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Job outlook for clerical workers in the United States
Clerical worker job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected clerical worker job growth rate is -5% from 2018-2028.
About -130,800 new jobs for clerical workers are projected over the next decade.
Clerical worker salaries have increased 16% for clerical workers in the last 5 years.
There are over 113,023 clerical workers currently employed in the United States.
There are 68,947 active clerical worker job openings in the US.
The average clerical worker salary is $31,390.
Are clerical worker jobs in demand?
Clerical worker job and salary trends over time
Clerical worker jobs over time
Clerical worker job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 113,023 | 0.03% |
| 2020 | 122,133 | 0.04% |
| 2019 | 129,548 | 0.04% |
| 2018 | 130,372 | 0.04% |
| 2017 | 130,209 | 0.04% |
Average clerical worker salary over time
Clerical worker salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $31,390 | $15.09 | +3.8% |
| 2025 | $30,244 | $14.54 | +4.0% |
| 2024 | $29,080 | $13.98 | +3.9% |
| 2023 | $27,987 | $13.46 | +3.0% |
| 2022 | $27,170 | $13.06 | +3.4% |
Clerical worker jobs by state
Most common states for clerical workers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 239 | 27% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 309 | 23% |
| 3 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 424 | 22% |
| 4 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 638 | 21% |
| 5 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 826 | 20% |
| 6 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 139 | 20% |
| 7 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,424 | 19% |
| 8 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 1,157 | 19% |
| 9 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,525 | 18% |
| 10 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 1,218 | 18% |
| 11 | Delaware | 961,939 | 169 | 18% |
| 12 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,775 | 17% |
| 13 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 930 | 17% |
| 14 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 311 | 17% |
| 15 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 3,296 | 16% |
| 16 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 798 | 16% |
| 17 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 570 | 16% |
| 18 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 324 | 16% |
| 19 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 276 | 16% |
| 20 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 462 | 15% |
Most common cities for clerical workers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Danvers | 1 | 4% | $29,937 |
| 2 | Kankakee | 1 | 4% | $26,400 |
| 3 | Kernersville | 1 | 4% | $26,559 |
| 4 | Mason City | 1 | 4% | $27,412 |
| 5 | Fairbanks | 1 | 3% | $26,736 |
| 6 | Greenwood | 1 | 2% | $25,695 |
| 7 | Harrisonburg | 1 | 2% | $26,938 |
| 8 | Canton | 1 | 1% | $28,299 |
| 9 | Hammond | 1 | 1% | $26,277 |
| 10 | Jackson | 1 | 1% | $24,234 |
| 11 | Dallas | 3 | 0% | $27,450 |
| 12 | Las Vegas | 3 | 0% | $34,970 |
| 13 | Albuquerque | 1 | 0% | $24,372 |
| 14 | Anchorage | 1 | 0% | $27,856 |
| 15 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $26,688 |
Clerical Worker job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of clerical worker experts
Missouri University of Science & Technology
Ohio University - Lancaster Campus
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 Workers?
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.
Brandy Bailey
Career CoachOhio University - Lancaster Campus
Student Services, Career Services
What soft skills should all Clerical Workers 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.
Anne McConnell Ph.D.
ProfessorWest Virginia State University
English Department
What general advice would you give to a Clerical Worker?
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.