As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Returns Clerk I in the United States is $37,500 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:
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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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Returns Clerk I | 0-1 years | $37,500 |
| Returns Clerk II | 1-3 years | $41,513 |
| Returns Clerk III | 3-5 years | $45,841 |
| Returns Supervisor | 5+ years | $58,736 |
| Returns Manager | 5+ years | $65,952 |
What Am I Worth?
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:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 17.21% |
| Microsoft Office | 2.43% |
| Data Entry | 1.62% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Data Warehouse
|
$44,250 |
18%
|
|
Safety Standards
|
$44,250 |
18%
|
|
Returns Processing
|
$42,750 |
14%
|
|
Customer Service
|
$39,750 |
6%
|
|
Integrity
|
$39,375 |
5%
|
|
Warehouse Management
|
$38,625 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Returns Clerk Is 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 Returns Clerk I with a No Diploma is between $35,896 and $38,357).
Returns Clerk I Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
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 May 01, 2026Promotions 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 | $53,969 | 44% |
| Electronic Home Entertainment Equipment Repairer | $44,690 | 19% |
| Keyboard Instrument Repairer and Tuner | $37,559 | 0% |
| Percussion Instrument Repairers and Tuners | $35,065 | -6% |
Salaries for a Returns Clerk I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $38,878 in 2023 to around $38,204 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Returns Clerk I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $38,878 |
| 2024 | $38,514 |
| 2025 | $38,204 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Returns Clerk I and their salaries, click below for more details.
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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 $47,299.
The highest pay for Returns Clerk I is $43,835.
The lowest pay for Returns Clerk I is $32,978.
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.
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.)
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