Office Clerk

Career Guide

Office Clerks support the daily operations of an organization by handling administrative tasks such as filing, data entry, scheduling, and basic customer service. The role is often the backbone of an office, helping teams stay organized and ensuring information is accurate and easy to find.

Key Responsibilities

Answer phone calls and route messages
Greet visitors and provide basic assistance
Schedule appointments and manage calendars
Prepare and format documents
File and retrieve paper records
Maintain digital records and folders
Enter data into spreadsheets or internal systems
Sort and distribute mail and packages
Order office supplies and track inventory
Support meetings with notes and logistics
Process basic invoices and receipts
Coordinate with other departments on requests

Top Skills for Success

Organization

Written Communication

Verbal Communication

Time Management

Attention to Detail

Customer Service

Problem Solving

Data Entry

Record Keeping

Document Formatting

Email Management

Spreadsheet Skills

Calendar Management

Office Equipment Use

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Administrative Assistant

Receptionist

Data Entry Specialist

Records Clerk

Customer Service Representative

Transition Opportunities

Executive Assistant

Office Manager

HR Coordinator

Accounting Assistant

Operations Coordinator

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Spreadsheet SkillsDocument FormattingRecords ManagementBasic BookkeepingBusiness WritingCalendar Management

Development SuggestionsBuild confidence with spreadsheets, improve document quality, and practice clear email writing. Ask to take ownership of one office process such as supplies tracking or record cleanup to show initiative and strengthen your resume.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 28,000 to 36,000

Mid LevelUSD 35,000 to 45,000

Senior LevelUSD 44,000 to 55,000

Growth Trend

Stable demand overall, with steady hiring in healthcare, education, government, and professional services. Some tasks are being automated, but employers continue to hire for roles that combine organization, communication, and reliable follow-through.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

State and local government officesHospitals and clinicsPublic school districtsUniversities and collegesBanks and credit unionsInsurance providersLogistics companiesLegal officesProperty management companiesStaffing agencies

Industry Sectors

HealthcareEducationGovernmentFinancial ServicesProfessional ServicesLogisticsReal EstateRetail

Recommended Next Steps

Create a resume that highlights accuracy, volume of work handled, and reliability

Improve spreadsheet skills with common functions and clean formatting

Practice consistent file naming and folder organization for digital records

Develop professional email templates for common requests

Learn basic invoice handling and receipt tracking if relevant to your workplace

Ask for cross training in scheduling, meeting support, or records maintenance

Apply for Administrative Assistant roles after 6 to 18 months of steady performance