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Job outlook for clerical aides in the United States
Clerical aide job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected clerical aide job growth rate is -5% from 2018-2028.
About -130,800 new jobs for clerical aides are projected over the next decade.
Clerical aide salaries have increased 16% for clerical aides in the last 5 years.
There are over 106,775 clerical aides currently employed in the United States.
There are 59,698 active clerical aide job openings in the US.
The average clerical aide salary is $29,426.
Are clerical aide jobs in demand?
Clerical aide job and salary trends over time
Clerical aide jobs over time
Clerical aide job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 106,775 | 0.03% |
| 2020 | 115,227 | 0.03% |
| 2019 | 122,318 | 0.04% |
| 2018 | 123,239 | 0.04% |
| 2017 | 123,201 | 0.04% |
Average clerical aide salary over time
Clerical aide salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $29,426 | $14.15 | +3.8% |
| 2025 | $28,351 | $13.63 | +4.0% |
| 2024 | $27,260 | $13.11 | +3.9% |
| 2023 | $26,236 | $12.61 | +3.0% |
| 2022 | $25,469 | $12.24 | +3.4% |
Clerical aide jobs by state
Most common states for clerical aides
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 758 | 24% |
| 2 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 189 | 18% |
| 3 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,160 | 17% |
| 4 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 467 | 16% |
| 5 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 306 | 16% |
| 6 | Alaska | 739,795 | 115 | 16% |
| 7 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,387 | 15% |
| 8 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 855 | 15% |
| 9 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 928 | 14% |
| 10 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 123 | 14% |
| 11 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,626 | 13% |
| 12 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 172 | 13% |
| 13 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 1,177 | 12% |
| 14 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 673 | 12% |
| 15 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 124 | 12% |
| 16 | Delaware | 961,939 | 112 | 12% |
| 17 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,382 | 11% |
| 18 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 465 | 11% |
| 19 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 85 | 11% |
| 20 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 77 | 11% |
Most common cities for clerical aides
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | East Lansing | 12 | 25% | $27,470 |
| 2 | Texarkana | 1 | 3% | $28,150 |
| 3 | Lompoc | 1 | 2% | $32,661 |
| 4 | Wheaton | 1 | 2% | $28,563 |
| 5 | Fort Collins | 1 | 1% | $31,437 |
| 6 | Hayward | 1 | 1% | $32,708 |
| 7 | Ogden | 1 | 1% | $33,363 |
| 8 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $30,816 |
| 9 | Rochester | 1 | 0% | $31,024 |
Clerical Aide job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of clerical aide experts
Missouri University of Science & Technology
California State University Channel Islands
Ohio University - Lancaster Campus
College of Charleston
Albright College
West Virginia State University
Christi Patton Luks
Professor (NTT) and Associate Chair for Academic AffairsMissouri University of Science & Technology
Linda & Bipin Doshi Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering
What's a good job out of college for Clerical Aides?
Christi Patton Luks: A good job out of college is one that can be adapted to the individual's skills and interests and encourages them to stretch. Frequently, students think they want to work in a particular type of job. Once they have it, they discover that it was not what they thought it would be. Many companies rotate new employees through a variety of positions. Those are great for helping people find their own hidden talents. I know that I have discovered abilities that I would not have even attempted when I was 20.
Amanda Carpenter
DirectorCalifornia State University Channel Islands
Department of Career Development and Alumni Engagement
What technical skills for a Clerical Aide stand out to employers?
Amanda Carpenter: -Data analytics skills are critical technical skills that stand out to employers in today's market. According to NACE (2018), the use of data analytics is projected to have the most significant impact on an organization's operational efficiency and revenue generation.
-Source (NACE): www.naceweb.org
Brandy Bailey
Career CoachOhio University - Lancaster Campus
Student Services, Career Services
What soft skills should all Clerical Aides possess?
Brandy Bailey: Soft skills may vary depending on the employer, industry, and personal opinions. My biggest ones are communication skills, adaptability, self-awareness, teamwork, problem-solving, intercultural competency, creativity or innovation, and time management.
What experience really stands out on Clerical Aide resumes?
Jacob Craig Ph.D.: I believe strongly in dexterity and a language of expertise. That means that if a student can show they can adapt to new demands by learning a new way of working, learning about a new audience, learning how to address a new purpose, learning a new genre or style, and learning a new technology, that employee attractive. Especially at the entry-level, the ability to learn and adapt is valuable. Being able to talk about their experience using a persuasive vocabulary is often useful. For instance, if students can describe their approach to communication without using cliches (short and sweet, clear) and something along the lines of purpose, audience, situation, genre, medium--that's persuasive.
What type of skills will young Clerical Aides need?
Guillaume de Syon Ph.D.: The same as the ones they needed before. Employers want a combination of experience as well as writing and reading capacities. There may even be a greater need for decent writing, as the shift to online has affected the workforce. On the positive side, successfully negotiating the pandemic conditions could be considered a sign of adaptability.
Anne McConnell Ph.D.
ProfessorWest Virginia State University
English Department
What general advice would you give to a Clerical Aide?
Anne McConnell Ph.D.: I would say it's important to be very attentive to the way you communicate with your employers, managers, and co-workers. Even sending an e-mail can be an opportunity to demonstrate your professionalism and communication skills. Some people think that no one knows how to write anymore, or how to communicate in a professional way. I don't think that's true. But we don't always think about how our writing can be a tool to communicate our competence and seriousness. If you know how to write and communicate professionally-which college grads do-then make sure to demonstrate that in the workplace.