Court and municipal clerks perform a variety of state and local government administrative tasks. They prepare case dockets, get information for judges as per their requests, and contact witnesses, lawyers, and attorneys to find out information asked for by the court. They draft agendas for town or city councils, record minutes of meetings, answer correspondence, keep financial records and accounts, and prepare reports. State and local governments also employ many secretaries, administrative assistants, and general office clerks. For most professional jobs, a college degree is required.

Salaries in state and local government are projected to increase about 10 percent by 2012. Job growth will come from an increased demand for services at the state and local levels. The winds of change affect government jobs. When economic times are good, the government increases spending on programs and employment. When times are tough, the government enacts hiring and salary freezes. Salaries vary by size of the state and region of the country. As in most industries, professionals and managers earn more than other workers.

Employer-provided benefits include health and life insurance. Retirement benefits are more common and often better for state and local government employees than in the private sector.