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Career Profile

Order Clerks

What they do:

Receive and process incoming orders for materials, merchandise, classified ads, or services such as repairs, installations, or rental of facilities. Generally receives orders via mail, phone, fax, or other electronic means. Duties include informing customers of receipt, prices, shipping dates, and delays; preparing contracts; and handling complaints.

Also Called:

Hub Associate, Materials Specialist, Order Analyst, Order Clerk, Order Entry Administrator (Order Entry Admin), Order Entry Representative (Order Entry Rep), Order Processing Clerk, Order Taker, Warehouse Clerk, Warehouse Person, Hub Associate, Materials Specialist, Order Analyst, Order Clerk, Order Entry Administrator (Order Entry Admin), Order Entry Representative (Order Entry Rep), Order Processing Clerk, Order Taker, Warehouse Clerk, Warehouse Person

RI Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
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$45,180
Starting Salary (2025)
$49,410
Median Salary (2025)
-17.2%
Projected Job Growth
170
RI Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Receive and respond to customer complaints.
Obtain customers' names, addresses, and billing information, product numbers, and specifications of items to be purchased, and enter this information on order forms.
Verify customer and order information for correctness, checking it against previously obtained information as necessary.
Inform customers by mail or telephone of order information, such as unit prices, shipping dates, and any anticipated delays.
Review orders for completeness according to reporting procedures and forward incomplete orders for further processing.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Enterprising
Business based Work
Social
Working with people

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Attention to Detail
Stress Tolerance
Cooperation
Integrity
Self-Control
Dependability

What key skills are needed for this job?

Active Listening
Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Service Orientation
Writing
Judgment and Decision Making

Expected Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Production and Processing

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Common Activities

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 2

Some Preparation Needed

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • High school diploma 63%
  • Post-secondary certificate 24%
  • Bachelor's degree 12%
  • Some college 1%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks
Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel
Customer Service Representatives
Procurement Clerks

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.