Office Clerks, General

General office clerks perform diverse administrative duties that cannot be limited to a single specific clerical role. Day-to-day activities revolve around working with computers, performing administrative tasks, documenting information, and getting information. Clerks frequently communicate with supervisors, peers, and people outside the organization, which requires strong skills in active listening, speaking, reading comprehension, and writing. They must also organize, plan, and prioritize their work while maintaining interpersonal relationships.

This role aligns closely with the conventional interest area, which values structured, orderly work. Success in this job requires knowledge of administrative procedures, the English language, customer service, and computers. Clerks also utilize basic mathematics and accounting knowledge for tasks like bookkeeping. Key work styles for this career include dependability, attention to detail, cooperation, and integrity. Clerks must be adaptable and show initiative to handle the varied tasks assigned to them, which can range from answering phones and typing to operating office machines and filing.

To enter this career, candidates typically need a high school diploma. The occupation is classified under O*NET Job Zone 2, meaning it requires some preparation, which usually includes some on-the-job training or previous experience. Students interested in preparing for this field often study business operations support and assistant services in college.

While a college degree is not standard, some professionals choose to earn certifications to boost their credentials, such as the Nationally Certified Medical Office Assistant credential from the National Center for Competency Testing. Additionally, some states list specific licensing requirements for this type of clerical work. This career serves as a common entry point into administrative services, and related occupations include receptionists, file clerks, and administrative services managers.

In 2025, the median annual pay for general office clerks was $45,010. Earnings vary based on experience and location, with the lowest 10% earning less than $30,310 and the highest 10% earning more than $64,680.

There are 2,464,940 people employed in this field. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to decline by -6%. Despite this projected decrease in total jobs, the occupation still offers strong employment prospects, with approximately 249,000 job openings projected each year.