How to Become a Procurement Clerk in 2026

    Median salary: $48,510 · -8.7% projected decline (2024–2034)

    O*NET Code: 43-3061.00 · Data from O*NET & BLS · Updated March 2026
    Median Salary
    $48,510
    annual wage
    Job Growth
    -8.7%
    projected 2024–2034
    Education
    High school diploma or equivalent
    typical entry
    AI Exposure
    62/100
    exposure score
    Section 01

    What does a Procurement Clerk do?

    Compile information and records to draw up purchase orders for procurement of materials and services.

    Section 02

    Procurement Clerk Salary in 2026

    The median annual salary for Procurement Clerks is $48,510. The bottom 10% earn around $36,810 while the top 10% earn over $65,890.

    Experience levelAnnual salary
    Entry-level (P10)$36,810
    Early career (P25)$41,240
    Median$48,510
    Experienced (P75)$57,680
    Top earners (P90)$65,890
    10th: $36,810Median: $48,51090th: $65,890

    Highest-paying metros

    District of Columbia
    Highest paying
    $63,610
    top metro salary
    Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA
    $62,210
    $-1,400 vs highest
    York-Hanover, PA
    $62,070
    $-1,540 vs highest
    Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
    $61,420
    $-2,190 vs highest
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
    $59,550
    $-4,060 vs highest
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
    $58,670
    $-4,940 vs highest
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
    $58,570
    $-5,040 vs highest
    Stockton-Lodi, CA
    $58,250
    $-5,360 vs highest

    Procurement Clerk salary by state

    StateMedian salary
    District of Columbiatop$63,610
    Massachusetts$57,950
    New Hampshire$57,220
    Connecticut$55,000
    Alaska$54,800
    Maryland$54,790
    California$53,700
    Colorado$53,650
    Minnesota$53,270
    New Jersey$53,130
    Virginia$52,310
    Hawaii$52,000
    New York$51,910
    Rhode Island$51,410
    Oklahoma$50,900
    Washington$50,010
    Oregon$49,970
    Alabama$49,920
    Pennsylvania$49,920
    Wyoming$49,730
    Maine$49,140
    Idaho$49,000
    New Mexico$49,000
    North Dakota$49,000
    Utah$49,000
    Wisconsin$48,060
    North Carolina$47,850
    Nebraska$47,510
    Iowa$47,490
    Louisiana$47,480
    Georgia$47,380
    Kentucky$47,220
    Texas$46,840
    Arizona$46,820
    Indiana$46,610
    South Carolina$46,600
    Vermont$46,570
    Michigan$46,470
    Illinois$46,320
    Missouri$46,300
    Ohio$46,180
    Kansas$46,020
    Montana$45,970
    Mississippi$45,470
    Florida$45,300
    Arkansas$45,100
    Delaware$44,710
    South Dakota$44,510
    West Virginia$43,590
    Nevada$42,470
    Tennessee$37,580

    How to earn more as a Procurement Clerk

    The salary range for Procurement Clerks spans $29,080 — from $36,810 at entry level to $65,890 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is District of Columbia at $63,610 — $15,100 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field.

    Section 03

    How to get there

    Typical education: High school diploma or equivalent
    On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training

    Starting from high school

    1. Complete on-the-job training (moderate-term on-the-job training)
    2. Earn industry-recognized certifications (Microsoft Office Specialist, Certified Administrative Professional)
    3. Complete OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour safety certification ($25–$200)
    4. Gain 1–2 years of supervised work experience
    5. Advance to journeyman level or specialized role

    Most entry-level positions provide on-the-job training. Look for apprenticeship programs through unions, trade associations, or the Department of Labor's ApprenticeshipUSA program. Community colleges and vocational schools offer certificate programs that can be completed in 6–12 months. OSHA safety certifications are widely valued and often required.

    3–12 months to start working, 2–4 years to journey level $0–$5K

    Many employers provide paid training. Union apprenticeships are typically paid from day one. Trade school programs may require tuition.

    Switching from another career

    1. Assess which of your existing skills transfer (many do — see below)
    2. Complete a short certification or orientation program (Microsoft Office Specialist, Certified Administrative Professional)
    3. Apply for entry-level or apprentice positions — highlight transferable skills
    4. Complete any required on-the-job training (often shortened for experienced workers)
    5. Advance faster than new entrants using your professional experience

    Career changers are in demand across this field. Your existing professional skills — problem-solving, communication, time management, and work ethic — are valued by employers even if your technical skills are new. Many organizations offer orientation programs or short certification courses designed specifically for career changers. Contact industry associations, local unions, or community colleges for programs in your area.

    1–6 months to start, faster advancement with prior experience $0–$3K

    Certification costs are typically self-funded, but some employers reimburse. Union programs are paid positions.

    Already working in another career?

    See how your skills transfer to Procurement Clerk — free. PathScorer maps your experience against the requirements and shows you what you already qualify for.

    See how your skills transfer — free
    Free to try No sign-up Based on O*NET data
    Section 06

    AI and automation outlook

    62/100

    The Procurement Clerk role faces above-average AI exposure. Some tasks are increasingly automatable, but the role is evolving rather than disappearing.

    See full AI risk breakdown
    Section 07

    Related careers to consider

    Based on skill overlap analysis — these occupations share core competencies with Procurement Clerk.

    Get your personalized Procurement Clerk transition plan

    Includes step-by-step roadmap, skill gap analysis, financial feasibility, and salary comparison by city. Takes 2 minutes.

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    Step-by-step roadmap Skill gap breakdown Financial feasibility Salary by city
    Section 08

    Frequently asked questions

    SOC: 43-3061.00 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034