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Inventory specialist: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 26, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$46,380median pay per year, or $22.30 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $35,290lowest 10% earn less
  2. $39,18025th percentile
  3. $46,380median
  4. $54,85075th percentile
  5. $60,910top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[4]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[5]

Workers in the BLS category Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping, which includes inventory specialists, had median pay of $46,380 a year[1][2]. Employment is projected to decline 4.8% from 2025 to 2035[3].

Job growth, 2025–35
-4.8%[3]
Openings per year
4,700[6]
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent[7]

How much do inventory specialists make?

The median wage in this BLS category was $46,380 a year, or $22.30 an hour, in May 2025[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less[1]. The mean wage was $47,630 a year, or $22.90 an hour[8]. The median for all occupations was $50,980[5].

The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $35,290 a year, and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $60,910[4]. The middle half fell between $39,180 and $54,850[4]. Hourly, the 10th, 25th, 75th and 90th percentiles were $16.97, $18.84, $26.37 and $29.28[9]. A percentile is a boundary, and BLS publishes no starting salary[10].

These wages cover part-time and full-time wage and salary workers. They leave out the self-employed, nonproduction bonuses and the cost of benefits[11]. About 53,300 people held these jobs in May 2025[12].

Pay by state and city

Wyoming had the highest median annual wage at $62,840, but it had only 60 jobs[13]. Indiana followed at $57,210 with 2,590 jobs, and Oregon at $54,500[13]. West Virginia was last in the list at $31,210[13].

Among metro areas, Akron, OH led at $61,940, then Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ at $60,770 and Albuquerque, NM at $58,240[14].

California had the most jobs (7,510), then Texas (4,460), Florida (3,330), Ohio (2,660) and Indiana (2,590)[15]. New York-Newark-Jersey City had 2,240 jobs and Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim had 2,220[16].

Show median pay in 49 states
StateMedian per yearJobs
Wyoming[13]$62,84060
Indiana$57,2102,590
Oregon$54,500800
New Mexico$53,960250
Maine$51,120240
Minnesota$49,830250
Utah$49,830270
Pennsylvania$49,4802,100
Kentucky$49,1401,300
Nebraska$49,090630
Washington$48,920790
Louisiana$48,890380
Illinois$48,6801,790
Wisconsin$48,030680
Texas$47,7104,460
New Jersey$47,6401,380
Tennessee$47,3301,040
Iowa$47,180410
New York$46,9702,240
Massachusetts$46,880850
Connecticut$46,540370
Vermont$46,440120
Nevada$46,430510
Missouri$46,220970
Maryland$46,170450
Colorado$46,160770
Delaware$46,120280
Hawaii$46,050100
Alabama$46,010780
Arizona$45,790650
Alaska$45,76030
Kansas$45,760670
South Carolina$45,760940
California$45,7307,510
Arkansas$45,4901,100
Virginia$45,3601,570
Ohio$45,2302,660
Georgia$45,1802,370
New Hampshire$44,830380
South Dakota$44,430330
Florida$44,2603,330
Michigan$43,950700
Idaho$43,720140
North Carolina$43,6801,560
Montana$40,460230
Rhode Island$40,300n/a
Mississippi$38,900780
Oklahoma$37,350710
West Virginia$31,210330

How to become an inventory specialist

The training details here come from a Bureau of Labor Statistics profile on material recording clerks, which covers a wider group than this category[17].

In an O*NET survey of 33 workers, 50% said a high school diploma or equivalent is required, 22% said less than a high school diploma, and 19% said some college courses[22]. Some employers prefer a college degree for production, planning and expediting clerks[23].

With more training or education, material recording clerks may move up to roles such as purchasing agent in their company[24].

What inventory specialists do

The work is mainly clerical. Workers weigh, measure and check materials, supplies and equipment so records stay accurate[25]. Typical tasks include:

O*NET sample titles include cycle counter, scale operator and supply clerk[2]. Useful skills include communication, attention to detail and math[27][28][29].

Where they work

For material recording clerks, manufacturing was the largest employer, at 28% in 2025[30]. They are usually based in an office within a warehouse or plant, and may also spend time on the floor handling packages or equipment such as conveyors[31][32]. Some may lift heavy items and bend often, which can lead to injury[33].

Most of these clerks work full time, and some work nights, weekends or holidays[34].

Job outlook

Employment is projected to decline 4.8% from 2025 to 2035, from about 53,600 to 51,000 jobs[3]. For all occupations, projected growth is 3.5%[35]. BLS names productivity change as a factor: as businesses use more process automation systems, this occupation's share decreases[36].

Even so, BLS projects about 4,700 openings a year[6]. Openings include jobs left by people who change occupations or leave work, not only new jobs[6]. Each year, 4.1% of workers leave the labor force and 5.4% move to a different occupation[37].

Is it a good fit?

The facts suggest this job suits people who want to start with a high school diploma and short training[7][19]. Median pay is a little below the all-occupations median[1][5]. Employment is projected to shrink, though openings continue to appear as workers move on[3][6][37]. The work is mostly clerical, with some time on a warehouse or plant floor[25][32].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[38].

Frequently asked questions

How much does an inventory specialist make?
In this BLS category, the median was $46,380 a year, or $22.30 an hour, in May 2025[1][2].
What education do you need to be an inventory specialist?
A high school diploma or equivalent is the typical entry education[7].
How long does training take?
Training is short-term on the job[7]. For most material recording clerks it lasts up to 1 month[19].
Is this job in demand?
Employment is projected to decline 4.8% from 2025 to 2035[3], but about 4,700 openings a year are projected[6].
What is the highest paying state?
Wyoming had the highest median at $62,840, with only 60 jobs[13]. Indiana followed at $57,210[13].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping in the US was $46,380 per year and $22.30 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. O*NET 43-5111.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Cycle Counter, Fluid Operator, Inventory Specialist, Quality Assurance Inspector (QA Inspector), Scale Operator, Supply Clerk, Temperature Taker. O*NET OnLine
  3. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping is projected to decline 4.8% from 2025 to 2035, from about 53,600 to 51,000 jobs (a change of -2,600). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping: 10th percentile $35,290, 25th percentile $39,180, 75th percentile $54,850, 90th percentile $60,910. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  6. BLS Employment Projections: about 4,700 openings for Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping: education needed for entry: High school diploma or equivalent; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: Short-term on-the-job training. BLS Employment Projections
  8. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping was $47,630 per year and $22.90 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping: 10th percentile $16.97, 25th percentile $18.84, 75th percentile $26.37, 90th percentile $29.28. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 53,300 people were employed as Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. Median annual wage for Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping (areas with at least 100 jobs): Akron, OH $61,940; Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ $60,770; Albuquerque, NM $58,240; Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN $57,510; Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $56,560; Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $53,420; Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN $52,480; Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX $52,420. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping jobs: California 7,510; Texas 4,460; Florida 3,330; Ohio 2,660; Indiana 2,590. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping jobs: New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 2,240 (median $47,350); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 2,220 (median $43,670); Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 1,670 (median $52,420); Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN 1,510 (median $57,510); Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA 1,450 (median $47,910); Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA 1,310 (median $45,780). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  17. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile "Material Recording Clerks" covers Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping together with other related occupations, so its text describes the wider group. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. O*NET 43-5111.00 survey of workers (33 respondents), education level they say is required: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) 50%, Less than a High School Diploma 22%, Some College Courses 19% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  23. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  24. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Advancement. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  25. O*NET description of Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping. O*NET OnLine
  26. O*NET task list for Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping. O*NET OnLine
  27. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  28. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  29. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  30. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of material recording clerks in 2025: Manufacturing 28%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  31. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and Illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  34. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  35. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  36. BLS Employment Projections, factor affecting employment of Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping: Productivity change - share decreases as businesses increase use of process automation systems and integrate more activities into these systems. BLS Employment Projections
  37. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping: 4.1% of workers leave the labor force each year and 5.4% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  38. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers. The Occupational Outlook Handbook text covers a wider group of occupations than this page.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.