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Michigan Occupational Information System
#063 - STOCK CLERK  

Stock Clerks (also called Storekeepers) receive, store, and issue tools, supplies, equipment, material, merchandise, or food and keep records for the stockroom, warehouse, or storage yard.  

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION  

Stock Clerks may:

Receive and unpack incoming merchandise or materials  

Count, sort, or weigh incoming articles and check them against invoices  

Mark items with codes, letters, or figures to identify them  

Store articles in bins, on shelves, or on the floor  

Fill orders or issue supplies from stock  

Prepare inventories of stock  

Keep records on use of stock handling equipment, damage to stock and changes in locations of materials  

Distribute stock to workers  

Adjust or repair stock items  

Inspect stock to see that it meets specifications  

Contact shippers about damages or shortages  

Tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES  

Many Stock Clerks work in specialized jobs, particularly in large firms.

222.387-058 STOCK CLERKS (also called Storekeepers) receive, store, and issue Tools, supplies, equipment, material, merchandise, or food and keep records for the stockroom, warehouse, or storage yard.  

219.387-030 STOCK-CONTROL CLERKS keep records of receiving or shipping activities, stock distribution, or contracts to deliver goods. They collect information on the type and rate of use of articles and establish or recommend stock levels or ordering needs.  

222.387-026 INVENTORY CLERKS keep records of the amount, kind, and value of merchandise, materials, or stock on hand in an establishment or a department of an establishment.  

222.367-062 TOOL-CRIB ATTENDANTS receive, store, and issue hand tools, machine cutting tools, dies, machine attachments and accessories, safety equipment, and other work supplies in industrial establishments.  

222.367-042 PARTS CLERKS receive, store, and issue spare and replacement parts, equipment, and expendable items used at a repair or maintenance shop.  

222.684-010 MEAT CLERKS unload fresh, cured, and boxed meats and poultry from the delivery truck and transport them to a storage room. They also examine meats that are in storage and rotate them to avoid spoilage.  

222.387-034 MATERIAL CLERKS keep records of the quantity, cost, and type of materials received, stored, and issued on a job, in a single department, or in an entire establishment.  

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:  

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS  

Stock Clerks usually work under general supervision. Depending on the size of the department, they may work alone or with other stock workers. They have frequent contact with other company employees who need tools, materials, and supplies.  

Stock Clerks usually work in relatively clean, well heated and well-lighted areas. However, some stockrooms may be damp and drafty. Clerks handling refrigerated goods may spend some time in cold storage rooms. Some work may be performed outdoors. Stock Clerks are on their feet most of the time. Some kinds of work are strenuous. Work is normally year-round and stable. There may be increased work during seasonal peaks or busy periods.  

Stock Clerks generally work a 5-day, 40-hour week. Some may work a 5 1/2 day, 44-hour week. Shift work may be necessary for individuals working for companies that operate more than 8 hours per day. Occasional overtime may be required during busy periods.  

Depending on where they work, Stock Clerks may be unionized. Unionized Clerks usually belong to unions representing other workers employed by the same establishment. Stock Clerks who belong to unions must pay dues. Two unions that may represent Stock Clerks are: International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) and The United Steelworkers of America.  

You Should Prefer:

• Doing routine and organized work  

• Working with things and objects  

• Using machines, processes, or methods in your work  

You Should Be Able To:

• Rate information based on standards that can be measured  

• Follow written and oral instructions  

• Perform math calculations quickly and accurately  

• Compare and see differences in the form of objects  

• See details in written or printed materials  

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy  

• Repeat tasks of duration, according to a set procedure  

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

Last year, 600 boxes of apples were ordered and 544 of the boxes were sold. What is the percentage of the boxes that were left over from last year's supply?  

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

You need to be able to read and understand supply orders including measurements and amounts.  

You receive an order requesting, "50 24 lb. bags of bird seed and 40 50 lb. bags of sand."  

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a list of damaged goods from the July 1 shipment.  

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You need to be able to make decisions about damaged goods and what kind of repair is necessary.  

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES  

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:  

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0300 AUTOMOTIVE , 0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0600 BUSINESS , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 2200 MATH

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript  

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this MOIScript    

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript  

***MILITARY TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES***

Please check the Military web-site at http://www.myfuture.com

SALES AND STOCK SPECIALISTS

The military operates retail stores and snack bars for its personnel on bases and aboard ships in the United States and overseas. Military stores, called exchanges, sell merchandise similar to that sold in the civilian stores but at a discount. Sales and stock specialists operate retail food and merchandise stores for military personnel.  

What They Do

Sales and stock specialists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:  

• Operate snack bars, laundries, and dry cleaning facilities  

• Order and receive merchandise and food for retail sales  

• Inspect food and merchandise for spoilage or damage  

• Price and mark retail sales items, using markers and stamping machines  

• Stock shelves and racks for the display of products  

• Count merchandise and supplies during inventories  

• Record and account for money received and prepare bank deposits  

Work Environment

Sales and stock specialists work on land and aboard ships in retail stores, snack bars, and storerooms.  

Physical Demands

The ability to speak clearly is required. Sales and stock specialists may have to lift and carry heavy objects.  

Training Provided

Job training consists of 6 to 7 weeks of classroom instruction for some specialties. For others, training occurs on the job. Course content includes:  

• Stock procedures  

• Vending machine operation and maintenance  

• Record keeping and bookkeeping procedures  

Further training occurs on the job.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include bookkeeping, mathematics, and typing. Helpful attributes include:  

• Interest in marketing and sales work  

• Ability to use cash registers, calculators, and adding machines  

• Interest in working with people  

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian sales and stock specialists work in many kinds of retail businesses, such as grocery stores and department stores. They perform duties similar to military sales and stock specialists. They may also be called sales clerks or stock clerks.  

Opportunities

The services have about 4,800 sales and stock specialists. On average, they need about 300 new specialists each year. After job training, sales and stock specialists are assigned to base or shipboard retail stores and storerooms. Initially, they work under close supervision. With experiences, they work more independently, train new workers, and assume more responsibility for sales and stock activities. In time, they may become department supervisors or retail store supervisors.    

E-Learning Courses and Programs    

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY  

Some Stock Clerks are required to pass physical and/or aptitude exams to work for certain employers. Stock Clerks who handle valuable materials or merchandise, or those handling liquor or other drugs may be required to meet certain standards in order to be bonded.  

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships  

mentorships  

job shadowing experiences  

touring a local Stock Clerk employer  

internships  

volunteer work with a Stock Clerk employer  

community service work with an agency  

You may gain experience through full or part-time work as a stockroom helper. Service in the military service military may also provide experience.  

Direct application to employers is the most common way to get a job. Individuals seeking government positions must take civil service examinations. Jobs may be located by consulting school placement offices or local offices of Michigan Works!. Newspaper want ads may list open positions. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:        

Michigan Talent Bank    

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal

Classifieds Employment  

Yahoo! Careers

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT  

Earnings of Stock Clerks vary according to the particular industry, geographic location, and union affiliation.  

Nationally, pay for Stock Clerks ranged from $5.15 per hour (minimum wage) to over $18.75 per hour in 2000. The median weekly earnings of all Stock Clerks were $483 or about $12.08 per week in 2000. The median hourly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $14.40 in 2000.  

Inexperienced Stock Clerks in the federal government started at $7.70 (2001); experienced Clerks started at $8.40. The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas. Both federal and state minimum wage laws will require most employers to pay Stock Clerks at least $5.15 per hour ($10,712 yearly).

In Michigan, Stock Clerks averaged $14.57 per hour in early 2002, with most earning between $9.52 and $17.79, depending on their level of responsibility.  

Stock Clerks working in various areas in Michigan had the following hourly earnings (2000):  

Most Tool-Crib Attendants employed by auto manufacturers earned between $16.08 and $22.35 per hour in mid 2001.  

Hourly earnings of Storekeepers employed by several Michigan governmental bodies were (early 2001):  

Besides regular pay, some Clerks receive annual bonuses. Those who work afternoon or night shifts usually receive shift premiums.  

Benefits vary widely depending on the employer and unionization. Most Stock Clerks receive paid vacations and holidays. Other benefits may include life insurance, health and other medical insurance, dental plans, pensions, discounts on purchases, and savings and stock investment plans. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employers.  

Many Stock Clerks start as assistant Stock Clerks or storekeeper helpers or aides. Stock Clerks may advance to senior Stock Clerks or stock manager. Some Stock Clerks advance to jobs outside of the stockroom such as purchasing agent and buyer. Experience and job performance are the most important factors in initial advancement.  

Additional education is often necessary to become a stockroom supervisor or stock manager. Training in marketing and buying is important in obtaining positions as purchasing agents or buyers.  

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK  

Nationally, about 2,329,100 Stock Clerks were employed in 1998. Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2008. The industry distribution for Stock Clerks looked like this:  

There are approximately 90,350 Stock Clerks employed in Michigan. About 76.6% worked in urban areas. Stock Clerks worked for manufacturers, wholesale firms, retail stores, government agencies, hospitals, and other organizations that keep large quantities of goods on hand.  

Employment of Stock Clerks in Michigan is expected to increase more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2008. An average of 1,910 openings per year is expected with 480 due to growth and 1,4530 due to replacement of Clerks who retire, die, or leave the labor force.  

Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations. However, most openings in the manufacturing industry, will be filled by laid-off workers.  

Increased use of computers and point-of-sale registers, which provide continuous inventory information and control, may further limit the employment of Stock Clerks such as Inventory Clerks and Stock Control Clerks. In addition, because it is easy to enter this occupation, some competition is likely for beginning positions.  

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2008  

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  

Printed occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below:  

SUMMARY PROFILE  

The occupation of Stock Clerk can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development