Order Clerk

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Work Tasks

ORDER CLERKS receive and process incoming orders for a wide variety of materials, merchandise, or services through computer terminals, telephones, mail, or fax machines. They process orders for such items as spare parts for machines, consumer appliances, gas and electric power connections, film rentals, and articles of clothing. Most order clerks sit at computers and receive orders directly by telephone, entering the required information as the customer places the order. Order clerks make adjustments to inventory records and may also notify departments when inventories are low. They answer customer questions about prices and shipping dates.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $33,000 average per year ($15.75 per hour)
• A large occupation (211,400 workers in 2010)
• Expected to decline (2.6% per year)

Entry Requirements

Most employers require applicants for ORDER CLERK positions to have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent. In some cases, order clerks in high-technology firms often need to understand scientific and mechanical processes, which may require some college education. Most employers prefer workers who are computer literate. Technical training needed for some order clerk positions can be obtained in technical institutes and in 2- and 4-year colleges. No special licensing or certification is required for order clerks.