Career change as a clerk
With your experience you can switch to 22 jobs in Germany: 15 with on-the-job training and 7 with training or a course.
In the job search you can sort by what matters to you, save jobs and see where they lead.
Career change paths
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Accounts payable accountant
Also: Accounts receivable accountant, Invoicing clerk
With on-the-job training
In accounting, exactly this part of your work becomes the main focus.
- What you bring:
- You are confident with invoices, receipts and office software, and you know the processes in the company.
- How to get there:
- You get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in accounting, often supplemented by a financial accounting course that includes accounting software. The course usually takes a few weeks to a few months.*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office€4,010gross per monthMedian salary
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Payroll accountant
Also: Payroll clerk
With on-the-job training
In payroll accounting, this accuracy and discretion are the core of the work.
- What you bring:
- You handle confidential data carefully, work to deadlines and use office software confidently.
- How to get there:
- Take a payroll course at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) or a training provider. It usually takes a few months. You also get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in the payroll software.*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office€4,010gross per monthMedian salary
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HR clerk
With on-the-job training
In the HR department, you also deal with employment contracts, vacation, sick notes and applications.
- What you bring:
- You manage files, prepare letters from templates and handle data confidentially.
- How to get there:
- You get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in the HR department, often supplemented by an HR administration course lasting a few months.*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office€4,513gross per monthMedian salary
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Doctor's secretary
Also: Medical secretary, Ward secretary
With on-the-job training
In the secretariat of a clinic or practice, you also deal with medical terms, doctors' letters and billing.
- What you bring:
- You write letters, organize appointments and files, and stay friendly on the phone.
- How to get there:
- You get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in the clinic or practice. A course on medical terminology and billing, usually lasting a few weeks to a few months, makes entry easier.*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsPhysically lightLots of contact with peopleIn an office€3,270gross per monthMedian salary
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Citizens' office clerk
Also: Vehicle registration office clerk
With on-the-job training
In the citizens' office or the registration office you process applications for ID cards, registrations or vehicles.
- What you bring:
- You are confident with forms, data and regulations, and you explain processes to customers in a friendly and clear way.
- How to get there:
- Some municipalities hire office staff for the citizens' office or the registration office and give them on-the-job training (Einarbeitung). Often, however, administrative training is expected, or administrative course I (Verwaltungslehrgang I) is required after hiring. What exactly applies is stated in the job ad.*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with peopleIn an office€3,822gross per monthMedian salary
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Purchasing clerk
Also: Purchasing planner
With on-the-job training
In purchasing you also compare prices, negotiate terms and keep an eye on delivery dates.
- What you bring:
- You collect quotes, write orders, check invoices and keep in contact with suppliers.
- How to get there:
- You get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in purchasing, often starting as a clerk. Later, you can take part-time further training in purchasing and logistics at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK).*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office€4,200gross per monthMedian salary
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Property manager
Also: Clerk in property management
With on-the-job training
In property management, you also deal with tenant questions, utility bill statements and orders to craftspeople.
- What you bring:
- You write letters to customers, manage files and payments, and keep deadlines in view.
- How to get there:
- You get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in a property management firm, often starting as an assistant. If you work directly on managing apartments, you must take legally required further training: 20 hours in three years. Later you can take the exam for certified property manager at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) or the further training course for certified senior real estate specialist (Immobilienfachwirt). If you become a self-employed property manager, you need a permit under § 34c GewO.*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with peopleIn an office€3,940gross per monthMedian salary
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Staffing coordinator
Also: Temporary staffing consultant
With on-the-job training
In staffing coordination you plan employee assignments at client companies, conduct job interviews and stay in contact with both sides.
- What you bring:
- You make many phone calls, organize appointments and keep data clean.
- How to get there:
- You get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) at a temporary staffing or personnel services provider, usually lasting a few weeks to a few months.*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsPhysically lightLots of contact with peopleIn an office€4,046gross per monthMedian salary
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Law firm secretary
Also: Paralegal (Rechtsanwaltsfachangestellte)
With on-the-job training
In law firms and notary offices, you also handle written submissions, deadline monitoring, client contact and law firm software.
- What you bring:
- You write letters confidently, keep files and appointments, and work precisely with deadlines.
- How to get there:
- Law firms also hire office staff as secretaries and give them on-the-job training (Einarbeitung). You pick up knowledge of the respective field of law in everyday work. You can earn a recognized qualification through retraining (Umschulung) as paralegal (Rechtsanwaltsfachangestellte), which usually takes about two years and can often be funded through an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein).*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with peopleIn an office€3,421gross per monthMedian salary
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Clerk at a health insurance fund
Also: Customer adviser in social insurance
With on-the-job training
At health insurance funds, pension insurance or accident insurance providers you check applications for benefits, process contributions and advise insured people.
- What you bring:
- You process applications, maintain data, keep deadlines and patiently explain to customers what is missing.
- How to get there:
- Some health insurance funds and insurance providers hire office staff with commercial training and train them in-house, often with courses over several months. Others, however, expect vocational training (Ausbildung) as social insurance specialist (Sozialversicherungsfachangestellte) or offer it themselves. The job ad states what applies.*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with peopleIn an office€3,964gross per monthMedian salary
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Head of office
Also: Office manager
With on-the-job trainingPromotion
As office manager you are responsible for the entire office organization, lead assistants and reception staff, and manage service providers, equipment and budgets.
- What you bring:
- You coordinate appointments, information and processes for management and know how a company is organized from the inside.
- How to get there:
- This is usually an internal promotion after several years as an assistant, with on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in leadership and budget responsibility. The further training course for certified senior specialist for office and project organization (Fachwirt für Büro- und Projektorganisation) or the trainer aptitude certificate (Ausbildereignung) strengthens your application.*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightIn an office€4,450gross per monthMedian salary
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Event manager
Also: Event organizer, Conference coordinator
With on-the-job training
In event management you organize conferences, trade fairs or company events, from planning, budget and service providers to on-site support.
- What you bring:
- You plan appointments, meetings, trips and events and keep track of many details at the same time.
- How to get there:
- You can switch to an agency, conference hotel, association or the event department of a company, with on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) that usually lasts a few months. Experience organizing company events is the most important reference. You can earn a recognized qualification through vocational training (Ausbildung) or retraining (Umschulung) as event management clerk (Veranstaltungskaufmann). Evening and weekend assignments are often part of the job.*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Lots of contact with people€4,165gross per monthMedian salary
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Field claims adjuster
Also: Major claims clerk
With on-the-job training
As a claims adjuster you inspect damage on site, determine cause and extent, negotiate with injured parties and craftspeople, and decide on the settlement.
- What you bring:
- From the claims inside service you know claim reports, coverage checks and correspondence with customers, workshops and craftspeople.
- How to get there:
- After a few years, insurers deploy experienced inside service staff as adjusters and train them in-house in construction or vehicle technology, usually over several months. You are expected to have a class B driving license and be willing to travel within the adjusting territory.*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursLots of contact with people€4,797gross per monthMedian salary
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Credit clerk
Also: Mortgage finance clerk
With on-the-job trainingPromotion
In credit processing you check loan applications, creditworthiness and collateral, prepare decisions, and monitor ongoing loans.
- What you bring:
- From the back office of a bank you know account management, payment transactions, loan contracts or securities settlement and the internal controls.
- How to get there:
- Banks deploy experienced back office staff in credit processing after internal training, usually over a few months. For further steps, the further training course for certified senior banking specialist (Bankfachwirt) at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) fits. If you are a bank clerk (Bankkaufmann), you are admitted after two years of work experience, with another commercial qualification after three years.*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightIn an office€5,219gross per monthMedian salary
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Clerk at the tax office
Also: Tax assessment employee under a collective pay agreement
With on-the-job training
At the tax office you process tax returns, check supporting documents and information, and issue notices, usually with regular working hours.
- What you bring:
- As a tax assistant you know income tax, value-added tax and tax notices from the clients' point of view.
- How to get there:
- In several states, tax offices hire tax assistants as employees under collective pay agreements (Tarif) and give them a few months of on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in tax administration and software. For the civil servant career as tax officer (Finanzwirt), however, you need a separate two-year training as a civil servant, with age limits that depend on the state.*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office€3,615gross per monthMedian salary
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Financial accountant
Also: Balance sheet accountant
With further trainingPromotion
You already bring care with figures and deadlines from your office work.
- What you bring:
- With a commercial foundation and experience in accounting, you can prepare monthly and annual closings and take over tax topics.
- How to get there:
- First gain experience in accounting, then take the further training course for certified balance sheet accountant (Bilanzbuchhalter) at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). It usually takes about two years alongside a job and can be funded through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications). You are admitted to the exam with completed three-year commercial vocational training (Ausbildung). Without it you need at least five years of work experience, mainly in finance and accounting.*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office€4,010gross per monthMedian salary
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IT support specialist
Also: IT specialist for system integration
With retraining
In IT support you help colleagues with software, devices and access.
- What you bring:
- You work with office software every day, know the typical problems users have, and explain patiently.
- How to get there:
- You can do retraining (Umschulung) as IT specialist for system integration (Fachinformatiker für Systemintegration), which usually takes two years and can often be funded through an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein).*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office€4,400gross per monthMedian salary
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Project manager
Also: Head of administration
With further trainingPromotion
As a project manager or head of administration you are responsible for budgets, deadlines and teams, and you report directly to management.
- What you bring:
- You know the commercial processes, the management and its decisions up close, and you have often coordinated projects already.
- How to get there:
- Alongside your job, you can take the further training course for certified senior specialist for office and project organization (Fachwirt für Büro- und Projektorganisation) at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). It can be funded through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications). To be admitted, you need three-year commercial vocational training (Ausbildung) and one year of work experience, other training and two years of work experience, or, without a qualification, five years of relevant work experience. To lead whole administrative areas, certified senior business specialist (Wirtschaftsfachwirt) followed by certified business administrator (Betriebswirt) at the IHK are also a good fit. In large companies such jobs are often filled by university graduates, while in small and medium-sized companies you can more often move up through experience and further training.*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office€5,850gross per monthMedian salary
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HR officer
Also: Recruiter
With further trainingPromotion
As an HR officer you support employees and managers, select applicants, prepare contracts and deal with topics such as further training and working hours.
- What you bring:
- You work discreetly with confidential documents, organize a lot and communicate confidently with managers and employees.
- How to get there:
- You can first switch into HR administration, then take the further training course for certified HR specialist (Personalfachkaufmann) at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) alongside your job. It can be funded through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications). Some HR officer jobs require a university degree, but employers also take applicants with further training and experience.*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an officeHome office possible€5,147gross per monthMedian salary
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Trainer for office management clerks
Also: Instructor for office organization in adult education
With further trainingPromotion
As a trainer you guide apprentices through their vocational training (Ausbildung) at a company or training provider, plan learning stations and prepare them for the exam at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK).
- What you bring:
- You are confident with office organization, correspondence and office programs, and you explain processes clearly.
- How to get there:
- Alongside a commercial qualification and work experience, you need the trainer aptitude certificate (Ausbildereignung) under § 30 BBiG, which you prove in an exam at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). Preparation courses are optional, and their length depends on the provider. Full-time jobs exist mainly in large companies and at training providers; otherwise, training is often an additional task.*Regulated by law (Vocational Training Act (BBiG) § 30, Trainer Aptitude Ordinance (AEVO)).
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contact€4,462gross per monthMedian salary
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Tax adviser
Also: Senior tax specialist (Steuerfachwirt)
With further trainingPromotion
As a tax adviser you advise companies and private individuals on your own responsibility, represent them before the tax office, and can run your own firm or become a partner.
- What you bring:
- As a tax assistant you know bookkeeping, annual financial statements, payroll and clients' tax returns from daily work.
- How to get there:
- Without a university degree, you are admitted to the tax adviser exam after completing a commercial vocational qualification and eight years of practical work. With the further training course for certified senior tax specialist (Steuerfachwirt) at the Chamber of Tax Advisers (Steuerberaterkammer) or certified balance sheet accountant (Bilanzbuchhalter), you are admitted after only six years. The work must cover at least 16 hours per week in tax law. The exam is considered very demanding, and preparation courses usually run one to two years alongside a job.*Regulated by law (Tax Advisory Act (StBerG) § 36 para. 2 and 3).
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with peopleIn an officeHome office possible€7,924gross per monthMedian salary
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Underwriter
Also: Risk assessor in insurance
With further trainingPromotion
As an underwriter you assess the risks of private or business customers, decide on acceptance, exclusions and premiums, and coordinate difficult cases with sales and brokers.
- What you bring:
- From the insurance inside service you know applications, terms and contract administration, and you work carefully with risk information.
- How to get there:
- This usually happens internally after a few years in application or contract processing, often combined with the further training course Bachelor Professional in Insurance and Financial Investments (Bachelor Professional in Versicherungen und Finanzanlagen) at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). You can take it alongside a job, and it can be funded through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications). As an insurance and financial investments clerk (Kaufmann für Versicherungen und Finanzanlagen) you are admitted directly, with another vocational qualification after one year of work experience, otherwise after five years of work experience.*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an officeHome office possible€5,261gross per monthMedian salary
Salary: median of all full-time employees in the job, gross per month excluding special payments, as of April 2025. Half earn more, half earn less. Source: Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis), table 62361-0030, license dl-de/by-2-0. Assigned to the jobs by quereinsteiger.de. No guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently asked questions
Which jobs can I do as a clerk without vocational training or retraining?
Without a new qualification, often with on-the-job training: Accounts payable accountant, Payroll accountant, HR clerk, Doctor's secretary, Citizens' office clerk, Purchasing clerk, Property manager, Staffing coordinator, Law firm secretary, Clerk at a health insurance fund, Head of office, Event manager, Field claims adjuster, Credit clerk and Clerk at the tax office.
Which retraining or further training suits me as a clerk?
With vocational training, retraining, further training or a course: Financial accountant, IT support specialist, Project manager, HR officer, Trainer for office management clerks, Tax adviser and Underwriter.
What promotion options do I have as a clerk?
Promotions include, for example: Financial accountant, Head of office, Project manager, HR officer, Trainer for office management clerks, Tax adviser, Underwriter and Credit clerk.
Which of these jobs pay the most?
According to official statistics, the highest median full-time salaries are: Tax adviser (€7,924 gross per month), Project manager (€5,850 gross per month) and Underwriter (€5,261 gross per month). Half of employees earn more, half earn less; when you start it is often lower. Source: Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis), April 2025. No guarantee of accuracy.
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