Life As an Office Clerk
Office Clerk Definition Perform duties too varied and diverse to be classified in any specific office clerical occupation, requiring knowledge of office systems and procedures. Clerical duties may be assigned in accordance with the office procedures of individual establishments and may include a combination of answering telephones, bookkeeping, typing or word processing, stenography, office machine operation, and filing.
What Do Office Clerks Do On a Daily Basis?
- Open, sort, and route incoming mail, answer correspondence, and prepare outgoing mail.
- Collect, count, and disburse money, do basic bookkeeping, and complete banking transactions.
- Type, format, proofread, and edit correspondence and other documents, from notes or dictating machines, using computers or typewriters.
- Train other staff members to perform work activities, such as using computer applications.
- Operate office machines, such as photocopiers and scanners, facsimile machines, voice mail systems, and personal computers.
- Inventory and order materials, supplies, and services.
Featured schools near , edit
What Every Office Clerk Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Office Clerks say are important on the job.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Other Office Clerk Job Titles
- Office Employee
- Floor Space Allocator
- Property Coordinator
- Broadcast Checker
- Field Representative
Job Demand for Office Clerks
There were about 3,117,700 jobs for Office Clerk in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Office Clerk. The BLS estimates 356,200 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Office Clerk are Utah, Colorado, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Vermont, or Mississippi. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does an Office Clerk Make?
The average yearly salary of an Office Clerk ranges between $20,470 and $53,510.

Office Clerks who work in Alaska, District of Columbia, or Colorado, make the highest salaries.
How much do Office Clerks make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $25,800 |
Alaska | $46,250 |
Arizona | $37,730 |
Arkansas | $30,020 |
California | $38,060 |
Colorado | $40,840 |
Connecticut | $38,340 |
Delaware | $30,370 |
District of Columbia | $45,140 |
Florida | $32,920 |
Georgia | $30,590 |
Hawaii | $34,050 |
Idaho | $31,520 |
Illinois | $37,220 |
Indiana | $33,510 |
Iowa | $35,130 |
Kansas | $29,360 |
Kentucky | $29,520 |
Louisiana | $25,460 |
Maine | $34,340 |
Maryland | $35,350 |
Massachusetts | $40,190 |
Michigan | $35,410 |
Minnesota | $37,820 |
Mississippi | $28,290 |
Missouri | $32,600 |
Montana | $33,350 |
Nebraska | $30,880 |
Nevada | $36,690 |
New Hampshire | $40,040 |
New Jersey | $35,450 |
New Mexico | $25,460 |
New York | $35,410 |
North Carolina | $32,270 |
North Dakota | $39,950 |
Ohio | $35,060 |
Oklahoma | $28,510 |
Oregon | $36,700 |
Pennsylvania | $35,460 |
Rhode Island | $37,930 |
South Carolina | $27,810 |
South Dakota | $26,210 |
Tennessee | $34,140 |
Texas | $36,210 |
Utah | $32,950 |
Vermont | $34,900 |
Virginia | $34,940 |
Washington | $40,260 |
West Virginia | $28,950 |
Wisconsin | $35,410 |
Wyoming | $36,930 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Office Clerks
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Office Clerks may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Word processing software
- SAP
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Project
- Spreadsheet software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Dynamics
- IBM Notes
- Microsoft Publisher
- Google Docs
Becoming an Office Clerk
Learn what Office Clerk education requirements there are.

How many years of work experience do I need?

Office Clerks Sector

The table below shows the approximate number of Office Clerks employed by various industries.

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those interested in being an Office Clerk may also be interested in:
Career changers with experience as an Office Clerk sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Jace Armstrong via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs.
Visit School