finding a Job

Direct application to employers remains the most effective job search method as many job openings are not advertised. Use the information detailed under Yellow Page Headings and Find Possible Employers to identify employers for direct contact.

Stock Clerks and Order Fillers can find jobs through listings posted on job board sites or through newspaper advertisements.  Online job opening systems include JobCentral at www.jobcentral.com and CalJOBS^SM at www.caljobs.ca.gov.

To find your nearest One-Stop Career Center, go to Service Locator. View the helpful job search tips for more resources. (requires Adobe Reader).

Yellow Page Headings

You can focus your local job search by checking employers listed online or in your local telephone directory. Below are some suggested headings where you might find employers of Stock Clerks and Order Fillers.

• Building Materials
• Consumer Electronics
• Department Stores
• Electronic Equipment & Supplies, Wholesale & Manufacturers
• Employment Services
• Grocers-Wholesale
• Grocery Stores
• Hardware Stores
• Warehouses-Merchandise

Find Possible Employers

To locate a list of employers in your area, go to "Find Employers" on the Labor Market Information Web site:

• Select one of the top industries that employ the occupation. This will give you a list of employers in that industry in your area.
• Click on "View Filter Selections" to limit your list to specific cities or employer size.
• Click on an employer for the street address, telephone number, size of business, Web site, etc.
• Contact the employer for possible employment.

Where Could This Job Lead?

Stock Clerk positions offer insight into the products and materials associated with a business. Advancement opportunities vary with the industry and employer. With additional training, some workers advance to jobs as warehouse leads or supervisors, purchasing agents, or other jobs within the facility such as inventory control.

Related Occupations

Below is a list of occupations related to Stock Clerks and Order Fillers with links to more information.

Other Sources

• National Association for Retail Merchandising Services
       www.narms.com
• United Food and Commercial Workers
       www.ufcw.com

These links are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement by EDD.

For the Career Professional

The following codes are provided to assist counselors, job placement workers, or other career professionals.