Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping
SOC Code: 43-5111.00
Office & Admin SupportWeighers, measurers, checkers, and samplers ensure the accuracy and integrity of materials, products, and shipments flowing through warehouses, manufacturing plants, and distribution centers. These workers are the quality gatekeepers who verify that quantities are correct, weights meet specifications, and products conform to standards before they move on to the next stage of production or delivery. Though the work may seem routine, errors in their records can cascade into significant financial losses or regulatory penalties. The role requires a methodical mindset and strong attention to detail. Modern weighing and measurement technology has automated some aspects of the job while creating new documentation responsibilities.
Salary Overview
Median
$45,650
25th Percentile
$38,650
75th Percentile
$53,060
90th Percentile
$60,120
Salary Distribution
Job Outlook (2024–2034)
Growth Rate
-4.8%
New Openings
5,300
Outlook
Decline
Key Skills
Knowledge Areas
What They Do
- Weigh or measure materials, equipment, or products to maintain relevant records, using volume meters, scales, rules, or calipers.
- Collect or prepare measurement, weight, or identification labels and attach them to products.
- Examine products or materials, parts, subassemblies, and packaging for damage, defects, or shortages, using specification sheets, gauges, and standards charts.
- Signal or instruct other workers to weigh, move, or check products.
- Document quantity, quality, type, weight, test result data, and value of materials or products to maintain shipping, receiving, and production records and files.
- Maintain, monitor, and clean work areas, such as recycling collection sites, drop boxes, counters and windows, and areas around scale houses.
- Collect product samples and prepare them for laboratory analysis or testing.
- Inspect products and examination records to determine the number of defects per worker and the reasons for examiners' rejections.
Tools & Technology
★ = Hot Technology (in-demand)
Education Requirements
Typical entry-level education: High School Diploma
Related Careers
Top Career Pivot Targets
View all 3 →Careers with the highest skill compatibility from Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping.
A Day in the Life
A shift typically begins with calibrating scales, checking measurement equipment, and reviewing the day's incoming or outgoing shipments. Workers weigh and measure goods at receiving docks, production lines, or shipping areas, comparing results to purchase orders, production specs, or inventory records. Discrepancies must be documented, flagged, and reported to supervisors promptly. Sample collection is part of many roles—drawing product samples for quality control testing and logging chain-of-custody records. Data entry into inventory management systems, barcode scanning, and maintaining organized logs are constant activities throughout the shift.
Work Environment
Work environments vary widely depending on industry—from climate-controlled warehouses and manufacturing floors to outdoor shipping yards and grain elevators. The job is active, involving frequent walking, lifting items of various weights, and operating handheld or platform scales throughout the shift. Noise levels in manufacturing and distribution settings can be high, and personal protective equipment like steel-toed boots, gloves, and hearing protection may be required. The work follows structured shift schedules, with many facilities operating around the clock. Some seasonality exists in agricultural settings, while manufacturing and logistics roles tend to be year-round.
Career Path & Advancement
This is largely an entry-level occupation with minimal formal education requirements beyond a high school diploma. New hires learn on the job, starting with basic weighing and recording tasks before taking on more complex sampling or inspection duties. Workers who demonstrate reliability, accuracy, and attention to detail may advance to lead or supervisory roles overseeing a team of checkers. Others leverage experience to transition into quality control technician roles, inventory management, or materials handling supervision. Pursuing associate degrees in supply chain management, quality assurance, or industrial technology can accelerate advancement into higher-paying roles.
Specializations
Shipping and receiving focused workers specialize in verifying the accuracy of inbound and outbound freight, reconciling packing slips with purchase orders and flagging shortages or overages. Quality sampling specialists work closely with laboratory or quality assurance teams, collecting representative samples from production batches and maintaining detailed chain-of-custody records. Food and pharmaceutical weighers work under strict regulatory frameworks such as FDA or USDA oversight, requiring meticulous documentation and adherence to safety protocols. Bulk commodity samplers work in grain elevators, mines, or ports, collecting and testing samples from large quantities of raw materials to verify composition and grade.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- ✓Low formal education barrier makes this accessible to a wide range of job seekers
- ✓Stable employment in sectors like food processing, manufacturing, and logistics
- ✓Consistent shift schedules provide predictable work hours
- ✓On-the-job training is standard, eliminating large upfront education costs
- ✓Physical activity built into the role promotes movement throughout the workday
- ✓Foundational experience in supply chain and quality assurance opens doors to advancement
- ✓Demand is distributed across many industries, providing geographic flexibility
Challenges
- ✗Wages are below median income, with limited earning growth in entry-level roles
- ✗Repetitive, routine work may feel monotonous over time
- ✗Automation is gradually reducing demand for purely manual weighing tasks
- ✗Physical demands including standing, lifting, and repetitive motion can cause strain
- ✗Errors in records create direct accountability and can lead to disciplinary action
- ✗Work environments can be noisy, dusty, or exposed to temperature extremes
- ✗Limited career ceiling without additional education or certification investment
Industry Insight
Automation and improved sensor technology are gradually reducing demand for manual weighing and measurement tasks in highly automated facilities, but human workers remain essential for sampling, exception handling, and documentation in most industries. E-commerce growth has expanded demand for workers in distribution and fulfillment centers. Food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries maintain strong demand due to regulatory requirements for human oversight and documentation. Wages have been pressured upward by labor shortages in logistics and manufacturing. Workers who develop proficiency with warehouse management software and ERP systems are better positioned for long-term employment.
How to Break Into This Career
A high school diploma or equivalent is the standard minimum requirement, and many employers provide all necessary on-the-job training. Familiarity with basic mathematics, attention to detail, and comfort with data entry applications are the key competencies employers seek. Job seekers can find openings at warehouses, distribution centers, food processing plants, and manufacturing companies. Temporary staffing agencies are a common entry point that can lead to permanent positions. Demonstrating reliability, punctuality, and accuracy in early assignments is the fastest path to advancement or full-time employment offers.
Career Pivot Tips
Forklift operators and general warehouse workers transition easily into this role by building on their familiarity with the physical environment and logistics workflows. Retail stock clerks have relevant experience with counting, organizing, and tracking inventory. Data entry and administrative workers bring the documentation and software skills necessary for recording roles. The role itself is an effective entry point for people new to manufacturing or logistics who want to develop broader industry knowledge before pursuing higher-level positions. Basic math proficiency and organized work habits are the primary transferable skills for anyone pivoting into this field.
Explore Career Pivots
See how Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping compares to other careers and find your best pivot opportunities.
Find Pivots from Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping