Procurement Clerks


Nature of the Work About this section

Procurement clerks compile requests for materials, prepare purchase orders, keep track of purchases and supplies, and handle inquiries about orders. They make sure that what was purchased arrives on schedule and meets the purchaser's specifications.

Education and Training About this section

Most employers prefer applicants who have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Most procurement clerks are trained on the job under close supervision of more experienced employees.

Job Outlook About this section

Current and Projected Employment.

2008 Employment 81,500
2018 Employment 86,200
Employment Change 4,800
Growth Rate 6%

Employment change. Employment is expected to grow more slowly than the average. The need for procurement clerks will be reduced, as the use of computers to place orders directly with suppliers and as ordering over the Internet becomes more prevalent.

Job prospects. Job prospects are expected to be favorable. Job openings will arise out of the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.

Earnings About this section

Median hourly wages for procurement clerks were $16.72 in May 2008.


Order clerks; Purchasing managers, buyers and purchasing agents; Stock clerks and order fillers.

O*NET-SOC Code Coverage About this section

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Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Procurement Clerks, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos279.htm (visited February 10, 2010).

 

Last Modified Date: December 17, 2009