Correspondence Clerks
Every task in this role, whether it passes the census's structural hand-over screen, which models pass it, and why. It is a screen, not a claim about what AI can do: a task can pass and still be beyond the systems of the day. The stricter and looser rules re-vote every task, and small differences between roles are noise.
Passes the screen · 3 of 17 tasks
Compile data from records to prepare periodic reports.
quick to check, an existing check settles it, and a mistake is cheap · 5.0% of the role's time · $6.6M · passed by Claude Sonnet, GPT-6 Sol · the models disagreed
Type acknowledgment letters to persons sending correspondence.
quick to check, an existing check settles it, and a mistake is cheap · 4.4% of the role's time · $5.8M · passed by Claude Sonnet, GPT-6 Sol · the models disagreed
Compute costs of records furnished to requesters, and write letters to obtain payment.
quick to check, an existing check settles it, and a mistake is cheap · 3.4% of the role's time · $4.5M · passed by Gemini 3.1 Pro, GPT-6 Sol · the models disagreed
Does not pass
Maintain files and control records to show correspondence activities.
physical work, outside the screen · 11.5% of the role's time · $15.3M
Read incoming correspondence to ascertain nature of writers' concerns and to determine disposition of correspondence.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 11.4% of the role's time · $15.1M · waiting on a check
Gather records pertinent to specific problems, review them for completeness and accuracy, and attach records to correspondence as necessary.
physical work, outside the screen · 9.5% of the role's time · $12.6M
Prepare documents and correspondence, such as damage claims, credit and billing inquiries, invoices, and service complaints.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 8.7% of the role's time · $11.5M · waiting on a check
Ensure that money collected is properly recorded and secured.
physical work, outside the screen · 8.1% of the role's time · $10.7M
Route correspondence to other departments for reply.
physical work, outside the screen · 7.1% of the role's time · $9.4M
Compose letters in reply to correspondence concerning such items as requests for merchandise, damage claims, credit information requests, delinquent accounts, incorrect billing, or unsatisfactory service.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 5.6% of the role's time · $7.4M · waiting on a check
Process orders for goods requested in correspondence.
physical work, outside the screen · 5.2% of the role's time · $6.9M
Present clear and concise explanations of governing rules and regulations.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 4.7% of the role's time · $6.2M · waiting on a check
Confer with company personnel regarding feasibility of complying with writers' requests.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 4.1% of the role's time · $5.4M · waiting on a check
Complete form letters in response to requests or problems identified by correspondence.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 3.4% of the role's time · $4.6M · passed by Claude Sonnet · the models disagreed · waiting on a check
Review correspondence for format and typographical accuracy, assemble the information into a prescribed form with the correct number of copies, and submit it to an authorized official for signature.
physical work, outside the screen · 3.2% of the role's time · $4.2M
Compile data pertinent to manufacture of special products for customers.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 2.8% of the role's time · $3.8M
Prepare records for shipment by certified mail.
physical work, outside the screen · 2.0% of the role's time · $2.6M
Where this role works
| Industry | Workers | Wage bill | Passes the screen | All three pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance Carriers | 360 | $17.9M | $2.3M | $0 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | 310 | $15.3M | $2.0M | $0 |
| Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services | 330 | $14.7M | $1.9M | $0 |
| Offices of Physicians | 310 | $14.0M | $1.8M | $0 |
| Credit Intermediation and Related Activities (5221 and 5223 only) | 200 | $11.0M | $1.4M | $0 |
| Automobile Dealers | 230 | $10.7M | $1.4M | $0 |
| Local Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation) | 220 | $9.7M | $1.2M | $0 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 170 | $7.7M | $981k | $0 |
| Agencies, Brokerages, and Other Insurance Related Activities | 150 | $7.1M | $910k | $0 |
| Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 100 | $4.5M | $569k | $0 |