How long does it take to become a Clerk?

It takes 2 years of professional experience to become a clerk. That is the time it takes to learn specific clerk skills, but does not account for time spent in formal education. If you include the normal education requirements to complete a college degree, then it takes 5 to 7 years years to become a clerk.

Are clerks well paid?

No, clerks are not well paid, in general. Although there are various types of clerks, their wages all range from around $25,000 to 45,000. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, financial clerks made a median annual wage of $41,520 in 2020, whereas material recording clerks made $38,470. Information clerks made $36,920. As most jobs go, location, industry, and experience are determining factors in salary.

Do you need a college degree to be a clerk?

No, you generally don't need a college degree to be a clerk. Depending on the industry, you may need postsecondary education, but training is typically offered by your employer. Most clerks generally have, at minimum, skills in computer software like word processing and spreadsheet. Other clerks, such as financial clerks, can benefit from having an associate's or bachelor's degree in business or economics.

How to get into the cannabis industry

To get into the cannabis industry, you need to determine the relevant eligibility requirements, utilize your existing qualifications, and research local laws and regulations. For more information on these steps and others you can take to get into the cannabis industry, use this guide:

How To Become A Clerk: What It Is and Career Path

What is a clerk and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A clerk performs administrative and organizational tasks within an organization. They are responsible for maintaining records, processing paperwork, and managing information. Clerks often work in various settings, such as government agencies, businesses, and schools. Their duties include answering phones, filing documents, typing correspondence, and scheduling appointments. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently. Clerks are vital in ensuring the smooth operation of an organization.

ScoreClerkUS Average

Salary

2.4

Avg. Salary $31,163

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

6.6

Growth Rate -5%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.07%

Asian 7.66%

Black or African American 9.89%

Hispanic or Latino 21.09%

Unknown 4.68%

White 55.61%

Gender

female 65.88%

male 34.12%

Age - 50

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 50

Stress Level

6.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

4.3

Complexity Level is basic

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

7.1

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Clerk?

Pros

Stable work hours.
Opportunities for advancement.
Ability to develop professional skills.
Many clerk positions offer paid time off and sick leave.
The job is typically low-stress.

Cons

Clerks may have to work weekends or holidays.
Dealing with difficult customers can be challenging.
The job can be physically demanding, requiring long periods of standing or sitting.
Clerks are often expected to multitask and handle numerous responsibilities simultaneously.
The job can sometimes be stressful due to high workloads or tight deadlines.

Newest jobs for Clerk in Ashburn, VA

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Key steps to become a clerk

Explore clerk education requirements

Most common clerk degrees

Bachelor's

32.8 %

High School Diploma

29.5 %

Associate

21.8 %

Start to develop specific clerk skills

Skills	Percentages
Basic Math	17.53%
Math	10.08%
Data Entry	9.60%
Customer Service	8.73%
Cleanliness	7.73%

Complete relevant clerk training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New clerks learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a clerk based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real clerk resumes.

Gain additional clerk certifications

Clerk certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific clerk certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for clerks include Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) and Word 2010 Certification.

More About Certifications

Research clerk duties and responsibilities

Demonstrate strong math skills in managing inmate s accounts and calmly and effectively deescalating outbursts of belligerent inmates.
Manage orthopedic accounts regarding payment posting through IDX medical systems.
Administer financial bookkeeping by way of QuickBooks.
Bank reconciliation in QuickBooks and assist bookkeeper when need.

Prepare your clerk resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your clerk resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a clerk resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Clerk Resume templates

Build a professional Clerk resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Clerk resume.

Apply for clerk jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a clerk job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do clerks rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

4 Stars

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1 Star

Clerk reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2020

Pros

helping people to review how to fill out the census questionnaire

A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2020

Pros

It is an inside job so you are always comfortable. Some of what you deal with is entertaining. I'm about to retire so it is a good way to wind down my working career. There is little to no stress.

Cons

It is very, very, boring and repetitive. I hate sitting for hours on end, sometimes with nothing to do if the officers are not doing anything. This is no chance or advancement.

A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019