Procurement Clerks

O*NET 43-3061.00 · SOC 43-3061

Procurement Clerk is a risky career choice. Median pay is $51k a year with -8.1% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 3,700 openings a year. AI exposure: High.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+-8.1%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$51k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
4k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

What You'd Actually Do

  • Prepare and submit purchase orders to approved vendors
  • Track status of outstanding orders and follow up with suppliers
  • Verify that received goods match purchase order specifications
  • Maintain records of purchases, pricing, and vendor contacts
  • Obtain price quotes from multiple vendors for requested items

Education & How to Get In

🎓
Job Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

Procurement 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.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a Procurement Clerk? These platforms offer courses you can start today — many with free trials or financial aid.

Coursera
University-backed courses and certificates
Browse courses →
Udemy
Affordable self-paced courses from $12.99
Browse courses →
Skillshare
Creative and professional skill classes
Browse courses →
LinkedIn Learning
Professional development with certificates
Browse courses →

Links open in a new tab. Some may include affiliate partnerships.

Work Environment

Primary Setting

Structured — offices, data centers, or remote

Work Style

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 a Procurement Clerk involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningPrepare and submit purchase orders to approved vendors
MiddayTrack status of outstanding orders and follow up with suppliers
AfternoonVerify that received goods match purchase order specifications

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Conventional (Organizers)7.0
Enterprising (Persuaders)4.1
Realistic (Doers)3.2
Investigative (Thinkers)1.7
Social (Helpers)1.6
Artistic (Creators)1.0

Who Thrives as Procurement 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.

ESTJThe ExecutiveISTJThe InspectorESFJThe ProviderENTJThe Commander

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Procurement Clerk Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

IndeedLinkedIn JobsZipRecruiter

Similar Careers

Cargo and Freight Agents+6.2%Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers+2.1%Tax Preparers+4.7%Customs Brokers+3.8%Freight Forwarders+6.2%Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products+6%Appraisers of Personal and Business Property+3.5%Government Property Inspectors and Investigators+3.8%

Explore More Careers

Best Business Careers →Browse all careers →

Job Outlook

Employment of Procurement Clerks is projected to decline 8.1% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

86/100High disruption risk
  • ·65% 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 a Procurement Clerk make?

The median Procurement Clerk earns $51k 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 Procurement Clerk jobs?

Our model puts Procurement Clerk at 86 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is high disruption risk. The main drivers: 65% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target; industry sector with high AI adoption trajectory.

Is Procurement Clerk a growing field?

Employment is projected to shrink 8.1% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 3,700 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a Procurement Clerk?

Most Procurement 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 a Procurement 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 a Procurement 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.

Take the assessment →

Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes