Office support assistant vs support clerk

The differences between office support assistants and support clerks can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an office support assistant and a support clerk. Additionally, a support clerk has an average salary of $35,159, which is higher than the $33,548 average annual salary of an office support assistant.

The top three skills for an office support assistant include customer service, data entry and office equipment. The most important skills for a support clerk are customer service, data entry, and patients.

Office support assistant vs support clerk overview

	Office Support Assistant	Support Clerk
Yearly salary	$33,548	$35,159
Hourly rate	$16.13	$16.90
Growth rate	-5%	-5%
Number of jobs	134,113	163,168
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 42%	Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Average age	47	47
Years of experience	2	2

What does an office support assistant do?

An office support assistant is in charge of performing clerical support tasks to keep offices running smoothly and efficiently. Their responsibilities typically include answering calls and correspondence, preparing and processing documents, organizing and disseminating files, and coordinating with different departments. There are also instances where they must attend meetings and take down information, greet visitors, and monitor the inventory of office supplies, processing procurement requests when necessary. Furthermore, they may assist the staff when it comes to programs and projects.

What does a support clerk do?

A support clerk is primarily in charge of performing administrative support tasks in an office, making the daily workflow easier. Their responsibilities typically include preparing and processing documentation, answering and forwarding calls, handling correspondence, disseminating and organizing files, and running errands as needed. They may also update databases, maintaining records of all transactions. Furthermore, as a support clerk, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with staff, coordinating to ensure efficient and smooth workplace operations.

Office support assistant vs support clerk salary

Office support assistants and support clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Office Support Assistant	Support Clerk
Average salary	$33,548	$35,159
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $42,000	Between $22,000 And $54,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	San Diego, CA
Highest paying state	New York	Hawaii
Best paying company	Sierra Pacific Industries	Los Alamos National Laboratory
Best paying industry	Transportation	Government

Differences between office support assistant and support clerk education

There are a few differences between an office support assistant and a support clerk in terms of educational background:

	Office Support Assistant	Support Clerk
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 42%	Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Western Carolina University	Stanford University

Office support assistant vs support clerk demographics

Here are the differences between office support assistants' and support clerks' demographics:

	Office Support Assistant	Support Clerk
Average age	47	47
Gender ratio	Male, 18.1% Female, 81.9%	Male, 26.1% Female, 73.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 7.8% White, 62.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%	Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 8.4% White, 54.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage	6%	6%

Differences between office support assistant and support clerk duties and responsibilities

Office support assistant example responsibilities.

Manage and maintain patients' medical records by utilizing computer applications management database processing system to ensure county compliance.
Maintain HIPAA standards and audit secure patient files prior to filing.
Make sure all records are store and handle in compliance with HIPAA procedures.
Process payroll for administrative and clinical staff.
Create PowerPoint presentations for many different project managers.
Process payroll correcting entry forms, logging pertinent information into SharePoint spreadsheet for team activity.

Support clerk example responsibilities.

Demonstrate strong math skills in managing inmate s accounts and calmly and effectively deescalating outbursts of belligerent inmates.
Inform eligible or potentially eligible individuals with Medicaid cover service and how to use them.
Assist in development and creation of provider workshop materials to include manuals, PowerPoint presentations, and registration materials.
Organize and locate inventory and update companies QuickBooks.
Prepare subpoenas for document production, deposition and trial appearance/testimony.
Record results in database from medical questionnaires complete by individuals presenting Medicaid claims.

Office support assistant vs support clerk skills

Common office support assistant skills

Customer Service, 20%
Data Entry, 16%
Office Equipment, 8%
Phone Calls, 6%
Office Procedures, 5%
PowerPoint, 5%

Common support clerk skills

Customer Service, 19%
Data Entry, 15%
Patients, 10%
Clerical Support, 6%
Medical Terminology, 6%
Office Equipment, 5%

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Office and Administrative Industry
Office Support Assistant
Office Support Assistant vs Support Clerk

Updated January 8, 2025

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