Shipping and Receiving Clerk Salary Guide
National median: $45,260/yr · Range: $34,397–$57,027 · Source: BLS OEWS May 2025
Last updated: 2026-07-04
National Shipping and Receiving Clerk Salary Overview
Data: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2025 OEWS. O*NET code: 43-5071.00. SOC occupation: 43-5071 (Shipping and Receiving Clerk).
Shipping and Receiving Clerk Salary by City — Top 20 Metros
| Metro Area | 25th Pct | Median | 75th Pct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA | $47,440 | $56,370 | $68,920 |
| San Jose, CA | $46,400 | $54,640 | $61,460 |
| San Francisco, CA | $45,320 | $52,590 | $61,900 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $42,510 | $48,650 | $57,160 |
| Chicago, IL | $40,710 | $47,740 | $57,790 |
| San Diego, CA | $39,590 | $47,360 | $56,440 |
| Denver, CO | $40,730 | $47,320 | $58,340 |
| New York, NY | $41,550 | $46,550 | $56,900 |
| Columbus, OH | $39,530 | $46,290 | $51,280 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $39,330 | $46,140 | $53,020 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $39,280 | $45,980 | $52,550 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $39,380 | $45,840 | $52,000 |
| Nashville, TN | $38,350 | $45,780 | $50,640 |
| Charlotte, NC | $38,260 | $44,960 | $50,710 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $37,140 | $44,940 | $53,440 |
| Dallas, TX | $37,100 | $44,310 | $49,190 |
| Fort Worth, TX | $37,100 | $44,310 | $49,190 |
| Austin, TX | $36,890 | $44,060 | $48,680 |
| San Antonio, TX | $36,840 | $43,750 | $47,310 |
| Houston, TX | $36,360 | $41,590 | $47,660 |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates. Click any city for detailed local salary data.
Shipping and Receiving Clerk Salary by Experience Level
| Level | Typical Salary | Years of Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level Shipping and Receiving Clerk | $32,587 | 0–2 years |
| Mid-level Shipping and Receiving Clerk | $41,639 | 3–5 years |
| Senior Shipping and Receiving Clerk | $53,406 | 5–8 years |
| Staff / Lead Shipping and Receiving Clerk | $64,269 | 8–12 years |
| Principal / Director | $76,036 | 12+ years |
Career path estimates derived from BLS OEWS May 2025 national benchmarks. Actual salaries vary by company, location, and skills.
Skills That Raise Shipping and Receiving Clerk Salary
Professionals with these skills typically earn 15–35% above the median:
- Forklift certification
- WMS/ERP systems (SAP, Oracle)
- Hazmat shipping certification (DOT/IATA)
- Cycle counting & inventory control
- Freight-carrier scheduling
How to Negotiate a Shipping and Receiving Clerk Offer
The most effective salary negotiation for Shipping and Receiving Clerk roles follows three steps:
- Anchor with data. Quote BLS OEWS median ($45,260) and top-metro benchmarks as your reference point. Numbers beat feelings.
- Frame with ROI. Describe a specific project outcome in dollar terms: "I reduced churn by 8%, which retained $2M ARR." This turns the conversation from cost to investment.
- Negotiate total comp. If base is firm, ask about sign-on bonus, equity refresh, additional PTO, or a 6-month review. Employers have more flexibility in these buckets.
Shipping and Receiving Clerk Salary by City — All 90 Locations
Median Shipping and Receiving Clerk pay in every metro we track, grouped by state (BLS OEWS May 2025).
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