Coordinate and expedite the flow of work and materials within or between departments of an establishment according to production schedule. Duties include reviewing and distributing production, work, and shipment schedules; conferring with department supervisors to determine progress of work and completion dates; and compiling reports on progress of work, inventory levels, costs, and production problems.
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks
SOC: 43-5061 O*NET: 43-5061.00
Median Salary
$59,650
per year
Job Growth
📉 -1.8%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
34.1
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Coordinate and expedite the flow of work and materials within or between departments of an establishment according to production schedule. Duties include reviewing and distributing production, work, and shipment schedules; conferring with department supervisors to determine progress of work and completion dates; and compiling reports on progress of work, inventory levels, costs, and production problems.
What does a Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$40,080
10th percentile
Early Career
$47,820
25th percentile
Median
$59,650
50th percentile
Experienced
$75,000
75th percentile
Top Earners
$86,000
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$40,080
25th
$47,820
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$59,650
Mean: $62,150
75th
$75,000
90th
$86,000
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $45,920 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $47,820 and $75,000
- •Salary spread is 45.6% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 390,160 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:388,800
Top Industries
Manufacturing31.6%
Wholesale Trade7.3%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services6.6%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-1.8%
Annual Openings:34,100
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)388,800
Current
2034 (Projected)381,700
-1.8%
-7,100
Employment Change
-1.8%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
56,080 jobs$63,0001.23x
New York
35,160 jobs$60,9201.45x
Texas
33,080 jobs$55,8500.94x
Florida
20,850 jobs$51,9400.84x
Ohio
17,700 jobs$57,8301.27x
Georgia
16,370 jobs$56,8501.33x
North Carolina
13,000 jobs$52,6401.05x
Tennessee
12,740 jobs$53,0201.55x
Illinois
11,900 jobs$57,8800.78x
Arizona
9,780 jobs$58,5801.20x
New Jersey
9,410 jobs$62,7100.87x
Wisconsin
9,140 jobs$58,5401.24x
Indiana
9,100 jobs$58,9801.13x
Pennsylvania
8,790 jobs$59,2400.58x
Virginia
8,490 jobs$61,7800.82x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Speaking
100%
#2
Production and Processing
100%
#3
Oral Comprehension
100%
#4
Reading Comprehension
92%
#5
Information Ordering
92%
#6
Customer and Personal Service
88%
#7
Time Management
86%
#8
Oral Expression
82%
#9
Active Listening
78%
#10
English Language
76%
Skills Overview
Speaking
advanced5.0
100%
Production and Processing
advanced5.0
100%
Oral Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Reading Comprehension
advanced4.6
92%
Information Ordering
advanced4.6
92%
Customer and Personal Service
intermediate4.4
88%
Time Management
intermediate4.3
86%
Oral Expression
intermediate4.1
82%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Speaking
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Production and Processing
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Oral Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Information Ordering
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Customer and Personal Service
intermediateImportance88%
knowledge
4.4/5.0
Time Management
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Oral Expression
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance78%
skills
3.9/5.0
English Language
intermediateImportance76%
knowledge
3.8/5.0
Problem Sensitivity
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance70%
abilities
3.5/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance90%
5 shared skills
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants90%
5 shared skills
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers90%
5 shared skills
Accountants and Auditors73%
5 shared skills
Administrative Services Managers73%
5 shared skills
Advertising and Promotions Managers73%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Time Management
- ✓Production and Processing
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
Learn on the Job:
- →Writing
- →Monitoring
- →Administrative
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Time Management
- ✓Production and Processing
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
- ✓Reading Comprehension
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Speaking
- ★Production and Processing
- ★Customer and Personal Service
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Oral Comprehension
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Intuit QuickBooks
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechOracle Database
🔥 Hot TechStructured query language SQL
🔥 Hot TechAdobe InDesign
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Acrobat
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Dynamics
🔥 Hot TechOracle PeopleSoft
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Illustrator
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Photoshop
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Intuit QuickBooks
Microsoft Access
Oracle Database
Structured query language SQL
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Dynamics
Oracle PeopleSoft
SAP software
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
CONSTANT TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy constant team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
17
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Analysis & Evaluation (2)General Responsibilities (7)Planning & Development (2)Communication & Coordination (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (4)Management & Supervision (1)
1
Examine documents, materials, or products and monitor work processes to assess completeness, accuracy, and conformance to standards and specifications.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation100% perform100%
2
Review documents, such as production schedules, work orders, or staffing tables, to determine personnel or materials requirements or material priorities.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Confer with department supervisors or other personnel to assess progress and discuss needed changes.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation94% perform96%
4
Revise production schedules when required due to design changes, labor or material shortages, backlogs, or other interruptions, collaborating with management, marketing, sales, production, or engineering.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Confer with establishment personnel, vendors, or customers to coordinate production or shipping activities and to resolve complaints or eliminate delays.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Communication & Coordination88% perform92%
6
Record production data, including volume produced, consumption of raw materials, or quality control measures.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping85% perform90%
7
Requisition and maintain inventories of materials or supplies necessary to meet production demands.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping82% perform88%
8
Calculate figures, such as required amounts of labor or materials, manufacturing costs, or wages, using pricing schedules, adding machines, calculators, or computers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Distribute production schedules or work orders to departments.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Compile information, such as production rates and progress, materials inventories, materials used, or customer information, so that status reports can be completed.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on analysis & evaluation activities
- •41% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks professionals typically have a CER Holland code and highly value independence
CConventional
EEnterprising
RRealistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.76
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.70
Self-Control
CriticalSelf-Control
Importance Level4.55
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.41
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.41
Independence
Very ImportantIndependence
Importance Level4.38
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.8
Dependability
4.7
Self-Control
4.5
Integrity
4.4
Cooperation
4.4
Independence
4.4
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.4
Stress Tolerance
4.3
Initiative
4.2
Persistence
4.2
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks.
Browse Training Programs →The Apprenticeship Route: Earn While You Learn
You don't necessarily need to pay for school to enter this field. There are 80 registered apprenticeship sponsors for this occupation in the U.S. DOL system — including 4 union/joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one, typically starting at 40–50% of the journeyman rate, and finish with no tuition debt.
Most sponsors: SC (31) , TX (10) , MI (4) , TN (4) , AK (3)
How apprenticeships work →Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov)
Trade Colleges That Train for Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
5.0k program completions/year
Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA
2.8k program completions/year
Eastern Gateway Community College
Steubenville, OH
2.5k program completions/year
Lee College
Baytown, TX
1.6k program completions/year
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC
1.3k program completions/year
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Fayetteville, NC
1.3k program completions/year
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA
1.3k program completions/year
Pasadena City College
Pasadena, CA
1.2k program completions/year
Mt San Antonio College
Walnut, CA
1.2k program completions/year
Irvine Valley College
Irvine, CA
1.0k program completions/year
Connecticut State Community College
New Britain, CT
978 program completions/year
Mesa Community College
Mesa, AZ
897 program completions/year