What Do Court Clerk Do?
Career Description Perform clerical duties in court of law; prepare docket of cases to be called; secure information for judges; and contact witnesses, attorneys, and litigants to obtain information for court.
A Day in the Life of a Court Clerk
- Prepare documents recording the outcomes of court proceedings.
- Meet with judges, lawyers, parole officers, police, or social agency officials to coordinate the functions of the court.
- Read charges and related information to the court and, if necessary, record defendants’ pleas.
- Prepare and issue orders of the court, such as probation orders, release documentation, sentencing information, or summonses.
- Swear in jury members, interpreters, witnesses, or defendants.
- Record case dispositions, court orders, or arrangements made for payment of court fees.
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Court Clerk Skills
These are the skills Court Clerks say are the most useful in their careers:
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Deputy Clerk of Superior Court
- Deputy Felony Clerk
- Court Clerk
- Courtroom Deputy or Calendar Clerk
- Judicial Assistant
Job Outlook for Court Clerks
In the United States, there were 135,500 jobs for Court Clerk in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 8,700 new jobs for Court Clerk by 2026. There will be an estimated 12,600 positions for Court Clerk per year.

The states with the most job growth for Court Clerk are Vermont, Utah, and Texas. Watch out if you plan on working in Maryland, Alaska, or New Jersey. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Court Clerk Make?
The salary for Court Clerks ranges between about $25,150 and $60,330 a year.

Court Clerks who work in Washington, New York, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
How much do Court Clerks make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $31,820 |
Alaska | $52,680 |
Arizona | $39,060 |
Arkansas | $30,970 |
California | $51,550 |
Colorado | $41,470 |
Connecticut | $51,350 |
Delaware | $34,880 |
Florida | $38,720 |
Georgia | $35,360 |
Hawaii | $45,480 |
Idaho | $37,850 |
Illinois | $42,830 |
Indiana | $33,730 |
Iowa | $42,690 |
Kansas | $34,500 |
Kentucky | $32,250 |
Louisiana | $33,090 |
Maine | $37,550 |
Maryland | $43,530 |
Massachusetts | $48,840 |
Michigan | $38,640 |
Minnesota | $45,250 |
Mississippi | $32,570 |
Missouri | $33,240 |
Montana | $33,710 |
Nebraska | $38,860 |
Nevada | $46,820 |
New Hampshire | $40,030 |
New Jersey | $49,060 |
New Mexico | $38,260 |
New York | $56,890 |
North Carolina | $36,160 |
North Dakota | $42,930 |
Ohio | $37,840 |
Oklahoma | $30,970 |
Oregon | $44,840 |
Pennsylvania | $40,400 |
Rhode Island | $49,540 |
South Carolina | $34,760 |
South Dakota | $32,880 |
Tennessee | $37,600 |
Texas | $37,590 |
Utah | $38,940 |
Vermont | $43,690 |
Virginia | $39,650 |
Washington | $50,590 |
West Virginia | $36,190 |
Wisconsin | $43,150 |
Wyoming | $39,310 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Court Clerks
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Court Clerks may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- IBM Notes
- LexisNexis
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Thomson Reuters Westlaw
- Syscon Court Clerk
Becoming a Court Clerk
Learn what Court Clerk education requirements there are.

What work experience do I need to become a Court Clerk?

Where Court Clerks Work

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being a Court Clerk may also be interested in:
- Office Clerks, General
- Word Processors and Typists
- Gaming Cage Workers
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Are you already one of the many Court Clerk in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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