Business & Office Careers: Pay, Training & Outlook

Business and office careers are found in every industry, from hospitals and construction firms to software companies and government agencies. That flexibility makes them a strong choice if you are not yet sure which industry you want to work in.

Entry points range from customer service and administrative roles that require a high school diploma to accounting and project management roles that usually need a bachelor’s degree or professional certification. Strong software skills and clear communication raise pay at every level.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

70 business and office careers

Accountant

Prepare and examine financial records, taxes and reports that guide business decisions.

$83,680/yr median
+5.0% growth
4+ years

Actuary

Use math and statistics to measure risk and price insurance.

$130,000/yr median
+9.2% growth
Several years of exams while working

Administrative Assistant

Keep offices organized: calendars, communication, documents and logistics.

$47,540/yr median
-6.0% growth
Weeks to months

Administrative Services Manager

Run the support services that keep an office working.

$114,130/yr median
+5.2% growth
Several years of experience

Auto Damage Appraiser

Inspect damaged vehicles and estimate repair costs for insurance claims.

$78,240/yr median
-8.7% growth
Training program plus months on the job

Bank Teller

Help bank customers with deposits, withdrawals and everyday banking.

$43,030/yr median
-13.2% growth
A few weeks on the job

Billing Clerk

Prepare invoices, post payments and keep customer accounts accurate.

$48,500/yr median
-0.1% growth
A few months on the job

Bookkeeper

Record transactions, reconcile accounts and keep a business’s books accurate.

$50,670/yr median
-5.6% growth
3–12 months

Brokerage Clerk

Process trades and keep records for investment firms.

$65,750/yr median
-7.6% growth
A few months on the job

Budget Analyst

Help organizations plan spending and stick to their budgets.

$91,640/yr median
+1.9% growth
Entry-level with a degree

Chief Executive

Set the direction for an entire organization and answer for its results.

$213,990/yr median
+3.2% growth
15+ years of experience

Claims Adjuster

Investigate insurance claims and decide how much should be paid.

$78,000/yr median
-5.5% growth
3–12 months

Compensation and Benefits Manager

Design how an organization pays its people and what benefits they get.

$149,230/yr median
+1.1% growth
5+ years of experience

Compensation and Benefits Specialist

Analyze pay and run benefits programs so employees are paid fairly.

$78,210/yr median
+6.0% growth
Some HR experience

Compliance Officer

Make sure an organization follows the laws and rules that apply to it.

$80,730/yr median
+3.8% growth
Moderate on-the-job training

Correspondence Clerk

Answer customer letters and emails about accounts, claims and complaints.

$46,800/yr median
-5.6% growth
A few weeks on the job

Credit Analyst

Decide whether borrowers can repay by studying their finances.

$83,510/yr median
-4.3% growth
Bank credit training programs

Credit Authorizer

Check credit applications and approve or flag purchases on credit.

$50,080/yr median
-7.4% growth
A few months on the job

Credit Counselor

Help people get out of debt and manage their money.

$52,230/yr median
+3.3% growth
Moderate on-the-job training

Customer Service Representative

Help customers solve problems by phone, chat and email, and keep them coming back.

$44,770/yr median
-5.3% growth
2–6 weeks (paid training)

Data Entry Clerk

Type information into computer systems quickly and accurately.

$41,340/yr median
-25.5% growth
A few weeks on the job

Debt Collector

Contact people and businesses about overdue bills and arrange payment.

$47,030/yr median
-10.4% growth
Several weeks to months on the job

Economist

Study how money, resources and decisions shape the economy.

$124,720/yr median
+4.7% growth
2–6 years after a bachelor’s

Executive Assistant

Keep senior leaders organized, prepared and focused on what matters most.

$76,590/yr median
0.0% growth
2–5 years of administrative experience

Facilities Manager

Keep buildings safe, working and efficient.

$106,660/yr median
+4.6% growth
Several years of experience

File Clerk

Organize, store and retrieve records so people can find them fast.

$43,600/yr median
-15.8% growth
A few weeks on the job

Financial Advisor

Help people plan for retirement, college and other financial goals.

$105,070/yr median
+1.4% growth
Long-term on-the-job training

Financial Analyst

Analyze financial data to guide business and investment decisions.

$102,740/yr median
+7.2% growth
4 years

Financial Examiner

Check that banks and financial firms are sound and follow the rules.

$94,160/yr median
+9.3% growth
Several years of exam training

Financial Manager

Guide an organization’s money, reports and financial plans.

$166,570/yr median
+9.7% growth
5+ years of experience

Financial Risk Specialist

Measure and manage the risks that could cost an organization money.

$117,330/yr median
+7.4% growth
Entry-level with strong quantitative skills

General and Operations Manager

Keep a business running day to day, from staff and budgets to results.

$105,770/yr median
+5.0% growth
5+ years of experience

HR Assistant

Support HR with hiring paperwork, records and employee questions.

$50,610/yr median
-6.2% growth
Short on-the-job training

Human Resources Manager

Lead hiring, employee relations and people programs for an organization.

$149,280/yr median
+5.5% growth
5+ years of HR experience

Human Resources Specialist

Recruit, hire, onboard and support employees while keeping the company compliant.

$75,940/yr median
+6.4% growth
1–4 years

Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

Use psychology to improve hiring, teamwork and workplaces.

$193,950/yr median
+6.5% growth
2–6 years after a bachelor’s

Insurance Claims Clerk

Process insurance claims and policy changes so customers get paid and covered.

$49,230/yr median
-1.9% growth
A few months on the job

Insurance Underwriter

Decide whether to insure people and businesses, and on what terms.

$81,370/yr median
-3.8% growth
Moderate on-the-job training

Intake Interviewer

Interview people to collect information for forms, surveys or services.

$45,920/yr median
-10.4% growth
A few weeks on the job

Judicial Law Clerk

Research and draft opinions for a judge, usually right after law school.

$64,920/yr median
+2.8% growth
7 years after high school

Labor Relations Specialist

Negotiate union contracts and resolve workplace disputes.

$95,420/yr median
+2.1% growth
Less than 5 years of experience

Lawyer

Advise clients on the law and represent them in disputes and deals.

$159,670/yr median
+4.7% growth
7 years after high school

Legal Secretary

Keep a law office running by managing documents, filings and calendars.

$55,570/yr median
-5.2% growth
Several months on the job

Loan Officer

Help people and businesses get mortgages and loans, from application to closing.

$76,690/yr median
+1.1% growth
3–6 months for mortgage licensing

Loan Processor

Gather documents and move loan applications from start to closing.

$50,020/yr median
-2.4% growth
A few weeks to months on the job

Mail Clerk

Sort, process and deliver mail and packages inside an organization.

$39,280/yr median
-7.2% growth
A few weeks on the job

Management Analyst

Help organizations run better by finding and fixing problems.

$101,860/yr median
+10.1% growth
Less than 5 years of experience

New Accounts Clerk

Open new bank accounts and explain banking products to customers.

$47,670/yr median
-6.5% growth
A few months on the job

Office Clerk

Handle the everyday tasks that keep an office running.

$45,010/yr median
-6.0% growth
A few weeks on the job

Office Machine Operator

Run copiers, printers and binding machines for offices and print centers.

$40,960/yr median
-14.9% growth
A few weeks on the job

Office Manager

Run an office’s daily operations, staff and systems so everyone else can do their jobs.

$69,500/yr median
+0.1% growth
3–5 years of administrative experience

Operations Research Analyst

Use math models to help organizations make better decisions.

$88,940/yr median
+11.9% growth
Entry-level with a quantitative degree

Order Clerk

Take and process customer orders and track them to delivery.

$46,170/yr median
-17.5% growth
A few weeks on the job

Paralegal

Research, draft and organize legal work that supports attorneys and their clients.

$62,890/yr median
-0.3% growth
6 months to 2 years

Payroll Clerk

Make sure employees are paid correctly and on time.

$58,260/yr median
-15.9% growth
A few months on the job

Procurement Clerk

Process purchase orders and keep track of supplies and orders.

$50,580/yr median
-8.1% growth
A few months on the job

Project Manager

Plan projects, lead teams and deliver results on time, on budget and in scope.

$102,320/yr median
+6.7% growth
1–4+ years

Property Manager

Run apartment communities and commercial buildings for owners and residents.

$69,990/yr median
+3.7% growth
1–3 years of experience

Purchasing Agent

Buy the materials, products and services organizations need at the best value.

$77,710/yr median
+6.0% growth
4 years or experience

Purchasing Manager

Lead the team that buys what an organization needs at the best value.

$148,080/yr median
+4.0% growth
5+ years of experience

Real Estate Agent

Help people buy, sell and rent homes and property: licensed by your state.

$52,830/yr median
+1.7% growth
1–6 months (licensing)

Receptionist

Greet visitors, answer phones and keep the front desk running smoothly.

$38,010/yr median
-1.7% growth
1–2 weeks on the job

Statistical Assistant

Compile and check data for statisticians and researchers.

$50,330/yr median
-1.8% growth
Entry-level with a degree

Survey Researcher

Design surveys and analyze what people think and do.

$69,460/yr median
-4.8% growth
2 years after a bachelor’s

Switchboard Operator

Answer and route calls for businesses, hospitals and answering services.

$38,630/yr median
-26.0% growth
A few weeks on the job

Tax Preparer

Prepare income tax returns and help clients understand what they owe or get back.

$54,920/yr median
+4.7% growth
1–3 months of tax training

Telephone Operator

Help callers place calls, find numbers and connect through relay services.

$41,740/yr median
-27.6% growth
A few weeks on the job

Title Examiner

Search property records to confirm who owns a property and what claims are on it.

$58,650/yr median
+2.1% growth
Several months on the job

Training and Development Manager

Plan and lead training that helps employees grow.

$133,000/yr median
+6.4% growth
5+ years of experience

Typist

Type and format documents, letters and reports.

$49,280/yr median
-34.4% growth
A few weeks on the job

Compare business and office careers

#	Career	Median pay	Growth 2025–35	Training time	Typical entry education
1	Chief Executive	$213,990	+3.2%	15+ years of experience	Bachelor's degree
2	Industrial-Organizational Psychologist	$193,950	+6.5%	2–6 years after a bachelor’s	Master's degree
3	Financial Manager	$166,570	+9.7%	5+ years of experience	Bachelor's degree
4	Lawyer	$159,670	+4.7%	7 years after high school	Doctoral or professional degree
5	Human Resources Manager	$149,280	+5.5%	5+ years of HR experience	Bachelor's degree
6	Compensation and Benefits Manager	$149,230	+1.1%	5+ years of experience	Bachelor's degree
7	Purchasing Manager	$148,080	+4.0%	5+ years of experience	Bachelor's degree
8	Training and Development Manager	$133,000	+6.4%	5+ years of experience	Bachelor's degree
9	Actuary	$130,000	+9.2%	Several years of exams while working	Bachelor's degree
10	Economist	$124,720	+4.7%	2–6 years after a bachelor’s	Master's degree
11	Financial Risk Specialist	$117,330	+7.4%	Entry-level with strong quantitative skills	Bachelor's degree
12	Administrative Services Manager	$114,130	+5.2%	Several years of experience	Bachelor's degree
13	Facilities Manager	$106,660	+4.6%	Several years of experience	Bachelor's degree
14	General and Operations Manager	$105,770	+5.0%	5+ years of experience	Bachelor's degree
15	Financial Advisor	$105,070	+1.4%	Long-term on-the-job training	Bachelor's degree
16	Financial Analyst	$102,740	+7.2%	4 years	Bachelor's degree
17	Project Manager	$102,320	+6.7%	1–4+ years	Bachelor's degree
18	Management Analyst	$101,860	+10.1%	Less than 5 years of experience	Bachelor's degree
19	Labor Relations Specialist	$95,420	+2.1%	Less than 5 years of experience	Bachelor's degree
20	Financial Examiner	$94,160	+9.3%	Several years of exam training	Bachelor's degree
21	Budget Analyst	$91,640	+1.9%	Entry-level with a degree	Bachelor's degree
22	Operations Research Analyst	$88,940	+11.9%	Entry-level with a quantitative degree	Bachelor's degree
23	Accountant	$83,680	+5.0%	4+ years	Bachelor's degree
24	Credit Analyst	$83,510	-4.3%	Bank credit training programs	Bachelor's degree
25	Insurance Underwriter	$81,370	-3.8%	Moderate on-the-job training	Bachelor's degree
26	Compliance Officer	$80,730	+3.8%	Moderate on-the-job training	Bachelor's degree
27	Auto Damage Appraiser	$78,240	-8.7%	Training program plus months on the job	Postsecondary nondegree award
28	Compensation and Benefits Specialist	$78,210	+6.0%	Some HR experience	Bachelor's degree
29	Claims Adjuster	$78,000	-5.5%	3–12 months	High school diploma or equivalent
30	Purchasing Agent	$77,710	+6.0%	4 years or experience	Bachelor's degree
31	Loan Officer	$76,690	+1.1%	3–6 months for mortgage licensing	Bachelor's degree
32	Executive Assistant	$76,590	0.0%	2–5 years of administrative experience	High school diploma or equivalent
33	Human Resources Specialist	$75,940	+6.4%	1–4 years	Bachelor's degree
34	Property Manager	$69,990	+3.7%	1–3 years of experience	High school diploma or equivalent
35	Office Manager	$69,500	+0.1%	3–5 years of administrative experience	High school diploma or equivalent
36	Survey Researcher	$69,460	-4.8%	2 years after a bachelor’s	Master's degree
37	Brokerage Clerk	$65,750	-7.6%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
38	Judicial Law Clerk	$64,920	+2.8%	7 years after high school	Doctoral or professional degree
39	Paralegal	$62,890	-0.3%	6 months to 2 years	Associate's degree
40	Title Examiner	$58,650	+2.1%	Several months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
41	Payroll Clerk	$58,260	-15.9%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
42	Legal Secretary	$55,570	-5.2%	Several months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
43	Tax Preparer	$54,920	+4.7%	1–3 months of tax training	High school diploma or equivalent
44	Real Estate Agent	$52,830	+1.7%	1–6 months (licensing)	High school diploma or equivalent
45	Credit Counselor	$52,230	+3.3%	Moderate on-the-job training	Bachelor's degree
46	Bookkeeper	$50,670	-5.6%	3–12 months	Some college, no degree
47	HR Assistant	$50,610	-6.2%	Short on-the-job training	Associate's degree
48	Procurement Clerk	$50,580	-8.1%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
49	Statistical Assistant	$50,330	-1.8%	Entry-level with a degree	Bachelor's degree
50	Credit Authorizer	$50,080	-7.4%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
51	Loan Processor	$50,020	-2.4%	A few weeks to months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
52	Typist	$49,280	-34.4%	A few weeks on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
53	Insurance Claims Clerk	$49,230	-1.9%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
54	Billing Clerk	$48,500	-0.1%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
55	New Accounts Clerk	$47,670	-6.5%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
56	Administrative Assistant	$47,540	-6.0%	Weeks to months	High school diploma or equivalent
57	Debt Collector	$47,030	-10.4%	Several weeks to months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
58	Correspondence Clerk	$46,800	-5.6%	A few weeks on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
59	Order Clerk	$46,170	-17.5%	A few weeks on the job	Some college, no degree
60	Intake Interviewer	$45,920	-10.4%	A few weeks on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
61	Office Clerk	$45,010	-6.0%	A few weeks on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
62	Customer Service Representative	$44,770	-5.3%	2–6 weeks (paid training)	High school diploma or equivalent
63	File Clerk	$43,600	-15.8%	A few weeks on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
64	Bank Teller	$43,030	-13.2%	A few weeks on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
65	Telephone Operator	$41,740	-27.6%	A few weeks on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
66	Data Entry Clerk	$41,340	-25.5%	A few weeks on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
67	Office Machine Operator	$40,960	-14.9%	A few weeks on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
68	Mail Clerk	$39,280	-7.2%	A few weeks on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
69	Switchboard Operator	$38,630	-26.0%	A few weeks on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
70	Receptionist	$38,010	-1.7%	1–2 weeks on the job	High school diploma or equivalent

Getting hired in business and office

Learn spreadsheets well. Nearly every office role uses Excel or Google Sheets, and it is one of the easiest skills to prove in an interview.

What affects pay in this field

Industry and company size
Professional credentials (CPA, PMP, SHRM-CP, paralegal certificates)
Software skills such as Excel, QuickBooks, CRM and HR systems
Remote or hybrid roles tied to higher-cost labor markets

Find your fit

Take the Business & Office career quiz to see which of these roles matches your interests best.

Business & Office careers FAQ

What is the highest-paying business and office career on this list?

Chief Executive has the highest median pay among our business and office profiles at $213,990 per year (BLS, May 2025).

Which business and office career is fastest to start?

Receptionist typically takes about 1–2 weeks on the job of training.

Which business and office career is growing fastest?

Operations Research Analyst, with projected growth of +11.9% from 2025–35 (much faster than average).

How do I choose the right business and office career?

Compare day-to-day duties, training time and pay, then take our Business & Office career quiz for a personalized match. Reading a day in the life for your top two choices helps a lot.