Nature of the Work	[topics]

Weighers, measurers, checkers, and samplers weigh, measure, and check materials, supplies, and equipment in order to keep relevant records. Most of their duties are clerical. Using either manual or automated data processing systems, they verify the quantity, quality, and overall value of the items within their purview and check the condition of items purchased, sold, or produced against records, bills, invoices, or receipts. They check the items to ensure the accuracy of the recorded data. They prepare reports on warehouse inventory levels and on uses of parts. Weighers, measurers, checkers, and samplers also check for any defects in the items and record the severity of the defects they find.

These workers use weight scales, counting devices, tally sheets, and calculators to record information about the products. They usually move objects to and from the scales with a handtruck or forklift. They issue receipts for the products when needed or requested.

Employment	[topics]

Weighers, measurers, checkers, and samplers held about 81,000 jobs in 2002. Their employment is spread across many industries. Retail trade accounted for 18 percent of those jobs, manufacturing accounted for about 29 percent, and wholesale trade employed another 13 percent.

Job Outlook	[topics]

Employment of weighers, measurers, checkers, and samplers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2012. The desire for accurate measurements and high-quality materials, as well as the use of records for verifying information, is increasing the need for weighers, measurers, checkers, and samplers. Furthermore, automation should not have a significant effect on employment in this occupation, because most of its duties need to be performed manually. In addition to job openings resulting from job growth, openings should arise from the need to replace workers who leave the labor force or transfer to other occupations.

Related Occupations	[topics]

Other workers who determine and document characteristics of materials or equipment include cargo and freight agents; production, planning, and expediting clerks; shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks; stock clerks and order fillers; and procurement clerks.

Sources of Additional Information	[topics]

Information about job opportunities may be obtained from local employers and local offices of the State employment service.

(See the introduction to the section on material-recording, -scheduling, -dispatching, and -distributing occupations for information on working conditions, training requirements, and earnings.)

OOH ONET Codes	[topics]

43-5111.00