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What is a File Clerk?
Job Description & Duties File correspondence, cards, invoices, receipts, and other records in alphabetical or numerical order or according to the filing system used. Locate and remove material from file when requested.
Daily Life Of a File Clerk
- Operate mechanized files that rotate to bring needed records to a particular location.
- Scan or read incoming materials to determine how and where they should be classified or filed.
- Modify or improve filing systems or implement new filing systems.
- Track materials removed from files to ensure that borrowed files are returned.
- Perform periodic inspections of materials or files to ensure correct placement, legibility, or proper condition.
- Perform general office activities, such as typing, answering telephones, operating office machines, processing mail, or securing confidential materials.
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File Clerk Skills
Below is a list of the skills most File Clerks say are important on the job.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Other File Clerk Job Titles
- Clerk
- Records Clerk
- Admissions Clerk
- Document Coordinator
- File Management Clerk
Job Opportunities for File Clerks
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 135,000 jobs in the United States for File Clerk. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for File Clerk. The BLS estimates 14,200 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for File Clerk are Maryland, Alaska, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, West Virginia, or Hawaii. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average File Clerks Salary
File Clerks make between $21,390 and $50,230 a year.
File Clerks who work in District of Columbia, Washington, or Rhode Island, make the highest salaries.
How much do File Clerks make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $25,300 |
| Alaska | $31,650 |
| Arizona | $33,680 |
| Arkansas | $29,690 |
| California | $36,820 |
| Colorado | $35,990 |
| Connecticut | $34,950 |
| Delaware | $29,510 |
| District of Columbia | $45,680 |
| Florida | $33,200 |
| Georgia | $31,640 |
| Hawaii | $34,170 |
| Idaho | $28,320 |
| Illinois | $39,010 |
| Indiana | $31,900 |
| Iowa | $33,770 |
| Kansas | $29,270 |
| Kentucky | $28,080 |
| Louisiana | $26,970 |
| Maine | $31,800 |
| Maryland | $38,820 |
| Massachusetts | $38,120 |
| Michigan | $34,430 |
| Minnesota | $33,880 |
| Mississippi | $28,430 |
| Missouri | $35,270 |
| Montana | $28,510 |
| Nebraska | $30,250 |
| Nevada | $33,200 |
| New Hampshire | $28,250 |
| New Jersey | $33,740 |
| New Mexico | $32,300 |
| New York | $34,170 |
| North Carolina | $32,150 |
| North Dakota | $36,420 |
| Ohio | $34,330 |
| Oklahoma | $31,770 |
| Oregon | $36,440 |
| Pennsylvania | $32,520 |
| Rhode Island | $38,630 |
| South Carolina | $30,240 |
| South Dakota | $28,650 |
| Tennessee | $31,740 |
| Texas | $32,740 |
| Utah | $31,100 |
| Vermont | $33,930 |
| Virginia | $31,890 |
| Washington | $39,480 |
| West Virginia | $29,860 |
| Wisconsin | $34,380 |
| Wyoming | $24,530 |
What Tools & Technology do File Clerks Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that File Clerks may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Email software
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Electronic health record EHR software
Becoming a File Clerk
What education is needed to be a File Clerk?
What work experience do I need to become a File Clerk?
Where File Clerks Work
Below are examples of industries where File Clerks work:
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a File Clerk might also be interested in the following careers:
Career changers with experience as a File Clerk sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.