Order Clerks
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: Ad Taker (Advertising Taker), Advertising Clerk (Ad Clerk), Advertising Space Clerk (Ad Space Clerk), Back Order Clerk, Blood Bank Credit Clerk, Blood Bank Order Control Clerk
Median pay
$46,170
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$35,530 – $63,530
People employed
75,200
Holland code
CER
Conventional · Enterprising · Realistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 2.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 3.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Order Clerks pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (47 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What order clerks do
- 01Review orders for completeness according to reporting procedures and forward incomplete orders for further processing.
- 02Obtain customers' names, addresses, and billing information, product numbers, and specifications of items to be purchased, and enter this information on order forms.
- 03Prepare invoices, shipping documents, and contracts.
- 04Recommend merchandise or services that will meet customers' needs.
- 05Inspect outgoing work for compliance with customers' specifications.
- 06Receive and respond to customer complaints.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Writing
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- Production and Processing
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
- English Language
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from order clerks
- Postal Service Clerks90% · +35%
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks89% · +29%
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks87% · −2%
- Procurement Clerks86% · +10%
- Office Clerks, General86% · −3%
Change into order clerks
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Bill and Account Collectors86% · $47,030
- Procurement Clerks86% · $50,580
- Billing and Posting Clerks84% · $48,500
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks84% · $45,260
- Cashiers83% · $32,880
Majors that lead here
- Receptionist
- General Office Occupations and Clerical Services
- Customer Service Support/Call Center/Teleservice Operation
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.