How to become office clerks, generaleducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Office & Admin Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$45,010

25th–75th pct. $36,350–$54,300

Top pay (est.)

$84,100

Top 10% $64,680

Pay in 5 years

$48,500est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$52,300est.

$45,000–$60,700

Outlook score

24/100

★☆☆☆☆ Weak

AI replacement risk

83%

Very high

Job growth (10 yr)

−6.0%

249K openings / yr

How to become office clerks, general

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Office Clerks, General

Key skills

Reading Comprehension

3.5

Active Listening

3.5

Writing

3.1

Coordination

3.0

Speaking

3.0

Social Perceptiveness

3.0

Critical Thinking

3.0

Service Orientation

2.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Administrative

5.1

Customer and Personal Service

3.7

English Language

3.3

Computers and Electronics

3.1

Mathematics

2.8

Administration and Management

2.5

Education and Training

2.2

Personnel and Human Resources

2.1

What the work involves

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesGetting InformationProcessing InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgePerforming Administrative ActivitiesCommunicating with People Outside the Organization

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionNear VisionSpeech RecognitionWritten ComprehensionSpeech Clarity

Education of workers

High school diploma

41%

Associate's degree

36%

Some college

15%

Post-secondary certificate

Less than high school

Training before entry

Up to 1 month

43%

None / short demo

25%

3–6 months

15%

1–3 months

1–2 years

6–12 months

2–4 years

Related work experience

1–2 years

30%

3–6 months

23%

2–4 years

20%

6–12 months

11%

None

1–3 months

4–6 years

Up to 1 month

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as office clerks, general

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Customer Service Representatives Interact with customers to provide basic or scripted information in response to routine inquiries about products and services.	$44,770	28/100	77%
2	Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Perform routine administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers.	$47,540	24/100	84%
3	First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.	$69,500	40/100	80%
4	Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures.	$45,930	41/100	76%
5	Receptionists and Information Clerks Answer inquiries and provide information to the general public, customers, visitors, and other interested parties regarding activities conducted at establishment and location of departments, offices, and employees within the organization.	$38,010	29/100	73%
6	Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants Provide high-level administrative support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, and handling information requests, as well as performing routine administrative functions such as preparing correspondence, receiving visitors, arranging conference calls, and scheduling meetings.	$76,590	39/100	85%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.