General Office Clerks
| Description |
OES Code: 55347 |
Perform duties too varied and diverse to be classified in any specific office clerical occupation. Clerical duties may be assigned in accordance with the office procedures of individual establishments and may include a combination of bookkeeping, typing, stenography, office machine operation, and filing.
Wages, California
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
$7.07 |
| 25th Percentile |
$7.80 |
| 50th Percentile |
$10.36 |
| 75th Percentile |
$12.97 |
Wages, San Joaquin County
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
$7.74 |
| 25th Percentile |
$8.62 |
| 50th Percentile |
$10.79 |
| 75th Percentile |
$13.05 |
Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey
Hours & Benefits
Most clerks work from 35 to 40 hours a week. About 1/4 of employed clerks work part time. Saturday work is required by some firms. In most cases, overtime is not frequent. When required, it is usually paid at 1 1/2 times the basic hourly pay rate.
Most employers provide health, dental and life insurance and paid holidays, sick leave, retirement and vacation benefits. Some firms may have stock purchase plans or offer cash bonuses each year.
Employment Trends, California
| Employment 1998 |
354,000 |
| Projected Employment 2008 |
435,900 |
| Percent Change 1998-2008 |
23.1% |
| Separations 1998-2008 |
109,400 |
Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
| Employment 1999 |
3,940 |
| Projected Employment 2006 |
4,700 |
| Percent Change 1999-2006 |
19.3% |
| Separations 1999-2006 |
840 |
Employment Trends by California County
Advancement
After gaining the necessary experience, a general office clerk in a large firm may be promoted to a more specialized or more responsible job such as clerk- typist, bookkeeper, receptionist, secretary, or clerical supervisor. In small offices, a clerk may receive increased pay for added duties. If they have the ability and the necessary qualifications, clerks may promote to office manager, department supervisor, or another position. In order to promote to professional jobs you may be required to complete certain college level classes.
Getting the Job & Other Information
The Job Service offices of the California State Employment Development Department are good places to start looking for a job. If you are interested in working for the government, you should apply at federal, state, city and county personnel offices. Your job search should also include private employment agencies, temporary employment agencies, classified advertisements in newspapers and trade publications, and contacting employers directly. You will find that most colleges and business schools offer placement services for their graduates. When applying for work, you should be prepared to take arithmetic and spelling tests as well as typing tests. These tests may be required both by employment agencies and prospective employers.
For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank. |
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Education and Training
Employers usually want clerks who have worked in an office and learned to operate office equipment from real work experience or from business classes. High school graduation is usually required, but business training or experience can sometimes be substituted. Many employers require several years of experience.
You can learn general clerical skills in high school, adult education, Regional Occupational Programs (ROP), community colleges or business schools. In addition, employers want their workers to have completed basic classes in English, grammar, spelling, and business mathematics. Clerical jobs held while in school and during vacations provide good experience and often lead to full-time employment after graduation. Some employers and local high schools have work-study programs that give students a chance to earn a salary while learning their jobs.
Skills & Other Requirements
Employers look for the ability to do accurate work, as well as for skill in using word processors, personal computers, typewriters, calculators, and copying machines. It is important that you become skilled in operating several different kinds of office equipment. Other highly ranked skills are: telephone answering, alpha and numeric filing skills, data entry, english grammar, spelling and punctuation, ability to type at least 45 wpm, record keeping skills, problem solving skills, ability to work under pressure, organizational and time management skills, interacting well with others, working independently, performing routine, repetitive work, and willingness to work with close supervision.
References
California Occupational Guide #295
Related Occupations: Typists & Word Processing Technicians, Receptionists
Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP) |
