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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:
| Starting | $15.11 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $17.77 |
| Top | $21.73 |
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
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 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.
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 there are few or no customers in 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.
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.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 29 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 20, 2020 and Aug 03, 2021.
Review these skills to learn:
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 27 |
|---|---|
| Personal Suitability: Reliability | 27 |
| Unpack products received by store and count, weigh or sort items | 26 |
| Personal Suitability: Organized | 25 |
| Order picking | 23 |
| Perform general cleaning duties (i.e. sweeping, mopping floors) | 22 |
| Personal Suitability: Flexibility | 22 |
| Stock shelves and display areas | 21 |
| Bag, box or parcel purchases for customers, for shipment or delivery | 20 |
| Keep stock clean and in order | 19 |
Shelf stockers are trained on the job. Employers often hire students for part-time positions. In general, they prefer high school graduates for full-time jobs. Some positions may require the stocker to have forklift training.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
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 or for 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.
Retail shelf stockers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 6622: Grocery clerks and store shelf stockers. In Alberta, 89% of people employed in this classification work in the Retail Trade (pdf) industry.
The employment outlook (pdf) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, the 6622: Store shelf stockers, clerks and order fillers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.5% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 330 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Hourly wages for shelf stockers vary a great deal. Pay depends on the employer and the worker’s experience and responsibilities.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $15.20 | $15.11 | $15.00 |
| Overall | $15.00 | $20.73 | $17.77 | $17.80 |
| Top | $15.00 | $25.75 | $21.73 | $20.97 |
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.
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.
| Wholesale Trade | $36,626 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $24,271 |
| Retail Trade | $23,758 |
Retail Council of Canada website: www.retailcouncil.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. 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.