All About File Clerks
Example of File Clerk Job 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.
List of File Clerk Job Duties
- Find, retrieve, and make copies of information from files in response to requests and deliver information to authorized users.
- Modify or improve filing systems or implement new filing systems.
- Place materials into storage receptacles, such as file cabinets, boxes, bins, or drawers, according to classification and identification information.
- Gather materials to be filed from departments or employees.
- Keep records of materials filed or removed, using logbooks or computers and generate computerized reports.
- Add new material to file records or create new records as necessary.
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File Clerk Required 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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Police Records Clerk
- Lister
- Morgue Librarian
- Records Custodian
- Librarian
File Clerk Job Outlook
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. There will be an estimated 14,200 positions for File Clerk per year.

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.
Salary for a File Clerk
The salary for File Clerks ranges between about $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 do File Clerks Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many File Clerks:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Email software
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Electronic health record EHR software
How do I Become a File Clerk?
What kind of File Clerk requirements are there?

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

File Clerks Sector

Below are examples of industries where File Clerks work:

Related Careers
Those interested in being a File Clerk may also be interested in:
Are you already one of the many File 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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