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Returns Clerk I Salary in the United States

How much does a Returns Clerk I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Returns Clerk I in the United States is $37,499 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $43,834
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $35,132 to $40,815
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $32,977
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Returns Clerk I Salaries

A Returns Clerk I'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 Returns Clerk I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Returns Clerk I'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:

  • Returns Clerk I (0-1 years): $37,499
  • Returns Clerk II (1-3 years): $41,510
  • Returns Clerk III (3-5 years): $45,837
  • Returns Supervisor (5+ years): $58,744
  • Returns Manager (5+ years): $65,956
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Returns Clerk I0-1 years$37,499
Returns Clerk II1-3 years$41,510
Returns Clerk III3-5 years$45,837
Returns Supervisor5+ years$58,744
Returns Manager5+ years$65,956
View as Graph

How Do Returns Clerk Is 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 Returns Clerk Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $41,519.
  • California: $41,361.
  • Massachusetts: $40,810.

Top Paying Cities for Returns Clerk I

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: $47,297
  • San Francisco: $46,780
  • Oakland: $45,794

What Skills Can Increase a Returns Clerk I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 17.21% 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.
  • Microsoft Office (Mentioned in 2.43% 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.
  • Data Entry (Mentioned in 1.62% Job Postings): Transcribing information into an electronic medium such as a computer or other electronic device.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 17.21%
Microsoft Office 2.43%
Data Entry 1.62%
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 Returns Clerk I's salary.

  • Data Warehouse: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
  • Safety Standards: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
  • Returns Processing: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Data Warehouse $44,249
18%
Safety Standards $44,249
18%
Returns Processing $42,749
14%
Get Latest Data

Returns Clerk I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Returns Clerk I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $41,978. While startup companies pay approximate $35,512.

Returns Clerk I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $35,512
Growth Stage 51~500 $37,559
Established 501~5000 $40,537
Enterprise 5000+ $41,978

Returns Clerk I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Returns Clerk I 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 Biotechnology and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Returns Clerk positions in Aerospace & Defense or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Returns Clerk I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Returns Clerk I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$44,999$22.020%

How Education impacts an Returns Clerk I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Returns Clerk I 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 Returns Clerk I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $36,233 and $38,672.

Returns Clerk I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Returns Clerk I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 16.7%
High School 16.7%
Associates 0.0%
Bachelors 83.3%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

Returns Clerk I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Returns Clerk I'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
$35,132
Average $37,499/year
$40,815
$2,928
Average $3,125/month
$3,401
$676
Average $721/week
$785
$17
Average $18/hour
$20
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $40,815 $3,401 $785 $20
Average $37,499 $3,125 $721 $18
25th Percentile $35,132 $2,928 $676 $17

Returns Clerk I Salary Growth & Career Path

Returns Clerk I

Next Role

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Returns Clerk I, 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
Dairy Processing Equipment Repairer $54,251 45%
Electronic Home Entertainment Equipment Repairer $44,923 20%
Keyboard Instrument Repairer and Tuner $37,768 1%
Percussion Instrument Repairers and Tuners $35,260 -6%

Most common benefits for Returns Clerk I

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

Common company salaries for Returns Clerk I

Here are companies hiring for Returns Clerk I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Returns Clerk I

1. Where can a Returns Clerk I earn the most?

A Returns Clerk I'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 Returns Clerk I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Returns Clerk I is $47,297.

2. What is the highest pay for Returns Clerk I?

The highest pay for Returns Clerk I is $43,834.

3. What is the lowest pay for Returns Clerk I?

The lowest pay for Returns Clerk I is $32,977.

4. What are the responsibilities of Returns Clerk I?

Processes all repairs and returns in a timely manner. Schedules, submits and initiates supplier returns in accordance with standard procedures. Records related data and supplier policies during future reporting process. May require an associate degree. Typically reports to a supervisor. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Returns Clerk I?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Returns Clerk I 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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