How to Become a Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerk in 2026
Median salary: $57,770 · -1.8% projected decline (2024–2034)
What does a Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerk do?
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 Clerk Salary in 2026
The median annual salary for Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks is $57,770. The bottom 10% earn around $38,570 while the top 10% earn over $84,810.
| Experience level | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (P10) | $38,570 |
| Early career (P25) | $46,600 |
| Median | $57,770 |
| Experienced (P75) | $71,480 |
| Top earners (P90) | $84,810 |
Highest-paying metros
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerk salary by state
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Wyomingtop | $66,580 |
| Washington | $64,710 |
| District of Columbia | $63,740 |
| Colorado | $63,230 |
| Rhode Island | $63,160 |
| Michigan | $62,930 |
| Hawaii | $62,870 |
| Minnesota | $62,240 |
| Delaware | $61,640 |
| Nevada | $61,430 |
| Connecticut | $61,400 |
| California | $61,320 |
| Alaska | $60,900 |
| Illinois | $60,740 |
| New Jersey | $60,490 |
| Virginia | $60,440 |
| Louisiana | $59,950 |
| New Hampshire | $59,800 |
| New York | $59,800 |
| Massachusetts | $58,780 |
| Idaho | $58,240 |
| Oregon | $58,180 |
| North Dakota | $57,800 |
| Indiana | $57,760 |
| Pennsylvania | $57,210 |
| Alabama | $56,980 |
| Iowa | $56,830 |
| Vermont | $56,820 |
| Ohio | $56,660 |
| Maine | $56,550 |
| Arizona | $56,270 |
| Maryland | $55,850 |
| Wisconsin | $55,230 |
| Nebraska | $55,190 |
| Kansas | $54,990 |
| Kentucky | $54,560 |
| West Virginia | $53,680 |
| Georgia | $53,270 |
| South Carolina | $53,230 |
| Utah | $53,110 |
| Arkansas | $52,600 |
| Oklahoma | $52,450 |
| Missouri | $51,090 |
| Texas | $50,980 |
| Florida | $50,130 |
| North Carolina | $49,830 |
| Tennessee | $49,660 |
| South Dakota | $49,060 |
| Mississippi | $48,390 |
| Montana | $48,140 |
| New Mexico | $46,940 |
How to earn more as a Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerk
The salary range for Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks spans $46,240 — from $38,570 at entry level to $84,810 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is Balance of Nevada nonmetropolitan area at $93,880 — $36,110 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field.
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
- Complete on-the-job training (moderate-term on-the-job training)
- Earn industry-recognized certifications (Microsoft Office Specialist, Certified Administrative Professional)
- Complete OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour safety certification ($25–$200)
- Gain 1–2 years of supervised work experience
- 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.
Many employers provide paid training. Union apprenticeships are typically paid from day one. Trade school programs may require tuition.
Switching from another career
- Assess which of your existing skills transfer (many do — see below)
- Complete a short certification or orientation program (Microsoft Office Specialist, Certified Administrative Professional)
- Apply for entry-level or apprentice positions — highlight transferable skills
- Complete any required on-the-job training (often shortened for experienced workers)
- 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.
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 Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerk — free. PathScorer maps your experience against the requirements and shows you what you already qualify for.
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The Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerk role faces above-average AI exposure. Some tasks are increasingly automatable, but the role is evolving rather than disappearing.
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Based on skill overlap analysis — these occupations share core competencies with Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerk.
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SOC: 43-5061.00 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034