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Freight Distribution Clerk Salary in the United States

How much does a Freight Distribution Clerk make in the United States?

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Freight Distribution Clerk in the United States is $41,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.

However, a Freight Distribution Clerk's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $51,507
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $36,900 to $46,500
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $33,167
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View as table View as graph 25% $36,900 10% $33,167 90% $51,507 75% $46,500 $41,000 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Freight Distribution Clerk Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $46,500 $3,875 $894 $22
Average $41,000 $3,417 $788 $20
25th Percentile $36,900 $3,075 $710 $18
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Key Factors That Influence Freight Distribution Clerk Salaries

A Freight Distribution Clerk's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Freight Distribution Clerk Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Freight Distribution Clerk's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Freight Distribution Clerk (1-3 years): $40,906
  • Freight Distribution Senior Clerk (3-5 years): $45,795
  • Distribution Operations Manager (5+ years): $89,195
  • Distribution Operations Senior Manager (5+ years): $129,620
  • Distribution Operations Director (5+ years): $183,193
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Freight Distribution Clerk1-3 years$40,906
Freight Distribution Senior Clerk3-5 years$45,795
Distribution Operations Manager5+ years$89,195
Distribution Operations Senior Manager5+ years$129,620
Distribution Operations Director5+ years$183,193
$40,906 Freight D...
$45,795 Freight D...
$89,195 Distribut...
$129,620 Distribut...
$183,193 Distribut...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Freight Distribution Clerks

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $51,600
  • San Francisco: $51,100
  • Oakland: $50,000

What Skills Can Increase a Freight Distribution Clerk's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 10.99% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Order Picking (Mentioned in 2.06% Job Postings): Order picking is the process of collecting items from a warehouse to complete customer orders. Order picking is when the products listed in an order are retrieved from their respective warehouses.
  • Container (Mentioned in 1.75% Job Postings): Container is an object used for or capable of holding, esp for transport or storage, such as a carton, box, etc.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 10.99%
Order Picking 2.06%
Container 1.75%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Freight Distribution Clerk's salary.
  • Influencing: Can increase your salary by up to 24%.
  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
  • Coaching: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Influencing
$50,840
24%
Analysis
$47,150
15%
Coaching
$45,920
12%
Continuous Improvement
$45,100
10%
Product Pricing
$44,690
9%
Initiative
$44,280
8%
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Freight Distribution Clerk Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Freight Distribution Clerk salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $45,858. While startup companies pay approximate $38,782.

Freight Distribution Clerk Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$38,782
Growth Stage51~500$41,018
Established501~5000$44,285
Enterprise5000+$45,858

Freight Distribution Clerk Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Freight Distribution Clerk roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Freight Distribution Clerk positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Freight Distribution Clerk as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Freight Distribution Clerk

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$45,100$22.010%
Biotechnology$45,100$22.010%
Business Services$45,100$22.010%
Chemicals$45,100$22.010%
Construction$45,100$22.010%

How Education impacts a Freight Distribution Clerk's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Freight Distribution Clerks enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Freight Distribution Clerk with a No Diploma is between $40,400 and $41,215).

Freight Distribution Clerk Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Freight Distribution Clerk
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 16.7%
High School 50.0%
Associates 16.7%
Bachelors 16.7%
Masters 16.7%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Freight Distribution Clerk Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Freight Distribution Clerk's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on July 01, 2026

Freight Distribution Clerk Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Freight Distribution Clerk, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Freight Distribution Clerk Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Distribution Center Operations Supervisor I $64,100 56%
Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator III $75,020 83%
Freight Distribution Senior Clerk $45,800 12%
Spare Parts Delivery Coordination Manager $87,700 114%

Salary Trends for Freight Distribution Clerk

Salaries for a Freight Distribution Clerk can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $44,534 in 2023 to around $43,105 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Freight Distribution Clerk salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Freight Distribution Clerk Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$44,534
2024
$43,696
2025
$43,105
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $44,534
2024 $43,696
2025 $43,105
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Freight Distribution Clerk

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Freight Distribution Clerk

Here are companies hiring for Freight Distribution Clerk and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Freight Distribution Clerk

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Freight Distribution Clerk?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Freight Distribution Clerk roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

2. How much does a warehouse worker earn per hour in USA?

How much does a Warehouse Worker make? Based on salary data, the annual earnings for a Freight Distribution Clerk range from $39,400 to $42,900, with a mid-salary of $40,600. This translates to an hourly wage of approximately $18.96 to $20.63, with a midpoint of about $19.52.

3. What is the monthly income of a clerk?

The average salary for a Freight Distribution Clerk ranges from ₹39,400 to ₹42,900 annually, translating to approximately ₹3,283 to ₹3,575 per month. Entry-level positions typically start at ₹39,400 per year, while experienced clerks can earn up to ₹42,900 annually.

4. What does a logistics clerk do?

A logistics clerk manages clerical tasks in the shipping department, including tracking inventory and product availability, ensuring order fulfillment, and completing necessary paperwork for shipments. The salary for this role typically ranges from $39,400 to $42,900, with a mid-point salary of $40,600.

5. Is clerk a good position?

The position of a Freight Distribution Clerk can be quite rewarding, especially for those who are dedicated and willing to develop their skills. With a salary range from $39,400 to $42,900, this role offers a competitive compensation package. While the responsibilities may seem challenging at first, persistence and enthusiasm can lead to success in this career.

6. How much do American freight employees make?

American freight employees, specifically Freight Distribution Clerks, earn between $39,400 and $42,900 annually, with a mid-salary of $40,600. Other roles at American Freight, like Operations Manager, can earn up to $52,000, while Delivery Drivers make around $39,740.

7. What does a distribution Clerk do?

A distribution clerk works in a warehouse, handling shipping and maintenance tasks. Key responsibilities include accepting orders, managing supplies, organizing products, and arranging items. Additionally, clerical and administrative duties may be part of the role. The salary for a distribution clerk typically ranges from $39,400 to $42,900, with a mid-range salary of $40,600.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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