Office Clerks, General
O*NET 43-9061.00 · SOC 43-9061
Office Clerk is a risky career choice. Median pay is $45k a year with -6% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 249,000 openings a year. AI exposure: High.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Answer phones and direct calls to the correct staff member.
- →File paper and electronic documents in organized record systems.
- →Type letters, memos, and reports from handwritten drafts.
- →Make photocopies and scan documents for digital storage.
- →Order office supplies when inventory runs low.
Education & How to Get In
Office Clerk roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths — you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Structured — offices, data centers, or remote
Independent — focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Office Clerk involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Office Clerk?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering — personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Office Clerk Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Office Clerks, General is projected to decline 6% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·60% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target
- ·Industry sector with high AI adoption trajectory
- ·Declining employment suggests structural disruption
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Office Clerk make?
The median Office Clerk earns $45k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Office Clerk jobs?
Our model puts Office Clerk at 82 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is high disruption risk. The main drivers: 60% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target; industry sector with high AI adoption trajectory.
Is Office Clerk a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 6% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 249,000 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Office Clerk?
Most Office Clerk roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become an Office Clerk?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Office Clerk career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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