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Courtesy Clerk, Food Store Clerk, Grocery Clerk, Overnight Stocker, Shelf Stocker, Store Clerk, Supermarket Clerk
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Shelf stockers work in a wide variety of retail outlets. Their duties vary somewhat depending on the size and type of store. In general, they:
Those who work in grocery stores also may:
Those who work in other large retail outlets may:
Those who work in smaller stores may:
Hours of work vary in this occupation. Some grocery shelf stockers work in the middle of the night when few or no customers visit the store. Weekend work is common.
Shelf stockers spend most of their time on their feet. They routinely bend and lift heavy items. Working conditions generally are pleasant, although stockrooms may be dusty. Some stores require shelf stockers to wear uniforms or personal safety equipment such as steel-toed shoes.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in comparing to check, count, weigh and sort items received by store; to use optical scanning equipment to record incoming stock, verify pricing and maintain a computerized stock inventory; to price merchandise according to price lists; to fill mail orders from warehouse stock; and to obtain articles for customers from shelves and stockrooms
Interest in serving - assisting by directing customers to the location of articles
Interest in handling merchandise to stock shelves and display areas, and to keep stock clean and in order; may sweep aisles, dust display racks and perform other general cleaning duties; may operate cash register and computer for electronic commerce transactions
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Shelf stockers need:
They should enjoy having clear rules and organized methods for their work. They should be at ease serving and helping customers. They should like handling merchandise.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 101 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Sep 08, 2024 and Jul 11, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Keep stock clean and in order | 91 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Unpack products received by store and count, weigh or sort items | 83 |
| Tasks: Stock shelves and display areas | 79 |
| Tasks: Bag, box or parcel purchases for customers, for shipment or delivery | 71 |
| Tasks: Obtain articles for customers from shelf or stockroom | 64 |
| Tasks: Provide customer service | 64 |
| Tasks: Price items using stamp or stickers according to price list | 57 |
| Tasks: Perform general cleaning duties (i.e. sweeping, mopping floors) | 57 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 56 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 55 |
Shelf stockers train on the job. Employers often hire students for part-time positions. In general, they prefer high school graduates for full-time jobs. Some positions require stockers to have forklift training.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most shelf stockers work in grocery and department stores. Some work in drug stores or hardware stores. Others work in specialty shops such as large bookstores or shoe stores. Employment in some stores may require joining a union.
Students often are hired for part-time evening and weekend positions. They may also work temporary positions during busy periods, such as the Christmas season. Those who do well in this entry-level position may advance to other, more responsible positions.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Store shelf stockers, clerks and order fillers
2016 NOC: 6622
89.6% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Hourly wages for shelf stockers vary a great deal. Pay depends on the employer and the worker’s experience and responsibilities.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $18.00 | $15.45 | $15.00 |
| Overall | $15.30 | $21.21 | $17.93 | $18.00 |
| Top | $16.90 | $26.90 | $21.48 | $21.21 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $27,474 |
|---|---|
| Wholesale Trade | $40,151 |
| Retail Trade | $27,558 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $16,501 |
Retail Council of Canada website: www.retailcouncil.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
