Office Clerk / Clerk Typist (government)

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.

O*NET definition of Office Clerks, General (SOC 43-9061) · Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed.

Education workers say the job requires

Share of surveyed workers in Office Clerks, General (SOC 43-9061) naming each level as required to be hired, 75 respondents, O*NET survey August 2018. Each employer sets its own minimum.

General office clerks typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Most learn their skills on the job.

From the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile “General Office Clerks”, published August 27, 2026 · Read the full profile. National guidance; each employer runs its own hiring process.

Median annual wage by employer type, national, May 2025. Federal includes the U.S. Postal Service; state and local include public schools and hospitals.

State government pay plans

Official pay ranges for the job classes that match Office Clerk / Clerk Typist (government) in 24 state civil-service plans. They cover state employees only, not cities, counties or school districts.

Lowest class minimum to highest class maximum. Hourly rates are converted at 2,080 hours a year, and other rates at the plan's pay periods; the plans publish the exact rates. Classes are matched to this job by title (GovJobsWiki editorial rule).

Sources: 24 official state pay plans, linked in each row.

1. Operate office machines, such as photocopiers and scanners, facsimile machines, voice mail systems, and personal computers.4.6
2. Answer telephones, direct calls, and take messages.4.3
3. Communicate with customers, employees, and other individuals to answer questions, disseminate or explain information, take orders, and address complaints.4.3
4. Maintain and update filing, inventory, mailing, and database systems, either manually or using a computer.4.0
5. Compile, copy, sort, and file records of office activities, business transactions, and other activities.4.0
6. Open, sort, and route incoming mail, answer correspondence, and prepare outgoing mail.3.9
7. Review files, records, and other documents to obtain information to respond to requests.3.9
8. Compute, record, and proofread data and other information, such as records or reports.3.8
9. Complete work schedules, manage calendars, and arrange appointments.3.7
10. Type, format, proofread, and edit correspondence and other documents, from notes or dictating machines, using computers or typewriters.3.5

The 10 most important of 12 core tasks for Office Clerks, General, ranked by importance (1–5) in the O*NET survey of August 2018.