Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks
O*NET 43-5071.00 · SOC 43-5071
Shipping is a risky career choice. Median pay is $45k a year with -7.6% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 61,300 openings a year. AI exposure: High.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Verify incoming shipments against purchase orders and packing slips
- →Scan barcodes to update inventory records in the system
- →Label outgoing packages with shipping addresses and tracking numbers
- →Count stock on shelves and record discrepancies found
- →Notify purchasing staff when inventory falls below reorder levels
Education & How to Get In
Shipping 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 a Shipping involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Shipping?
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 Shipping Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks is projected to decline 7.6% 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 a Shipping make?
The median Shipping earns $45k 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 Shipping jobs?
Our model puts Shipping at 85 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 Shipping a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 7.6% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 61,300 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Shipping?
Most Shipping 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 Shipping?
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 Shipping 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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