Office Clerks, 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.

Also Known As:

Administrative Clerk (Admin Clerk) Clerical Aide Clerical Assistant Clerk General Clerk Office Assistant Office Clerk Office Services Specialist Office Support Assistant

Wages

Hourly

Annual wages for Office Clerks, General in United States

Job Outlook Bright

New job opportunities are very likely in the future

United States 2034 Projected Employment

2,468,200

-7% Change From 2024

Explore Office Clerks, General video

Tasks you might complete in a day.

Deliver messages and run errands.
Collect, count, and disburse money, do basic bookkeeping, and complete banking transactions.
Collect, count, and disburse money, do basic bookkeeping, and complete banking transactions.
Process and prepare documents, such as business or government forms and expense reports.
Train other staff members to perform work activities, such as using computer applications.
Count, weigh, measure, or organize materials.
Maintain and update filing, inventory, mailing, and database systems, either manually or using a computer.
Operate office machines, such as photocopiers and scanners, facsimile machines, voice mail systems, and personal computers.
Review files, records, and other documents to obtain information to respond to requests.
Answer telephones, direct calls, and take messages.
Compute, record, and proofread data and other information, such as records or reports.
Collect, count, and disburse money, do basic bookkeeping, and complete banking transactions.
Complete and mail bills, contracts, policies, invoices, or checks.
Compile, copy, sort, and file records of office activities, business transactions, and other activities.
Complete work schedules, manage calendars, and arrange appointments.
Complete work schedules, manage calendars, and arrange appointments.
Open, sort, and route incoming mail, answer correspondence, and prepare outgoing mail.
Type, format, proofread, and edit correspondence and other documents, from notes or dictating machines, using computers or typewriters.
Troubleshoot problems involving office equipment, such as computer hardware and software.
Compute, record, and proofread data and other information, such as records or reports.
Communicate with customers, employees, and other individuals to answer questions, disseminate or explain information, take orders, and address complaints.
Open, sort, and route incoming mail, answer correspondence, and prepare outgoing mail.
Inventory and order materials, supplies, and services.
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.
Monitor and direct the work of lower-level clerks.
Prepare meeting agendas, attend meetings, and record and transcribe minutes.
Prepare meeting agendas, attend meetings, and record and transcribe minutes.

Subject areas you may need to master.

Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Foreign Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Philosophy and Theology - Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Therapy and Counseling - Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Food Production - Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Sociology and Anthropology - Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Fine Arts - Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Economics and Accounting - Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Biology - Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Medicine and Dentistry - Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Geography - Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
History and Archeology - Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Administrative - Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Transportation - Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Personnel and Human Resources - Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Building and Construction - Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Strengths you may need in this role.

Management of Financial Resources - Making spending decisions and keeping track of what is spent.
Operations Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.
Systems Analysis - Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it.
Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the right tools.
Management of Material Resources - Managing equipment and materials.
Social Perceptiveness - Understanding people's reactions.
Mathematics - Using math to solve problems.
Judgment and Decision Making - Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one.
Active Learning - Figuring out how to use new ideas or things.
Persuasion - Talking people into changing their minds or their behavior.
Learning Strategies - Using the best training or teaching strategies for learning new things.
Monitoring - Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements.
Technology Design - Making equipment and technology useful for customers.
Speaking - Talking to others.
Science - Using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems.
Equipment Selection - Deciding what kind of tools and equipment are needed to do a job.
Installation - Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs.
Operations Analysis - Figuring out what a product or service needs to be able to do.
Equipment Maintenance - Planning and doing the basic maintenance on equipment.
Time Management - Managing your time and the time of other people.
Operation and Control - Using equipment or systems.
Instructing - Teaching people how to do something.
Service Orientation - Looking for ways to help people.
Quality Control Analysis - Testing how well a product or service works.
Management of Personnel Resources - Selecting and managing the best workers for a job.
Troubleshooting - Figuring out what is causing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs to not work.
Programming - Writing computer programs.
Negotiation - Bringing people together to solve differences.
Critical Thinking - Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
Coordination - Changing what is done based on other people's actions.
Complex Problem Solving - Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
Systems Evaluation - Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it.
Reading Comprehension - Reading work-related information.
Active Listening - Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
Writing - Writing things for co-workers or customers.
Written Expression - Communicating by writing.
Static Strength - Lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying.
Manual Dexterity - Holding or moving items with your hands.
Wrist-Finger Speed - Making fast, simple, repeated movements of your fingers, hands, and wrists.
Visualization - Imagining how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
Multilimb Coordination - Using your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down.
Explosive Strength - Jumping, sprinting, or throwing something.
Arm-Hand Steadiness - Keeping your arm or hand steady.
Reaction Time - Quickly moving your hand, finger, or foot based on a sound, light, picture or other command.
Information Ordering - Ordering or arranging things.
Finger Dexterity - Putting together small parts with your fingers.
Stamina - Exercising for a long time without getting out of breath.
Extent Flexibility - Bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity - Seeing something even if there is a glare or very bright light.
Sound Localization - Noticing the direction that a sound came from.
Gross Body Equilibrium - Keeping your balance or staying upright.
Memorization - Remembering words, numbers, pictures, or steps.
Rate Control - Changing when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving.
Dynamic Flexibility - Quickly and repeatedly bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Category Flexibility - Grouping things in different ways.
Control Precision - Quickly changing the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
Dynamic Strength - Exercising for a long time without your muscles getting tired.
Trunk Strength - Using your lower back and stomach.
Number Facility - Adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing.
Selective Attention - Paying attention to something without being distracted.
Response Orientation - Quickly deciding if you should move your hand, foot, or other body part.
Written Comprehension - Reading and understanding what is written.
Inductive Reasoning - Making general rules or coming up with answers from lots of detailed information.
Flexibility of Closure - Seeing hidden patterns.
Problem Sensitivity - Noticing when problems happen.
Time Sharing - Doing two or more things at the same time.
Fluency of Ideas - Coming up with lots of ideas.
Mathematical Reasoning - Choosing the right type of math to solve a problem.
Oral Expression - Communicating by speaking.
Perceptual Speed - Quickly comparing groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
Visual Color Discrimination - Noticing the difference between colors, including shades and brightness.
Night Vision - Seeing at night or under low light.
Hearing Sensitivity - Telling the difference between sounds.
Auditory Attention - Paying attention to one sound while there are other distracting sounds.
Speech Recognition - Recognizing spoken words.
Gross Body Coordination - Moving your arms, legs, and mid-section together while your whole body is moving.
Speech Clarity - Speaking clearly.
Spatial Orientation - Knowing where things are around you.
Speed of Limb Movement - Quickly moving your arms and legs.
Originality - Creating new and original ideas.
Oral Comprehension - Listening and understanding what people say.
Deductive Reasoning - Using rules to solve problems.
Speed of Closure - Quickly knowing what you are looking at.
Near Vision - Seeing details up close.
Far Vision - Seeing details that are far away.
Peripheral Vision - Seeing something to your side when your are looking ahead.
Depth Perception - Deciding which thing is closer or farther away from you, or deciding how far away it is from you.