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Clerical Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Department of Justice

Legal Tech Trainee

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$3.8K - $4.7K/mo

Supervised by the POD Legal Support Manager (Supervisor I), the Legal Tech Trainee will perform a variety of clerical tasks for the POD. The Legal Tech Trainee should have experience with programs ...

City of Ventura

Public Safety Dispatcher Trainee

Ventura, CA · On-site

$52K - $63K/yr

Performs a variety of clerical, record-keeping and general support duties related to communications ... Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Public Safety Dispatcher Trainee : A combination of education ...

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All JobsClerical JobsClerical Trainee JobsClerical Trainee Jobs in California

Clerical Trainee information

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How much do clerical trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for clerical trainee in California is $17.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a clerical trainee?

Clerical trainees are entry-level employees who are learning to perform basic administrative and office tasks under supervision. Their duties often include filing documents, answering phones, data entry, handling mail, and assisting other staff with routine paperwork. The position is designed to help individuals gain experience and develop skills needed for more advanced clerical or administrative roles. Clerical trainees usually receive on-the-job training and may also participate in formal training sessions. This role is ideal for those looking to start a career in office administration.

What tasks does a clerical trainee do daily, and how do these tasks prepare for advancement?

As a Clerical Trainee, you can expect to perform a variety of administrative tasks such as data entry, filing, answering phones, scheduling appointments, and assisting with basic correspondence. These responsibilities are designed to help you develop organizational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with office software and procedures. By mastering these foundational tasks, you'll be well-positioned to take on more advanced administrative roles or specialize in areas like records management or office coordination. The experience also provides valuable exposure to different departments, helping you build professional relationships and learn about potential career paths within the organization.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a clerical trainee?

To thrive as a Clerical Trainee, you need strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, and basic proficiency in office procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with office software such as Microsoft Office Suite, data entry systems, and standard office equipment is typically required. Effective communication, reliability, and a willingness to learn are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are important because they ensure accurate records management, smooth workflow, and successful support for broader administrative operations.

What is the difference between Clerical Trainee vs Administrative Assistant?

AspectClerical TraineeAdministrative Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training providedHigh school diploma; some roles prefer post-secondary education
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, training-focused, often in office settingsFull-time office environment with ongoing responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageInternships or training programs in various industriesEstablished role in corporate, government, or nonprofit sectors
Search & Comparison IntentEntry-level, training, learning opportunitiesAdministrative support, clerical duties, career advancement

The main difference is that a Clerical Trainee is an entry-level position focused on training and gaining experience, often with minimal prior experience required. An Administrative Assistant is a more established role with ongoing responsibilities in supporting office functions. While both roles involve clerical tasks, the Clerical Trainee is typically a stepping stone into administrative careers.

What are the most commonly searched types of Clerical jobs in California?

The most popular types of Clerical jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Clerical Trainee jobs?

Cities in California with the most Clerical Trainee job openings:

Clerical Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Clerical Trainee job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $36,689 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Student Trainee (Clerical)

Department of Justice

San Diego, CA

$17.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorneys' Offices, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao
As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement.
Note: This announcement has been updated to reflect the hourly rate.Qualifications:To be eligible for this internship ALL of the following requirements must be met:
  • Student Status: Definition of a student - applicant must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited high school, technical or vocational school, two-year or four-year college or university, graduate/professional school, or certificate program equivalent to at least one academic year of full-time study (go to http://www.ed.gov/accreditation to verify accreditation status) pursuant to 5 CFR 362. You must be considered in good academic standings by the school. Individuals must be taking at least a half-time academic, vocational, or technical course load leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate. "Half-time" is defined by the school in which the student is enrolled.
  • Grade Point Average: You must have at least a 2.5 GPA.
  • Citizenship: Student Interns must be United States citizens or owe permanent allegiance to the United States. (Currently, natives of American Samoa, Swains Island and certain inhabitants of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are the only groups that owe permanent allegiance to the United States.)
  • Background Investigation: You must successfully complete a background investigation to determine your suitability for Federal employment.
  • Pathways Participant Agreement: All interns are required to sign the Participant Agreement.
  • Qualification requirements as outlined below.
GS-3: To be eligible at the GS-3 level, you must have: at least 6 months of general experience; or one (1) year of education above the high school level; or a combination of both general experience and education as explained below. One year of full-time academic study is defined as 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or the equivalent in a college or university, or at least 20 hours of classroom instruction per week for approximately 36 weeks in a business, secretarial, or technical school.
General experience is defined as progressively responsible clerical, office, or other work that indicates the ability to perform the duties of a student trainee (clerical). Examples of general experience include: answering an office telephone and referring calls to appropriate staff; filing material in alphabetical, numerical or chronological order; operating a copying machine; collating and stapling materials.
Combining Education and Experience: Successfully completed education above the high school level and general experience may be combined to meet the qualification requirements at the GS-3 level. To determine if you qualify based on a combination of education and experience, first determine your education as a percentage (e.g., 15 semester hours divided by 30 equals 50%); then determine your experience as a percentage (e.g., 3 months general experience divided by 6 equals 50%); finally, add the two percentages and if the total equals 100% or more, you qualify (e.g., 50% + 50% = 100%).Education:All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at an institution that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see http://www.ed.gov.
Foreign Education Note: You may use foreign education to meet qualification requirements if you send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency in with your transcript. It is your responsibility to timely provide such evidence by submitting proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency with your application materials. More information may be found at http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.Employment Type: OTHER

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