Office clerks, general
SOC Code: 43-9061
Office clerks, general carries a 84% AI exposure score (Very High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $43,630 and -6.7% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 2,646,000 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Office clerks, general (SOC 43-9061) carries an AI exposure score of 84%, placing it in the Very High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score above 70% signals that the majority of core duties are already technically automatable — workers in these roles face the steepest near-term displacement pressure.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 2,646,000 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -6.7% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $43,630, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Office clerks, general. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Operate office machines, such as photocopiers and scanners, facsimile machines, voice mail systems, and personal computers.
- 2. Answer telephones, direct calls, and take messages.
- 3. Communicate with customers, employees, and other individuals to answer questions, disseminate or explain information, take orders, and address complaints.
- 4. Collect, count, and disburse money, do basic bookkeeping, and complete banking transactions.
- 5. Complete and mail bills, contracts, policies, invoices, or checks.
- 6. Maintain and update filing, inventory, mailing, and database systems, either manually or using a computer.
- 7. Compile, copy, sort, and file records of office activities, business transactions, and other activities.
- 8. Review files, records, and other documents to obtain information to respond to requests.
- 9. Open, sort, and route incoming mail, answer correspondence, and prepare outgoing mail.
- 10. Process and prepare documents, such as business or government forms and expense reports.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Coordination
- Service Orientation
- Time Management
- Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
- Administrative
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Economics and Accounting
- Public Safety and Security
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Communications and Media
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Office clerks, general?
Office clerks, general has an AI exposure score of 84%, indicating a very high level of automation risk. Many tasks in this role involve routine data processing and pattern recognition that current AI systems can perform.
What is the job outlook for Office clerks, general?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Office clerks, general is projected to decline by 6.7% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 2,646,000 workers.
What skills are needed for Office clerks, general?
Key skills for Office clerks, general include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Office clerks, general earn?
The median annual wage for Office clerks, general is $43,630, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Office clerks, general?
The typical entry-level education for Office clerks, general is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Office clerks, general?
Office clerks, general roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Very High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A majority of tasks in this occupation are susceptible to AI automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).