Order Clerks
O*NET 43-4151.00 · SOC 43-4151
Order Clerk is a risky career choice. Median pay is $46k a year with -17.5% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 6,300 openings a year. AI exposure: High.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Receive and record customer orders by phone, email, or fax
- →Check inventory availability before confirming customer orders
- →Enter order details accurately into the order management system
- →Notify customers of delays, substitutions, or order status changes
- →Coordinate with shipping or warehouse staff to fulfill orders
Education & How to Get In
Order Clerk roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths — you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
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Work Environment
Structured — offices, data centers, or remote
Independent — focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Order Clerk involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Order Clerk?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering — personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Order Clerk Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Order Clerks is projected to decline 17.5% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·63% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target
- ·Industry sector with high AI adoption trajectory
- ·Declining employment suggests structural disruption
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Order Clerk make?
The median Order Clerk earns $46k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Order Clerk jobs?
Our model puts Order Clerk at 83 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is high disruption risk. The main drivers: 63% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target; industry sector with high AI adoption trajectory.
Is Order Clerk a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 17.5% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 6,300 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Order Clerk?
Most Order Clerk roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become an Order Clerk?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Order Clerk career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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