How to become an office clerk, general

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, office machine operation, and filing.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

What office clerks, general do

• Operate office machines, such as photocopiers and scanners, facsimile machines, voice mail systems, and personal computers.
• Compile, copy, sort, and file records of office activities, business transactions, and other activities.
• Communicate with customers, employees, and other individuals to answer questions, disseminate or explain information, take orders, and address complaints.
• Maintain and update filing, inventory, mailing, and database systems, either manually or using a computer.
• Open, sort, and route incoming mail, answer correspondence, and prepare outgoing mail.
• Complete work schedules, manage calendars, and arrange appointments.

Skills that matter most

• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Writing
• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring
• Active Learning
• Mathematics

Is office clerk, general a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 12% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• District of Columbia $55,040
• Colorado $53,550
• Alaska $51,890
• Washington $50,500
• North Dakota $50,160

Office Clerks, General salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.