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Returns Clerk III Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Returns Clerk III in the United States is $45,837 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $53,104
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $40,138 to $49,641
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $34,949
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Returns Clerk III Salaries

A Returns Clerk III'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 III Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Returns Clerk III'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 IIIs 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $50,751.
  • California: $50,558.
  • Massachusetts: $49,884.

Top Paying Cities for Returns Clerk III

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: $57,814
  • San Francisco: $57,181
  • Oakland: $55,976

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 9.5% 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.
  • Client Communications (Mentioned in 3.97% Job Postings): Client communication skills are a blend of language, interpersonal and emotional abilities that enable you to have clear, meaningful, and emotionally conscientious conversations with the client.
  • Computer Systems (Mentioned in 1.55% Job Postings): A computer system is a set of integrated devices that input, output, process, and store data and information. Computer systems are currently built around at least one digital processing device.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 9.5%
Client Communications 3.97%
Computer Systems 1.55%
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 III's salary.

  • Accountability: Can increase your salary by up to 25%.
  • Supply Chain: Can increase your salary by up to 21%.
  • Critical Thinking: Can increase your salary by up to 20%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Accountability $57,296
25%
Supply Chain $55,463
21%
Critical Thinking $55,004
20%
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Returns Clerk III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Returns Clerk III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $51,312. While startup companies pay approximate $43,409.

Returns Clerk III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $43,409
Growth Stage 51~500 $45,910
Established 501~5000 $49,551
Enterprise 5000+ $51,312

Returns Clerk III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Returns Clerk III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Returns Clerk positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Returns Clerk III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Returns Clerk III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$57,296$28.025%
Biotechnology$55,004$26.020%
Internet$55,004$26.020%
Energy & Utilities$52,713$25.015%
Financial Services$52,713$25.015%

How Education impacts an Returns Clerk III's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Returns Clerk III 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 III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $40,826 and $43,408.

Returns Clerk III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Returns Clerk III
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

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

Understanding how a Returns Clerk III'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
$40,138
Average $45,837/year
$49,641
$3,345
Average $3,820/month
$4,137
$772
Average $881/week
$955
$19
Average $22/hour
$24
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $49,641 $4,137 $955 $24
Average $45,837 $3,820 $881 $22
25th Percentile $40,138 $3,345 $772 $19

Returns Clerk III Salary Growth & Career Path

Returns Clerk III

Next Role

Advancement

For a Returns Clerk III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Returns Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $58,744 - a projected growth of 28% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Returns Clerk III

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

Common company salaries for Returns Clerk III

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

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FAQ about Returns Clerk III

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

A Returns Clerk III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Returns Clerk III is $57,814.

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

The highest pay for Returns Clerk III is $53,104.

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

The lowest pay for Returns Clerk III is $34,949.

4. What are the responsibilities of Returns Clerk III?

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 or manager. 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 Returns Clerk III?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Returns Clerk III roles, with salaries approximately 25% 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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