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Distribution Clerk, Sr. Salary in the United States

How much does a Distribution Clerk, Sr. make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Distribution Clerk, Sr. in the United States is $45,793 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $57,279
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $40,880 to $51,805
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $36,407
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Distribution Clerk, Sr. Salaries

A Distribution Clerk, Sr.'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 Distribution Clerk, Sr. Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Distribution Clerk, Sr.'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:

  • Distribution Clerk (1-3 years): $40,902
  • Distribution Clerk, Sr. (3-5 years): $45,793
  • Distribution Manager (5+ years): $89,193
  • Distribution Senior Manager (5+ years): $129,610
  • Distribution Director (5+ years): $183,213
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Distribution Clerk1-3 years$40,902
Distribution Clerk, Sr.3-5 years$45,793
Distribution Manager5+ years$89,193
Distribution Senior Manager5+ years$129,610
Distribution Director5+ years$183,213
View as Graph

How Do Distribution Clerk, Sr.s Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Distribution Clerk, Sr.s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $50,702.
  • California: $50,510.
  • Massachusetts: $49,837.

Top Paying Cities for Distribution Clerk, Sr.

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: $57,759
  • San Francisco: $57,126
  • Oakland: $55,922

What Skills Can Increase a Distribution Clerk, Sr.'s Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 10.32% 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.
  • Materials Management (Mentioned in 2.67% Job Postings): Materials management is a core supply chain function and includes supply chain planning and supply chain execution capabilities. Specifically, materials management is the capability firms use to plan total material requirements. The material requirements are communicated to procurement and other functions for sourcing. Materials management is also responsible for determining the amount of material to be deployed at each stocking location across the supply chain, establishing material replenishment plans, determining inventory levels to hold for each type of inventory (raw, WIP, Finished Goods), and communicating information regarding material needs throughout the extended supply chain. Typical roles in Materials Management include: Materials Manager, Inventory Control Manager, Inventory Analyst, Material Planner, Expediter and emerging hybrid roles like "buyer planner". The primary business objective of Materials Management is assured supply of material, optimum inventory levels and minimum deviation between planned and actual results.
  • Microsoft Office (Mentioned in 2.41% Job Postings): Microsoft Office is a suite of desktop productivity applications that is designed by Microsoft for business use. You can create documents containing text and images, work with data in spreadsheets and databases, create presentations and posters.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 10.32%
Materials Management 2.67%
Microsoft Office 2.41%
See More Skills

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 Distribution Clerk, Sr.'s salary.

  • Flexibility: Can increase your salary by up to 25%.
  • Verbal Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 24%.
  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 19%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Flexibility $57,241
25%
Verbal Communication $56,783
24%
Analysis $54,494
19%
Get Latest Data

Distribution Clerk, Sr. Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Distribution Clerk, Sr. salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $51,263. While startup companies pay approximate $43,367.

Distribution Clerk, Sr. Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $43,367
Growth Stage 51~500 $45,866
Established 501~5000 $49,503
Enterprise 5000+ $51,263

Distribution Clerk, Sr. Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Distribution Clerk, Sr. roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Distribution Clerk, Sr. positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Distribution Clerk, Sr. as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Distribution Clerk, Sr.

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$54,952$26.020%
Internet$52,662$25.015%
Aerospace & Defense$50,372$24.010%
Financial Services$50,372$24.010%
Pharmaceuticals$50,372$24.010%

How Education impacts an Distribution Clerk, Sr.'s Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Distribution Clerk, Sr. enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Distribution Clerk, Sr. with a Bachelor's Degree is between $47,812 and $49,872.

Distribution Clerk, Sr. Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Distribution Clerk, Sr.
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 100.0%
High School 0.0%
Associates 0.0%
Bachelors 100.0%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

Distribution Clerk, Sr. Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Distribution Clerk, Sr.'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 August 01, 2026
$40,880
Average $45,793/year
$51,805
$3,407
Average $3,816/month
$4,317
$786
Average $881/week
$996
$20
Average $22/hour
$25
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $51,805 $4,317 $996 $25
Average $45,793 $3,816 $881 $22
25th Percentile $40,880 $3,407 $786 $20

Distribution Clerk, Sr. Salary Growth & Career Path

Distribution Clerk, Sr.

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Distribution Clerk, Sr., 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.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Distribution Center Supervisor $64,044 40%
Terminal Operations Supervisor $99,035 116%
Distribution Manager $89,193 95%
Spares Coordination Manager $87,615 91%

Most common benefits for Distribution Clerk, Sr.

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Distribution Clerk, Sr.

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

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FAQ about Distribution Clerk, Sr.

1. Where can a Distribution Clerk, Sr. earn the most?

A Distribution Clerk, Sr.'s earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Distribution Clerk, Sr. earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Distribution Clerk, Sr. is $57,759.

2. What is the highest pay for Distribution Clerk, Sr.?

The highest pay for Distribution Clerk, Sr. is $57,279.

3. What is the lowest pay for Distribution Clerk, Sr.?

The lowest pay for Distribution Clerk, Sr. is $36,407.

4. What are the responsibilities of Distribution Clerk, Sr.?

Performs a variety of clerical, customer service, and administrative duties to support operations of a distribution center. Monitors inventory levels to ensure sufficient levels are available to fulfill all orders. Ensures that all required paperwork, including labels, packing lists, and transport instructions, is prepared. Utilizes tracking systems to input or look up information. Complies with all OSHA and other regulations, policies, safety procedures, and documentation requirements. Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Distribution Clerk, Sr.?

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Distribution Clerk, Sr. roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

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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