What Order Clerks do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Order Clerks this way: "Receive and process incoming orders for materials, merchandise, classified ads, or services such as repairs, installations, or rental of facilities. Generally receives orders via mail, phone, fax, or other electronic means. Duties include informing customers of receipt, prices, shipping dates, and delays; preparing contracts; and handling complaints."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Obtain customers' names, addresses, and billing information, product numbers, and specifications of items to be purchased, and enter this information on order forms"; "Inform customers by mail or telephone of order information, such as unit prices, shipping dates, and any anticipated delays"; "Receive and respond to customer complaints"; "Verify customer and order information for correctness, checking it against previously obtained information as necessary"; "Check inventory records to determine availability of requested merchandise".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is some college, no degree. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Order Clerks
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 78,900 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 65,100 in 2035, a decrease of 13,800 jobs (-17.5%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 6,300 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 8.0% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $46,170, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Order Clerks earn the most
Published data currently covers California, where the employment-weighted average of local median wages is $47,857. More states are added as pages are published.
Occupations related to Order Clerks
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (43-4000) include Brokerage Clerks, Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs, Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping and Loan Interviewers and Clerks.
Frequently asked questions about Order Clerks
How much do Order Clerks earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $46,170.
Is Order Clerks a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to shrink by 17.5% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 6,300 openings a year.
What education do Order Clerks need?
The typical entry-level education is some college, no degree and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.