FAQ
Office Clerk FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as an office clerk.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming an office clerk: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about office clerks
Do office clerks need a degree?
No.
Is the job declining?
BLS projects decline, but turnover creates many openings.
What’s the next step?
Administrative assistant or specialist roles.
How much does an office clerk make?
The median annual wage for office clerks was $45,010 ($21.64 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $30,310 and the highest 10% earned more than $64,680.
How long does it take to become an office clerk?
Most people need about A few weeks on the job of training. A high school diploma and short-term on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be an office clerk?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Is office clerk a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change -6.0% from 2025–35 (a projected decline), with about 249,000 openings each year. Upsides include many openings; a common challenge is that declining employment.
What skills does an office clerk need?
Key technical skills include typing, data entry, filing, and phone skills. Employers also value reliability, friendliness, and organization.
What certifications are available for office clerks?
Common credentials include Microsoft Office Specialist, Office skills certificate, Customer service training, and CAP. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Office Clerk fit quiz, compare with Administrative Assistant, or explore Office Clerk training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 43-9061 (Office clerks, general).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Office clerks, general (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.