Stocker Salary in the USA

A stocker in the USA usually makes around $17 to $20 per hour, but the actual stocker salary can be lower or higher depending on the store, warehouse, state, shift, experience and type of stocking work. Many people search for stocker salary, stocker pay, stocker hourly pay, stock clerk salary and how much does a stocker make because this job is common in grocery stores, retail stores, supermarkets, warehouses and large distribution businesses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the official occupation called Stockers and Order Fillers had about 2.83 million jobs in 2025, with a mean annual wage of about $39,540. The median hourly wage was $17.95. Some stockers also get extra pay for overnight shifts, weekends, overtime or working in warehouse type jobs. So a stocker salary is not one fixed number and can change a lot by location and employer.

Stocker Salary in the USA

A stocker is a worker who helps keep products, materials and merchandise in the right place so customers or other workers can find them. In a retail store, a stocker may bring boxes from the back room and put products on shelves. In a warehouse, the work can be more physical and may include moving products, filling orders and using equipment. Some stockers work during normal daytime hours, while many stores also have overnight stocker jobs because shelves can be filled when fewer customers are inside the store.

The average stocker salary in the USA can be around $39,540 a year based on the latest national BLS mean wage data for Stockers and Order Fillers. The hourly pay can be around $18 per hour at the national level. But this does not mean every stocker gets the same pay. A new worker may start near the lower end, while an experienced worker in a warehouse, distribution center or higher-paying location may earn more.

The older detailed BLS wage distribution also shows how wide the pay range can be. In May 2023, the 10th percentile wage was $14.02 per hour, the median was $17.50 per hour and the 90th percentile was $23.50 per hour. This means some workers were earning close to the lower end while other stockers and order fillers were earning well above $20 per hour.

How Much Does a Stocker Make Per Hour?

A common question is how much does a stocker make per hour. In the USA, stocker hourly pay can often be around $15 to $20 for many regular retail jobs, while some warehouse and experienced positions can go above $20. The employer and location make a big difference. A grocery store stocker, overnight stocker and warehouse stocker can all have different pay even when the basic work looks similar.

For a full-time worker, an hourly rate of $18 can equal about $37,440 a year before taxes when working 40 hours every week. A worker making $20 per hour would have about $41,600 in gross yearly pay on the same full-time schedule. Actual yearly income can be different because some stockers work part time, get overtime, work different hours or receive additional shift pay.

• $15 per hour is about $31,200 per year at 40 hours a week.
• $17 per hour is about $35,360 per year at 40 hours a week.
• $18 per hour is about $37,440 per year at 40 hours a week.
• $20 per hour is about $41,600 per year at 40 hours a week.
• $22 per hour is about $45,760 per year at 40 hours a week.
• $25 per hour is about $52,000 per year at 40 hours a week.

Stocker Salary by State

Stocker salary by state can be quite different across the USA. States with higher living costs or large warehouse and distribution industries can have higher wages, but this is not always the case. The BLS state data is for the broader occupation Stockers and Order Fillers, which is the closest official occupation for a typical stocker job.

The BLS May 2023 figures show that California had one of the largest stocker workforces and an average wage of $20.52 per hour. Texas had about 280,920 workers with a mean wage of $17.88 per hour. Florida had about 217,000 workers with a mean wage of $17.27 per hour. New York was at $19.44 per hour and Illinois at $18.40 per hour. Washington was also one of the higher wage states in the published state data, at $21.00 per hour.

Stocker Salary in California

California has a very large number of stockers and order fillers, with about 290,400 workers in the May 2023 BLS data. The mean stocker pay was $20.52 per hour, which works out to around $42,680 per year on a full-time year-round calculation. Retail stores are not the only place for this type of work in California. Warehouses, distribution centers and other businesses also hire people for stocking and order filling jobs.

Because California has many different types of employers, a stocker salary can be different from one city to another. A warehouse stocker in a large distribution area may have different pay from a small retail store stocker. Night shift and overtime can also change the actual paycheck.

Stocker Salary in Texas

Texas is another very large state for stocker jobs. The BLS reported around 280,920 Stockers and Order Fillers in Texas in May 2023. The mean hourly wage was $17.88 and the mean annual wage was $37,190. Texas has many retail stores, warehouses and distribution operations, so stocker work can be found in different types of businesses.

For someone searching for stocker salary in Texas, the hourly number is useful but it should not be treated as the exact starting pay for every employer. Some jobs may start lower and some warehouse or experienced positions can pay more. Working overnight or taking overtime can also increase total income.

Stocker Salary in Florida

Florida had about 217,000 Stockers and Order Fillers in the May 2023 data. The mean wage was $17.27 per hour and the mean annual wage was $35,930. Grocery stores, retail businesses and warehouses can all employ stockers in the state.

A Florida stocker salary can therefore be different depending on whether the job is a normal store stocking position, overnight stocking position or a warehouse order filling job. Part-time workers will also have a lower yearly income than a full-time worker even when their hourly pay is the same.

Stocker Salary in New York

New York had about 137,380 Stockers and Order Fillers in May 2023. The mean hourly wage was $19.44 and the mean annual wage was $40,430. The state has a large retail and distribution market, which gives stockers different types of work opportunities.

The actual stocker pay in New York can change by city, employer and shift. A person working full time in a warehouse or distribution operation may have a different wage package than someone working as a store stocker. This is why looking at the employer and job description is important when comparing stocker jobs.

Stocker Salary in Illinois

Illinois had about 136,940 Stockers and Order Fillers in May 2023. The mean stocker wage was $18.40 per hour, with a mean annual wage of $38,270. Illinois has a large amount of retail, warehouse and distribution activity, especially around major population and transportation areas.

For an Illinois stocker, the work can include unloading products, moving boxes, filling shelves, checking product locations and keeping the stock area organized. Some jobs are more customer-facing while others are almost completely inside a stockroom or warehouse.

What Does a Stocker Do?

The basic job of a stocker is keeping products and materials available and organized. The exact duties depend on the workplace. A grocery store stocker may spend most of the shift putting food and household products on shelves. A warehouse stocker may spend more time moving boxes, locating products and preparing customer orders.

• Receive and move merchandise from a back room or storage area.
• Put products on shelves, racks, displays or storage locations.
• Check product quantities and look for missing items.
• Move boxes and other materials around the workplace.
• Keep shelves and stock areas organized.
• Help prepare customer orders in some workplaces.
• Check prices, labels or product locations when required.
• Build or arrange product displays in some retail stores.
• Follow store or warehouse safety rules.
• Use carts, pallet jacks or other equipment when the job requires it.

Overnight Stocker Salary

An overnight stocker works during night hours, normally when a retail store has fewer customers or is closed. Many stores use overnight workers to refill shelves and prepare the sales floor for the next day. Overnight stocker salary can be higher than a normal day shift in some companies because of night shift differential or other employer policies, but extra pay is not automatic for every job.

Overnight work can also mean different working conditions. The store can be quieter, but the worker may need to move products quickly and spend many hours standing, walking, bending and lifting. People searching for overnight stocker salary should check the job posting to see whether the advertised hourly rate already includes any night premium.

Stocker Salary in More States

Stocker salary is not same in every state. The local labor market, minimum wage, cost of living, retail business, warehouse activity and employer can all change the hourly pay. The official BLS occupation Stockers and Order Fillers covers workers who receive, store and issue merchandise or materials for shelves, racks, tables or customer orders. Because of that, the numbers can include both traditional store stockers and some order filling type work.

These state examples show why a person should not look at only one national stocker salary number. The latest national BLS mean for Stockers and Order Fillers is $19.01 per hour, while the actual wage in a particular state and job can be below or above that number. BLS also reports that wages can differ by work arrangement and local labor market.

Grocery Store Stocker Salary

A grocery store stocker works with food, drinks, household products and other merchandise sold inside a supermarket or grocery store. Grocery stocker salary is often based on an hourly rate rather than a fixed yearly salary. The work can include unloading products, bringing cases from the back room, filling shelves and checking that products are placed in the correct location.

In food and beverage stores, BLS reported a 2025 median hourly wage of about $17.25 for stock clerks and order fillers and a mean annual wage around $36,290. This industry figure is useful for understanding grocery type stocking work, although it is not exactly the same as the national figure for all Stockers and Order Fillers.

• Put grocery products on shelves and displays.
• Move cases and boxes from storage areas.
• Check product labels and shelf locations.
• Rotate some products according to store rules.
• Keep shelves looking full and organized.
• Help customers find products when required.
• Clean and organize the stockroom or work area.

Warehouse Stocker Salary

Warehouse stocker salary can be different from regular retail stocker pay because warehouse work can involve more physical material handling, order picking and movement of large quantities of products. Some warehouse jobs also require workers to use pallet jacks, carts or powered equipment after proper training.

BLS industry data for warehousing and storage shows 2025 median pay of $21.49 per hour and mean annual pay of $45,950 for stock clerks and order fillers in that industry. This is an industry-specific figure and should not be treated as the salary of every warehouse stocker in the country.

A warehouse stocker may earn more than a small retail stocker in some locations, especially when the position involves order fulfillment, productivity targets, equipment operation, overnight work or overtime. But the actual offer still depends on the company and local labor market.

Retail Stocker Salary

Retail stocker salary normally depends on the type of store and the size of the employer. A small local store may have a different hourly rate than a large national retailer. Retail stockers usually spend much of the workday moving products, filling shelves and keeping merchandise areas organized.

Some retail stocker jobs are part time, especially in stores that need workers for specific shifts. Because of this, the yearly income can look lower even when the hourly wage is reasonable. A full-time stocker working 40 hours every week has a much higher annual gross income than a part-time stocker working 20 to 25 hours.

• Retail stores and department stores.
• Supermarkets and grocery stores.
• Home improvement stores.
• Clothing and footwear stores.
• Warehouse-style retail stores.
• Sporting goods and specialty stores.

Overnight Stocker Pay

Overnight stocker pay is usually hourly and can sometimes include an additional night shift premium. Not every employer gives extra money for overnight work, so workers should check the exact job offer instead of assuming that night work always pays more.

Overnight stockers may unload deliveries, move cases, refill shelves and prepare the store before it opens. Since there are fewer customers during late night hours, some stores schedule large stocking tasks at this time. The job can be physically demanding because workers may spend several hours walking, standing, lifting and bending.

Entry Level Stocker Salary

An entry level stocker usually does not need many years of previous experience. Many employers train new workers on their store systems, product locations, safety rules and stocking procedures. Entry level stocker salary can therefore be close to the lower part of the local wage range.

BLS modeled wage data provides another useful look at entry and experienced pay. In 2023, the average hourly wage for stockers and order fillers was $16.33 for entry-level workers nationally and $19.99 for experienced workers. In California the figures were $19.10 and $21.50, while in Texas they were $16.37 and $19.60.

This shows that experience can make a difference, but location also matters. A new stocker in a high-wage labor market can earn more than an experienced worker in a lower-wage market.

Stocker Salary With Experience

Experience can help a stocker move into jobs with more responsibility. A worker who already knows inventory procedures, warehouse systems, product handling and safety rules may qualify for positions with higher pay than a brand new employee.

Experienced stockers may also move toward lead stocker, inventory, order fulfillment or warehouse positions. The pay increase is not automatic, but having experience with the actual work can make it easier to qualify for these jobs.

• New stocker: Usually starts near the local entry wage.
• Experienced stocker: Can earn more after learning the store or warehouse operation.
• Lead stocker: May have extra responsibilities for a team or stocking area.
• Order filler: May focus more on preparing products for customer orders.
• Warehouse worker: May handle larger quantities and additional equipment.
• Inventory worker: May spend more time checking product quantities and records.

Stocker Pay Per Year

Stocker pay per year depends heavily on hours worked. The latest BLS mean annual wage for Stockers and Order Fillers was $39,540 in May 2025. The corresponding mean hourly wage was $19.01. BLS calculates annual wages using a full-time, year-round 2,080-hour schedule for occupations where that method applies.

These yearly numbers are simple full-time calculations before taxes and deductions. A real stocker's annual income can be different because many retail stockers do not work 40 hours every week. Overtime, bonuses, shift differential and seasonal hours can also change the final amount.

Stocker Salary and Overtime Pay

Some stockers can increase their total income by working overtime when their employer offers extra hours. Overtime rules depend on the worker's classification and applicable federal and state law. For an hourly worker who qualifies for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act, covered nonexempt employees generally receive overtime pay at not less than one and one-half times their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.

For example, if a qualifying stocker normally earns $18 per hour, the federal overtime rate would generally be $27 per hour for qualifying overtime hours. But the actual overtime calculation can depend on the employee's situation and state law, so workers should check their employer's policy and applicable law.

Stocker Benefits and Perks

Stocker jobs can come with different benefits depending on whether the worker is full time, part time or temporary and depending on the employer. Hourly wage is only one part of the total compensation package. A full-time stocker at a large company may receive benefits that are not available to a temporary or part-time worker.

• Health insurance for eligible employees.
• Dental and vision insurance at some employers.
• Paid vacation or paid time off.
• Paid holidays depending on company policy.
• Retirement or 401(k) plans.
• Employee store discounts in some retail companies.
• Overtime opportunities.
• Night shift or other shift differential at some employers.
• Employee assistance or wellness programs at some companies.
• Training for warehouse equipment or internal job positions.

Stocker Job Requirements

Most stocker jobs are entry-level type work, but employers can still have different requirements. A person normally needs to be able to stand and walk for long periods, move merchandise safely and follow workplace instructions. Some warehouse jobs can have additional requirements because of heavier products or equipment.

• Ability to lift and move merchandise safely.
• Ability to stand and walk for long periods.
• Basic reading and counting skills.
• Ability to follow safety instructions.
• Ability to work independently or with a team.
• Ability to work early morning, evening or overnight shifts when required.
• Good organization and attention to product locations.
• Additional equipment training for some warehouse positions.

Is Stocker a Full-Time Job?

Stocker can be either a full-time or part-time job. Large stores often have different shifts because products need to be stocked throughout the day and night. Some workers choose part-time stocking because it gives them a flexible schedule, while others work full time and use overtime to increase their income.

Warehouse stocker and order fulfillment positions may have more regular full-time schedules than some retail positions, but this depends on the employer. Seasonal hiring can also create temporary stocker positions during busy shopping periods.

Stocker Salary vs Warehouse Worker Salary

Stocker and warehouse worker are sometimes used as if they are the same job, but the actual duties can be different. A store stocker may mainly refill shelves and organize merchandise. A warehouse worker can be involved in receiving shipments, picking orders, loading products, inventory and material movement.

The BLS occupation Stockers and Order Fillers is specifically defined around receiving, storing and issuing merchandise or materials for shelves, racks, tables and customer orders. That makes it a useful official category for researching stocker salary, but individual job titles used by employers can vary.

Stocker Salary Factors

There is no single stocker pay rate that applies to every worker in the USA. The final hourly wage can depend on several things. Two people with the same job title may receive different offers because they work for different companies or in different cities.

• Location: Pay can change from state to state and city to city.
• Employer: Large retailers and warehouse companies can have different wage structures.
• Experience: Workers with useful experience may qualify for higher-paying positions.
• Shift: Overnight and less popular shifts can sometimes include additional pay.
• Hours: Full-time and part-time schedules create very different yearly income.
• Industry: Grocery, retail and warehousing can have different wage levels.
• Job duties: Equipment operation and order fulfillment can affect the wage.
• Overtime: Extra qualifying hours can increase gross annual income.