Office Clerks, General

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Career Profile

Office Clerks, General

What they do

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

MO Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
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$29,900
Starting Salary (2025)
$42,370
Median Salary (2025)
-6.7%
Projected Job Growth
56,050
MO Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Operate office machines, such as photocopiers and scanners, facsimile machines, voice mail systems, and personal computers.
Communicate with customers, employees, and other individuals to answer questions, disseminate or explain information, take orders, and address complaints.
Answer telephones, direct calls, and take messages.
Review files, records, and other documents to obtain information to respond to requests.
Open, sort, and route incoming mail, answer correspondence, and prepare outgoing mail.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Enterprising
Business based Work
Social
Working with people

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Integrity
Attention to Detail
Cooperation
Self-Control
Dependability
Adaptability/Flexibility

What key skills are needed for this job?

Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Writing
Service Orientation
Coordination

Expected Knowledge

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.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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.

Common Activities

Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 2

Some Preparation Needed

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • High school diploma 41%
  • Associate's degree 36%
  • Some college 15%
  • Post-secondary certificate 7%
  • Less than high school 2%
  • Other 0%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
File Clerks
Receptionists and Information Clerks
Administrative Services Managers
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.