Top 10 Jobs in the Administrative and Clerical Field

By Mary Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com writer

While some people jot their grocery lists down on scrap paper, you have an Excel spreadsheet you update and organize into food groups. A born record-keeper, you keep files on everything from bank statements to holiday cards, and everything you can stock, shelve or stack is categorized by name, number, size or color.

Perhaps you should channel your knack for neatness into a job in the administrative or clerical field. Each of the following jobs will have numerous opportunities for workers with the right skills in the coming years.

1. Bill and Account Collectors

What they do: Keep track of accounts that are due and attempt to collect payments on them.

What they need: At least a high school diploma for most collectors; however, most employers prefer some college or similar work experience. Good communication and computer literacy skills are a must for this work.
What they earn: $28,949/year*

2. Gaming Cage Workers

What they do: Carry out financial transactions and paperwork necessary to support play at casinos and gaming establishments.

What they need: Although there are no minimum educational requirements, a high school diploma and some previous experience in the gaming or financial industry is preferred.
Average salary: $24,004/year

3. Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

What they do: Something for which we should all be grateful: ensure that employees are paid on time and accurately.

What they need: A high school diploma or GED, but those with computer skills will find the best opportunities.
Average salary: $30,923/year

4. Customer Service Representatives

What they do: Serve as a direct point of contact for customers on behalf of companies to ensure an adequate level of service or help with questions and concerns.

What they need: A high school diploma for most jobs, but employers increasingly require an associate or bachelor’s degree. Workers who communicate through e-mail will need good typing and written communication skills.

Average salary: $26,369/year

5. Hotel, Motel and Resort Desk Clerks

What they do: Register arriving guests, assign rooms and check out guests at the end of their stay, as well as keep reservation and registration records.

What they need: In addition to on-the-job training, customer service skills, a professional appearance and a clear-speaking voice are essential for dealing with customers, both in person and over the phone. Additionally, knowledge of multiple languages are ever more valuable due to the growing international clientele at many establishments.
Average salary: $19,311/year

6. Human Resources Assistants

What they do: Maintain the human resource records of an organization’s employees, including names, addresses, job titles, earnings, benefits and tax withholdings.

What they need: A high school diploma or GED. Candidates can receive training on the job, but those who already have proficiency in computer filing systems and applications like Microsoft Word and Excel will find the best job opportunities.
Average salary: $29,167/year

7. Library Assistants

What they do: Register patrons in the library’s system, issue library cards and collect books, periodicals, videos and other materials.

What they need: A high school diploma or GED, with little to no previous clerical experience: Many libraries will train inexperienced workers on the job. Computer skills, however, will most likely be required.
Average salary: $24,913/year

8. Receptionists and Information Clerks

What they do: Answer telephones, route and screen calls, greet visitors, respond to public inquiries and provide information about the organization.

What they need: A high school diploma or its equivalent, as most receive on-the-job training. But because they often greet and speak with visitors, good interpersonal skills and a professional appearance are critical.
Average salary: $22,069/year

9. Dispatchers

What they do: Schedule and dispatch workers, equipment or service vehicles to carry materials or passengers. They also keep records of calls, transportation vehicles and services.

What they need: A high school diploma and familiarity with computers and electronic business equipment are most preferred. Typing, filing and recordkeeping skills also are an asset.
Average salary: $28,243/year

10. Desktop Publishers

What they do: Use computer software to format text, photographs, charts and other visual graphic elements to produce publication-ready material such as books, business cards, calendars, magazines, newsletters and newspapers.

What they need: Most often, completion of classes or a certificate program from a vocational school, university or college program. (The average certificate program takes approximately one year.) Some publishers, however, train on the job or gain experience through internships or part-time work.
Average salary: $31,443/year

*Salary information provided by CBsalary.com.